1975 Range Rover (Suffix D)

• The enduring Spencer King-designed Range Rover was one of the British Motor Industry's proudest success stories
• Powered by the venerable Rover ex-Buick V8, with chassis technology similar to Land Rovers
• Left-hand drive, V8 carburettor 3-door UK spec, one previous owner from new, unrestored and in outstanding original condition
• Interesting ownership story, much history, original bill of sale, 'Passport to Service' record and owners' handbook are present, along with an untouched tool-kit
• Considered to be one of the finest original 1970s Range Rovers in the world

The first-generation Range Rover (now coined Range Rover Classic) was produced between 1970 and 1996 and initially only two-door models were built, followed by the four-door from 1980/1981. Whilst certainly up-market compared to preceding Land Rover models, the early Range Rovers had fairly basic, utilitarian interiors with vinyl seats and plastic dashboards that were designed to be washed down with a hose. Convenience features such as power-assisted steering, carpeted floors, air conditioning, cloth/leather seats and wooden interior trim became more common later on in the production run. Marketed as 'A Car for All Reasons', the Range Rover was more capable off-road than the Land Rover and was much more comfortable, whilst also offering a top speed of almost 100mph.

The car presented here is a left-hand drive, 1975 Range Rover (Suffix D) V8 Carburettor 3-door UK-spec example which, amazingly, has had just one previous owner from new. Exported to Tehran immediately after registration (personal export factory registration), KVC 941P has spent much of its life in the Middle East. Her British owner worked and travelled around the area and, following a stint in Afghanistan, drove the vehicle back to the UK having covered only around 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Subsequently, it has been used sparingly whilst back on our roads and has covered a similar distance in the UK.

It's unusual to find an early Classic Range Rover with such a level of originality and whilst it certainly has enjoyed a fresh coat of striking Masai Red (red paint and strong sunlight are not good bedfellows), it hasn't been taken apart and rebuilt and retains all of its original panels with, we understand, no repairs or welding. New coil springs and shock absorbers have been fitted, the carburettors have been overhauled, every part checked for safety and usability, and recently the car was fully serviced with fresh fluids throughout. The robust and powerful 3.5-litre V8 engine holds excellent oil pressure, and the 4-speed LT95 gearbox is as smooth as ever one of these was. The air-conditioning, tow bar and radio cassette were fitted when new.

As you might expect from diligent single ownership, the car is supplied with the original bill of sale, passport to service record the owner's handbook, and a number of receipts along with an untouched toolkit.

Absolutely delightful, this car is undoubtedly one of the finest 1970s Range Rovers in the world and is ready for its second owner to cherish and enjoy.