The no-nonsense Land Rover was an unashamed agricultural workhorse and, though fully roadable, was never intended to cosset its occupants. Therefore, from day one, there lay scope for the production of a sibling that combined the Landie’s much vaunted off-road prowess with a greater degree of on-road chic and comfort. Though various such plans were mooted in the 1950s, it was the emergence of the SUV market in America a decade later that finally convinced Rover to create such a model. Spen King famously oversaw the 100 inch Station Wagon project that was finally revealed to the world as the Range Rover in 1970 - a David Bache design that created a whole new genre of go-anywhere vehicles, which remains in full bloom today.

This right-hand drive, manual gearbox, two-door Range Rover Classic was imported from South Africa in 2018 by the car's previous owner who purchased it from a friend who lives out there. Once back in the UK, it was subject to a sympathetic restoration over a two-year period which included a glass-out respray in Lincoln Green, new tan interior including the headlining, new fuel tank, fuel pump, steering box, alternator, refurbished carbs, a full brake overhaul, five new tyres and the wheels powder coated in silver.

Purchased just over two years ago by our vendor, it has been lightly used and regularly serviced by him during that period and still presents beautifully. The odometer indicates some 43,000 miles, but naturally this is not warranted, and the car is supplied with its V5C and some previous history and restoration bills.

Two-door Classic Range Rovers are wholly endearing and always seem in fashion, blending in effortlessly whether at Goodwood or a local country show, and this nicely restored example will be welcome anywhere.