Range Rover Classic 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 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 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.

One of its few limitations at launch was the lack of a diesel option, a situation that wasn’t addressed until 1988 when Land Rover introduced the 2.4-litre VM unit into the range. A number of specialists set up in business offering after-market conversions, usually fitting Perkins or Daihatsu units to replace a tired V8 petrol.

This 1979 Two-door is just such a vehicle, although in this case an Italian VM 2.3-litre diesel has been fitted, a conversion usually undertaken by Janspeed. With just one owner from 1993 to 2015, it has been off the road for some time, having been garage stored for most of this period. The vendor advises us that he has been unable to start the vehicle, although it appears complete and in easily restorable condition. It comes with a V5C and one old MOT.

Early Range-Rovers have shot up in value lately and increasingly fill the pages of even the glossiest classic car mags. Offered at no reserve, this one may represent your last opportunity to get your hands on one at a reasonable price.