1983 Land Rover Range Rover Classic Auto

Highlights

• Rare early 4-door Range Rover Classic in desirable Sahara Dust
• Retains its original factory paintwork, recently machine polished and ceramic coated
• Restored and recently recommissioned by a marque specialist
• Extensive history file dating back to the 1980s with original dealer books
• MOT valid until August 2027

The Appeal

The early 4-door Range Rover is an eternally appealing machine. Introduced in 1981, the four-door transformed the Range Rover from a capable but utilitarian two-door into something altogether more versatile, offering a more family-friendly SUV and arguably catapulting the 4x4 into its future.
Early examples retaining their original specification are increasingly scarce. Finished in the desirable Sahara Dust with the period-correct beige "teddy bear" interior, this 1983 example is a particularly appealing, unspoilt car.

Classic Range Rovers carried out a thorough restoration in 2016, followed by an extensive underside rebuild in 2020, including the suspension, brakes, differentials, and carburettors. More recently, a full mechanical recommission was completed by Alex Lindsay Land Rover in Broxburn, West Lothian. The bodywork retains its original factory paint, and the interior has been sympathetically refreshed. Accompanied by a comprehensive history file, original dealer books, both sets of keys, and a folder of receipts, it's a compelling machine, ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

• Mileage: 20,997 miles (five-figure odometer)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 16 August 2027
• Technical specs: 3.5-litre V8 petrol, 3-speed automatic transmission
• Paperwork: Extensive history file dating back to the 1980s, folder of invoices, original Land Rover Range Rover dealer books, both sets of original keys

The Detail

• Recently fully serviced by Alex Lindsay Land Rover, including engine oil and filter, spark plugs, and plug leads
• Manual points distributor replaced with a modern electronic distributor (Simon BBC power kit) with new electronic coil and timing reset
• New flame traps fitted
• Gearbox serviced with new filter; the vendor states it shifts smoothly through the gears
• Swivel joints rebuilt with complete kits, which the vendor reports has tightened up the steering feel
• Steering drop arm tightened onto steering box selector shaft
• Rear axle bump stops replaced, propshafts greased, locks and hinges lubricated
• Full engine rebuild carried out at some point in the past; a performance or towing camshaft is suspected to have been fitted
• Lumenition rev limiter and coolant pre-heater installed
• Underside restoration carried out in 2020 by Classic Range Rovers, including rebuilt differentials, new brake calipers, brake pipes and cylinders, new suspension components and bushes, and rebuilt carburettors
• Genuine NOS Land Rover towbar and A-frame fitted in 2020
• Underside is in good order, and the engine bay is in equally clean condition
• Genuine bonnet panel included, described by the vendor as being in mint condition
• Original Sahara Dust factory paintwork recently professionally machine polished and protected with a 5-year ceramic coating
• Original Rostyle wheels restored with new Dunlop tyres in the correct 205R16 profile
• Headlining recently replaced by Ramsay's Coachworks and seat backs re-covered
• The vendor notes that the front seats are the best they have seen on one of these cars, and the rear seats appear relatively unused
• New unused genuine NOS front carpet mats included in the sale; the vendor states the remaining carpets are in lovely condition
• Wooden door caps refinished in natural oak
• New exhaust system fitted during the 2016 restoration
• The vendor tells us that the car starts first time and can be driven and enjoyed immediately

BEFORE YOU BUY

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