1980 Range Rover 4x4 Estate, Registration no. PHP 117W Chassis no. LHABV1AA10331

* Sought-after early 'classic' model
* An older restoration (12-15 years ago)
* Manual transmission
* Present ownership since October 2016
* Recent extensive refurbishment

An outstanding landmark design that almost single-handedly created the booming market in dual-purpose 4x4s, the Range Rover was greeted with universal acclaim on its arrival in 1970 and has remained the class leader, despite ever increasing foreign and domestic competition, ever since. The idea of a more road-biased 4x4 had been around since the Land Rover's arrival in the late 1940s, but it would be some two decades before the concept crystallised in what would end up as the Range Rover. Spen King and Gordon Bashford were responsible for the initial conception, with final detailing entrusted to David Bache. A separate, Land Rover type chassis was employed to carry the enclosed aluminium body, while long-travel coil-sprung suspension ensured that the ride would be more saloon car than utility. Rover already possessed an ideal power unit in the form of its 3.5-litre light alloy V8.

The Range Rover was greeted enthusiastically by both press and public on its arrival in 1970, offering comfortable cruising at 90mph (145km/h) and a greater off-road capability than most of its customers would ever need. The fact that the original lasted in production for an amazing 24 years before being replaced in 1994 only serves to illustrate the soundness of the original concept. Indeed, the 'old' Range Rover - evocatively renamed Range Rover Classic - did not disappear immediately but continued to be built for another year alongside the new version.

This early Range Rover was purchased in October 2016 and has been extensively serviced since, benefiting from a new exhaust; new camshaft; rebuilt carburettors; renewed suspension bushes; rebuilt A-frame; all fluids changed; and the clutch, alternator, and power steering overhauled. The private vendor describes the car as 'an excellent driver with zero mechanical issues'; the bodywork though, would benefit from refurbishment and a repaint. Bigger tyres and a later front grille and bench seat are the only major deviations from factory specification notified. Accompanying documentation consists of an MoT to November 2018 and a V5C Registration Certificate.