1983 Range Rover 2-door Classic

This is a smart and beautifully original example of the breed, full of period character. It carries a fresh MOT which it passed with flying colours and is absolutely ready to use, show, or simply cherish in private.

The present owner – a Land Rover devotee with 12 two-door Range Rovers in his collection – imported the vehicle from the south of France around 2017. Restoration work began in 2020 and it was first registered for UK roads in 2021. There are 83,000 kilometres on the clock. (The private registration number 100 ROG is not included in the sale.)

Mechanically it’s believed to be entirely original, with the same engine and drivetrain that were installed by Solihull. That means power comes from a lovely 3.5-litre Rover V8 breathing through a pair of SU carburettors. You have a characterful four-speed LT95 manual gearbox to play with, plus a stubby lever to select between high and low ratio. In other words, it’s all exactly as it should be. 

“In terms of corrosion it’s the best specimen I’ve ever had,” the owner tells us. “My father had one just like this on the farm when I was growing up, so it brings back lovely memories. Obviously you get plenty of interesting noises when you’re driving a 40-year-old Range Rover – and this one sounds just right. I’m really going to miss it.”

This isn’t an over-restored trailer queen, but it is smart and full of character, and the owner has been careful to preserve its originality. “The only parts I’ve had painted are the lower front wings as they had a few nicks and scratches, and I had the Rostyle wheels powdercoated,” he tells us. “As for the rest, I just polished the hell out of it.”

The result is a totally lovely, well-judged patina. Please take your time and zoom into our photographer’s images to inspect the bodywork for yourself, and watch our walkaround video at the highest resolution available. You’ll find that all the panel gaps are even, and the little dings and gentle knocks are all superficial and indicative of a life well lived.

The windscreen was removed during the restoration so that its seal could be replaced. “That gives you an idea of the kind of condition the car was in,” says the owner. “The seal was all dry and cracked from being in a hot and dry environment.” The rest of the glass remained in situ, and the various period stickers have been retained.

There is no blistering of the aluminium from corrosion, as happens on many original Range Rover Classic panels, and even the upper tailgate remains unaffected by rust – virtually unheard of among Classics that have lived in the UK. Although one of the front headlamps is looking a little dull, all the glass and lenses are undamaged. 

The recent restorative work has been primarily cosmetic, including a complete renewal of the interior trim – not a cheap endeavour. Since installation the car has hardly been used, so everything is still immaculate. 

The front seats (which include additional head restraints), door cards, carpet and two-part palamino headlining have all been replaced using period-correct material. (Unlike the fragile and irreplaceable seat trim you get in earliest Classics, this is proper cloth.)

The uncracked dash includes period gauges for voltage, engine oil temperature and pressure, and a clock, and little else to distract you from the pleasure of driving. Not even a stereo. Take a look at the photos of the plastic around the steering column to see a couple of imperfections – something for the next owner to improve at their leisure, perhaps.

Behind the carpet in the boot you will find the original jack and even the hydraulic foot pump complete with Union Jack sticker – a rare find! And as you can see, the boot floor is solid.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this Range Rover is its lack of welding. None has been done, and clearly none has been required. The steel ladder-frame chassis is the original, as are the mostly aluminium panels. (They’re bolt-together type, rather than the spot-welded versions that arrived slightly later in the 1980s.)

There are no oil leaks from any of the transmission components, and the chrome swivels are both gleaming, with no rust pitting or oil leaks. Nor is there any accumulation of mud.

The two front Michelin all-terrain tyres were fitted recently; the other two are French fitments from before the car’s import to the UK. All have plenty of tread.

Suspension components, fuel tank and brake lines all look strong and tidy, as does the exhaust, particularly the back section which is a recent fitment, so the engine sounds lovely and isn’t blowing from anywhere. It’s all very impressive.

Under the bonnet you will find plenty of signs of ageing, but nothing indicating neglect. The engine’s mounting rubbers look new, and the hoses, wires, cables, belts and clips all appear as they ought. Although the bonnet insulation is looking a bit tired, it is still in one piece.

Various certificates and a few bills accompany the car, mostly dating from its time in France. 

The owner, who runs an events business and has a team of mechanics at his disposal, tells us he collected the car from a family who had owned it “for donkey’s years” in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of southern France. It then sat in his UK barn for about three years before restoration work began in 2020. Most of the restorative work has been carried out by a local ex-Land Rover employee.

The car hasn’t failed an MOT since arriving in the UK. At its first test, the only advisories were for worn joints and tyres, and these have been replaced. It passed another MOT on March 15th this year with flying colours, accruing zero advisories.

If old-school Range Rover loveliness is your cup of tea, you’re looking at it. We’re delighted to offer such a clean and original example; not many Classics are as honest as this one. 

It carries enough little scuffs and signs of age to remind you of its 40-year history, so we couldn’t call this Range Rover a concours winner, but it is a handsome machine that will attract the right sort of attention wherever it goes. The owner has been thorough with his restoration while also exercising some restraint, so the finished result isn’t too pristine to use and enjoy. In fact, it would be a shame to hide it away.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.