Range Rover 3.5 Two Door

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There is a simple elegance about the original 2-door 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, minimalist yet perfectly proportioned form was so fundamentally 'right' from the outset that it remained in production virtually unaltered for the next 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 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.

This 1976 D suffix two-door remains in remarkably original condition having spent the early part of its life serving as an archetypal ‘Chelsea Tractor’. Fitted early on with Wood and Picket wheel arches (which it retains to this day) it appears to have had an easy time of its 79,350 miles.

The seats remain in good condition, although by the time this one left Solihull they were fitted with cloth upholstery rather than the iconic ribbed plastic of the original model. It has a large Webasto sunroof and the useful power steering that had been standardised from 1973. The glass is tinted and at some point the steering wheel has been changed to a Motolita item.

Purchased by the vendor in 1987 for his daily commute to Pinewood Studios, there are 12 old MOTs on file, the earliest dating from 1986 and it has had a regular waxoil treatment. Recently emerging from long-term dry storage, it has just passed a fresh MOT which expires in June 2016 and is only being offered for sale do to an impending house move.

With interest (and values) soaring in early Range Rovers, this well cared-for original example looks a most interesting proposition.