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Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic

Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic

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Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic
Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic
Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI AutomaticRange Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic
Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic
Lot number 121
Hammer value £10,500
Description Range Rover Classic 3.5 EFI Automatic
Registration E507 AYA
Year 1988
Colour Cypress Green
Engine size 3,528 cc
Chassis No. SALLHAML3EA323030
Engine No. 25D11033B

There is a simple elegance about the original 1970 Range Rover that makes the current generation of luxury off-roaders appear almost absurdly overblown by comparison.

Designed by Spen King, it’s boxy, thin-pillared body was a masterstroke of understated elegance and remained in production virtually unaltered for 25 years. The bodywork was not substantially redesigned until the second generation model of 1995 which was an altogether heavier and more complex vehicle than its rugged forebear. All versions are hugely capable machines that are equally at home on the motorway or the school run, or clambering to the top of a mountain.

Built on a box-section ladder-type chassis, much like the contemporary Land Rover, the Range Rover had more sophisticated all-independent coil spring suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and disc brakes all round. Power came from Rover’s light-weight all-alloy 3.5-litre V8 engine, detuned to 135bhp.

Early examples had fairly basic, utilitarian interiors with vinyl seats and plastic dashboards that were designed to be washed down with a hose. Features such as power assisted steering, carpeted floors, air conditioning, cloth/leather seats and wooden interior trim were only fitted later, when it was realised that it had a far larger market as a luxury vehicle than merely as a more comfortable alternative to the Land Rover Station Wagon.

The ultimate off-road/on-road vehicle, its clever suspension managed to combine a 3 ½ tonne towing ability, a huge range of articulation off-road and limousine comfort on A and B roads. No wonder everyone loved them – the police, farmers and Royalty. With its simple elegant lines, a Classic Range Rover looks as good today as it ever did, be it in deepest Herefordshire or posing on the Kings Road.

Supplied new by Westover Land Rover of Salisbury in January 1988, this lovely Cypress Green Classic has the fuel-injected 165bhp engine and was kept by its first owner for 15 years. The vendor acquired it in 2008 to join a collection of classics, attracted by the low mileage (still only 65,000) and the impressive condition and originality. In July 2009 it was spotted by LRM Magazine at the Gaydon Land Rover Show where it was described as being “in near perfect condition”.

While the vendor would not go quite that far, he does state that it is an exceptionally clean and unmolested example with an impressive history file that still retains its original dealer floor mats and original, unused spare wheel. It is also a no-sunroof, no-air con model, again plus points amongst collectors.

It has covered some 8,000 miles in the current 7-year ownership and has always been correctly maintained, being last serviced in June 2014 at 64,000 miles. The original Dorset AYA number plate will no doubt attract a few comments at shooting parties, AYA being one of the top shotgun brands on the market.

These Classic Range Rovers are rightly regarded as design icons and, with the JLR brand riding higher than ever and top-spec modern models now costing well in excess of £100k, they are unlikely to get any cheaper. So if you have ever fancied a smart and original example, we suggest that you bid vigorously today or kick yourself for your hesitancy hereafter!

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