WITHDRAWN - 1981 Range Rover 3-Door

There may be a newer-looking Range Rovers around these days but that isn't to say that the original first generation version, with its familiar boxy shape, doesn't still have its supporters. In fact, it's positively flying - on the used market. The original Spen King-designed Range Rover was one of the British Motor Industry's proudest success stories. When it went out of production at the end of 1996, it still looked as fresh and forward thinking as it did back in 1970 when one was exhibited in the Louvre as an example of modern sculpture. The car was renamed the Range Rover Classic when the MKII model was introduced in the Autumn of 1994, but demand continued even then. This was a car that had real international appeal. It sold in markets as diverse as Japan and the USA, Canada and Australia - and demand usually exceeded supply. Well over 300,000 Range Rovers had rolled off the production lines by the time this legendary model was laid to rest; the final one off the line is now part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection at Gaydon in Warwickshire.This lovely 1981 3-Door is described by the vendor as mechanically outstanding. "The gearbox and overdrive work like a dream and the engine is really strong. Starts first time. The chassis is reported to be in excellent condition and there is no rust at all in the floor plan." Since November 2011, the current owner has spent £8,100 and every MoT certificate since 1987 is on file, substantiating the 86,000 miles from new.Some of the highlights of recent work include: Regularly serviced every year (including spark plugs).New sills.Original gearbox reconditioned. With overdrive.New clutch.New tyres.New exhaust.New starter motor.New front differential.New aluminium top tailgate.Two batteries with an inverter. Can power things with a normal plug.This is one of the best value Range Rovers on the market and is presented, at today's guide, well below what it owes the vendor. These 3-door cars are certainly on the up in terms of values and we feel this car makes a very sensible investment.