1991 Range Rover CSK

3 Comments 75 Bids Winner - michael culhane
8:05 PM, 02 May 2024Vehicle sold
Sold for

£28,009

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - michael culhane

Paul's review

Paul Hegarty - Consignment Specialist Message Paul

“ Project status, but genuine 40,000 miles only, and owned by seller for 20-odd years. ”

This is number 100 of the 200 Range Rover CSKs that were made. It’s definitely a project, but with only three owners from new and a genuine mileage of only 46,000, the potential is huge.

Vehicle Story

If you know, you know. Land Rover only built 200 Range Rover CSKs, and they’re among the most desirable Range Rovers ever. Named after the designer Charles Spencer King, whose illustrious pen had given shape to the very first Range Rovers, the limited edition CSK was a tasteful and deeply exclusive package.

Most of the changes weren’t very radical, but the overall package was a sublime combination of aesthetic tweaks and mechanical changes. The 3.9-litre Rover V8 was tuned to 185bhp, making the CSK the fastest Range Rover that Solihull had built, and anti-roll bars were added front and rear together with improved dampers to sharpen up the handling. While most Classics were automatic by the Nineties, and all had four door, Land Rover brought back the earlier two-door format for the CSK, and most received five-speed manuals. All were finished in Beluga Black, with chrome bumpers, spotlamps and unique five-spoke alloys, plus a range of interior upgrades. Distinctive, recognisable, sophisticated, and not at all brash.

From its launch in 1970, the Range Rover had been a pioneer – a social statement, capable, and downright lovely. Its lightweight V8 engine and rock-solid steel chassis gave it durability and power in spades, and off-road nothing could match it. Despite being a proper workhorse, with a huge tailgate to swallow anything from hay bales or picnic hampers to tool boxes and expedition gear, its road manners were impeccable – increasingly so as the decades progressed.

Although most Range Rover Classics went through a rough patch in the 2000s, rebounding in the 2010s, the CSK has always been special. Opportunities to buy a genuine one for restoration very rarely crop up. 

Key Facts

  • 3.9 Litre 185 BHP V8
  • One of Only 200 Made
  • Fantastic Restoration Project
  • SALLHABM7GA462574
  • 44053 miles
  • 3947
  • manual
  • Black
  • Cream Leather
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol
Vehicle location
East Grinstead, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Vehicle Story

If you know, you know. Land Rover only built 200 Range Rover CSKs, and they’re among the most desirable Range Rovers ever. Named after the designer Charles Spencer King, whose illustrious pen had given shape to the very first Range Rovers, the limited edition CSK was a tasteful and deeply exclusive package.

Most of the changes weren’t very radical, but the overall package was a sublime combination of aesthetic tweaks and mechanical changes. The 3.9-litre Rover V8 was tuned to 185bhp, making the CSK the fastest Range Rover that Solihull had built, and anti-roll bars were added front and rear together with improved dampers to sharpen up the handling. While most Classics were automatic by the Nineties, and all had four door, Land Rover brought back the earlier two-door format for the CSK, and most received five-speed manuals. All were finished in Beluga Black, with chrome bumpers, spotlamps and unique five-spoke alloys, plus a range of interior upgrades. Distinctive, recognisable, sophisticated, and not at all brash.

From its launch in 1970, the Range Rover had been a pioneer – a social statement, capable, and downright lovely. Its lightweight V8 engine and rock-solid steel chassis gave it durability and power in spades, and off-road nothing could match it. Despite being a proper workhorse, with a huge tailgate to swallow anything from hay bales or picnic hampers to tool boxes and expedition gear, its road manners were impeccable – increasingly so as the decades progressed.

Although most Range Rover Classics went through a rough patch in the 2000s, rebounding in the 2010s, the CSK has always been special. Opportunities to buy a genuine one for restoration very rarely crop up. 

Video

Gallery

Vehicle Overview

This is number 100 of the 200 Range Rover CSKs that were made. It’s definitely a project, but with only three owners from new and a genuine mileage of only 46,000, the potential is huge.

The current owner bought it in 2003 and drove it for about a month before putting it in his garage to replace the rear-right wing, which had received a ding. At the time it was reportedly driving well, making a lovely noise, and had an MOT, but the owner never got around to returning it to the road.

This CSK has therefore lived inside the workshop for 20 years, the engine being run occasionally to keep the oils moving. Restoration will require some welding and a proper overhaul – work which is bound to be worthwhile for a knowledgeable enthusiast. For the right-minded restorer (if such a person exists) this is a good base to work from.

Exterior

Please examine our photographer’s images closely to get a good appraisal of the bodywork. You’ll need to clean off the 20-year-old dust to get a proper view, but on the whole these panels look to be in good condition, showing only minor blistering and not many scuffs to worry about.

The rear-right wing is obviously a replacement and requires painting, and there’s some damage at the same end of the rear bumper. The upper tailgate is neither terrible nor great (they always rust) but a replacement is included with the sale. A small amount of blistering can be seen along the front of the bonnet – nowhere near as bad as many Range Rover Classics.

Overall panel alignment looks good, and the window rubbers and channels are in above average condition. Clearly this vehicle has benefitted from spending the last 20 years indoors, although we would be unwise to imply that perfection is just around the corner.

Exterior goodies include a pair of Cibie spotlamps, front headlamp guards and those lovely original five-spoke alloys. 

Interior

Land Rover threw plenty of toys at the CSK, so the spec includes electric sunroof, electric mirrors, six-speaker stereo system and proper wood trim. Most of this wood is looking great, although some of its laquer has deteriorated with age, for example around the Torino gear lever, which should restore nicely.

The front leather seats are remarkably tidy, with very little creasing, although a pesky varmint has unfortunately nibbled the rear seats so some retrimming will be required. Similar damage, less severe, can be found on at least one of the door cards.

New headlinings are readily available, so the sagging “Bedouin tent” on the ceiling will not cause problems.

The switchgear is in great condition, as are the plastics surrounding the dash console and instrument binnacle. Everything in here looks quite original and unmolested, right down to the original cassette player. 

Mechanical

The inner and outer sills on both sides will need replacing. We are not aware of any other welding requirements, and the owner assures us that the boot floor is good – having recently lifted the carpets to replace the fuel pump. That said, this is an old Range Rover, so we can’t promise you won’t find other areas of rust hiding. 

Given its lack of action, the brakes will need an overhaul. It’s also possible that certain rubber components, gaskets and seals will leak until renewed. Some brake hoses, pipes and fuel lines may require replacement, so please bear all this in mind.

A pair of replacement shock absorbers are included in the sale. The stainless rear exhaust section and the immobiliser are, we believe, the only aftermarket items. The latter has been disconnected by an auto electrician, as it was reportedly causing some issues.

In the last couple of months the owner has replaced the fuel pump in the petrol tank and also some of the fuel pipes.

History Highlights

A chunky folder accompanies the car, containing a thorough maintenance record prior to 2003. Highlights include a new exhaust system from the manifold back (when the car was only three years old), replacement hubs in 1996, and a throttle potentiometer and alternator in 1998, as well as the car’s 30,000-mile service. 

In other words, nothing very exciting, and as good as could be hoped for, before 2003.

H10 CSK (ideal for the hundredth CSK) is the car’s original registration number, although for some of its history it wore 7777F, which is what appears in much of the service history.

What We Think

The hundredth CSK – what an opportunity! Some Range Rover restoration projects aren’t really worth the hassle, but this one is crying out to be saved so it can embark on a new chapter in its life. 

Its value to you will depend on your experience and the resources you have available, and that’s why we’ve given this Range Rover a broad estimate of £10,000-£20,000.

These cars seldom come up for sale, and when they do, a nice example is likely to reach at least £40,000. A few years ago we auctioned a CSK with 47k miles for £46,000. After a good restoration, this example could easily be worth that – maybe more.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in East Grinstead, West Sussex. 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’.

About this auction

Estimated value

£10,000 - £20,000

Seller

Private: warboysjim
Buyer’s premium
7% of the winning bid (minimum £700), plus 20% VAT on the Premium only.


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please click the Contact Seller button.