Lot 309 - 1979 Range Rover Suffix F 'Two-door'

Although now responsible for a whole lifestyle movement, the Range Rover had more humble beginnings. The first generation Range Rover was produced between 1970 and 1996 and not designed as a luxury 4x4; whilst certainly up-market compared to preceding Land Rover models, the early Range Rovers had fairly basic, utilitarian interiors with vinyl seats and plastic dashboards that were designed to be washed down with a hose. Convenience features such as power assisted steering, carpeted floors, air conditioning, cloth or leather seats and wooden interior trim were fitted later in the production run or as options. Marketed as 'A Car For All Reasons', the Range Rover was more capable off-road than the Land Rover but was much more comfortable, offering a top speed in excess of 100mph.

We are informed that this wonderfully original and unmolested late seventies Suffix F Range Rover supplied new to South Africa has never been welded and the body condition and undercarriage are rust free. Believed to have been painted from the factory in Sunburst Yellow, a British Leyland South African colour used across many Leyland models, the body panels are almost completely original and carry an age appropriate patina confirming such a substantial amount of original paint. The interior remains as it left the factory with little wear or damage apart from the driver’s seat bolster; the rear seat looks to have never been used. The factory supplied radio is still in situ as is the car’s jack and manual crank tool. The roof lining is in good condition and looks to have been replaced with a suede buttoned liner whilst the front and rear floors are covered with a South African specification PVC finish together with the large centre console.  The vehicle also benefits from air conditioning.

The car has recently covered some motorway mileage and we are advised the 3.5 litre V8 performs exceptionally well. It also benefits from an MoT test certificate until October 2018 and V5C and has had a full new steel exhaust fitted. We cannot stress how rare these unmolested examples are now becoming; to find a righthand drive 70’s two door in such an original condition and without the dreaded rot problems is a true treat.