The LR Range Rover is a mid-sized 4x4 vehicle series produced from 1969 to 1996, initially by the Rover (later Land Rover) division of British Leyland and thereafter by the Rover Group.
The first-generation of vehicles produced under the Range Rover name, it was built as a two-door model for its first 11 years, until a four-door also became available in 1981.
Unlike other 4x4s of the era, the original LR Range Rover was not designed as a luxury vehicle. It was up-market compared to preceding Land Rover models, but 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 steering, carpeted floors, air conditioning, cloth/leather seats, and wooden interior trim were fitted later.
Availability of the two-door version was restricted from 1984, but remained in production for some markets until 1994, when the second-generation was launched. From that moment, Land Rover rebranded the original model under the term ‘Range Rover Classic’, to distinguish it from its new P38A successor, as the two were briefly built alongside each other.
The LR Range Rover was a body-on-frame design with a box-section, ladder-type chassis, like the contemporary Series Land Rovers. The LR Range Rover used coil springs as opposed to leaf springs, permanent four-wheel drive, and four-wheel disc brakes.
In 1988, Land Rover introduced a 2.4-litre TDi turbo diesel (Turbo D) with 112 bhp, manufactured by Italian VM Motori. In 1990, a mildly tuned 2.5-litre, 119 bhp version of the 2.4-litre TDi was launched.
The current owner brought his considerable experience of more than 20 years with Overfinch, the Leeds-based customiser of Land Rover and Range Rover cars, to restoring F33 WEW to its former glory.
Five years ago, the car was one of two found rotting in a field, surrounded by tall grass. It was decided to sacrifice one so the other could ‘live’. A restoration followed, with new floors and other structural sheet metal formed and welded into place. A full respray in the original metallic beige concluded the restoration. It was wisely decided to retain the original soft furnishings of carpets and upholstery for authenticity. As a result, its original 33-year-old interior remains to be enjoyed.
It was also decided that the 98k-mile 2.5 TDi engine from the donor car was to be fitted into F33 WEW, as the original 2.4 TDi has oil pressure problems and a bad ‘knock’. New, single-piece head gaskets replaced the four single ones which historically proved unreliable, and new clutch and brake assemblies were fitted. The car has since had two services, replacement filters and a new battery and boasts a current MOT to July 2022. Since the previous MOT a year ago, the car has travelled just 3 miles.
The original 2.4 TDi engine is complete and is included in the sale.
Unfortunately, there is no surviving paperwork of the car prior to its salvage from the field. There are a number of more recent documents including the bill of sale to the current owner from 2017 (along with a mileage declaration for the 2.5 TDi engine), the current MOT and emissions test results and the hand/service book.
It was decided early on in the restoration process not to revert the car back to showroom condition as the owner wanted to retain its ‘used’ authenticity. As a result, all doors still wear their original wooden trims, albeit most now sans varnish, while still offering a warm, natural patina.
Another decision was to retain the original fabrics and carpets as, despite its ignominious time spent ‘dying’ in a field for part of its 33 years, all were in good condition and merely needed a thorough professional cleaning, which has been carried out.
The original factory-fitted Range Rover radio/cassette system still remains and is said to be fully working, as does the dash clock and switchgear.
The refurbishment five years ago included a full-body respray back to what would have been the car’s original colour – metallic beige. It is in good order throughout, with one or two subsequent minor blemishes (as pictured) which the new owner may choose to leave or remedy.
All doors – including the rear twin apertures – open and close smoothly and the door under-sills are in very good condition.
Manoeuvring the car for the accompanying photography proved as effortless as expected. The car drives, sounds and stops well and has been driven just three miles since its previous MOT in 2020.
Underneath the car, the running gear and suspension all seem in good order as pictured and presented in clean and tidy condition.
While not quite as rare as Trump truths, there are few remaining Range Rover ‘Classic’ examples in this presentable condition.
Attributes include its classless styling, excellent on-road reputation and unstoppable off-road versatility. The 2.5 TDi engine and transmission are a known quantity, with good parts and technical support available within an ownership network that is as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as they come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1988 Land Rover Range Rover ‘Classic’
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