First-generation Range Rovers are
true classics in every sense, and increasingly popular with collectors and
enthusiasts alike
The retrospectively-named Classic Range
Rover has recently become a much sought-after classic car, and as a result
prices of them have rocketed skyward. Some of the rare models are now pushing
$150,000 or more, and this has naturally had the effect of dragging the prices
of less sought-after ones upwards as well.
The most sought-after are the very rare
Velar prototypes and CSK limited editions: with few coming to the marketplace,
the demand outstrips supply - hence the high prices.
First-generation
Range Rovers are true classics in every sense, and increasingly popular with
collectors and enthusiasts alike
Originality is key, as is the quality of
the restoration work that has almost certainly been carried out on most of the
ones that still exist. Some have had nasty diesel engine conversions and been
off-roader at some point, and the rare spare parts needed to put them back to
showroom specification can command eye-watering prices - like $600 for a
"by Land Rover" badge, $30 for a plastic letter for the tailgate, $1,500
for a plastic seat squab or $750 for a pair of bonnet mirrors. These were all
things most people chucked away in the 1980s as they modernized the vehicles,
hence the prices now. While you can still get a tidy normal two-door Range
Rover for around $15,000, anything with a unique selling point will fetch
considerably more and the extra figure depends on the degree of uniqueness.
This Range Rover has risen in value over
the past five years at an equivalent to a compound interest rate of 20 per cent
- roughly ten times the rate of invested money - hence people are seeing
vehicles like this as a money generator that you can enjoy owning at the same
time as accumulating wealth. There seems no sign of the boom ending just yet or
even slowing down, though it will probably stabilize soon at this lower end of
the classic vehicle market. So if you want a classic two- door Range Rover you
had better jump on the bandwagon now as they will probably never be cheaper.
Engine
The engine on this Range Rover looks
totally original and will be the 355 series suffix F. This is good news all
round, as if it were a little later with the IID prefix engine it would have
all the Pulsair emission-control gear fitted - and they are not nearly so
pleasurable to drive or listen to. The legendary Rover 3.5-liter V8 engine is
remarkably complete, as all the bits that tend go missing, like the hot air
duct, are still there.
The
engine on this Range Rover looks totally original and will be the 355 series
suffix F
Properly maintained, these engines are good
for over 250,000 miles, so this one is quite literally not run in yet. The
other under bonnet problem points are the inner wings, but these are free from
corrosion, really tidy and no doubt original. It is crying out for a bit of
detailing to clean it up a bit, but in the meantime it is a useful guide to
budding restorers.
Wheels
The wheels are all original, complete with
original tires - and the spare is unused. The paint is not brilliant on the
wheels, but then again it was not perfect when supplied new, as it was only a
thin coat of silver paint on the outside. The tires are the original Goodyear
Wingfoots, with good tread. They have not flat-spotted either by standing
unused for a long time.
The
wheels are all original, complete with original tires - and the spare is unused
Old tires can suffer UV degradation but
these look crack-free, suggesting the vehicle has been hidden away in the dark
somewhere. They may be a future problem and need regular inspection. The other
problem is the rubber can harden and not offer such good grip, but as this is
not a sports car driven on the limit I think they will be fine
Front
As with most things the original form is
most pleasing and the earlier multi-piece front end looks better than the later
grille. This one is in super condition with no damage or sign of refinishing.
The bonnet decal is the original, with its duo-tone finish and, while not as
pleasing as the black plastic raised letters of the older model, there are 20
fewer holes in the bonnet to allow corrosion to gain a foothold.
As
with most things the original form is most pleasing and the earlier multi-piece
front end looks better than the later grille
The gap between the front panel and bonnet
is quite big, but that is how they came and it did not improve for the next 15
years of production. The bumper is original with its semi-matt finish and even
the number plates are the original Unipart ones, complete with the supplying
dealer's name on them.
