Although now responsible for a whole lifestyle movement, the Range Rover had more humble beginnings. The first-generation Range Rover was introduced in 1970 and was not designed as a luxury 4x4; whilst certainly up-market compared to preceding Land Rover models, the early Range Rovers had 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.

First registered on 1st July 1971, the Range Rover offered here is what can only be described as the holy grail of early Range Rovers. The supplied British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate shows this home market Tuscan Blue 'Suffix A' example was dispatched on 21st June 1971 to the Henley Limited dealers in London. With only four former keepers, this legendary vehicle shows a wonderful patina, whilst also showing off how original it is. Having covered only 52,752 miles, it clearly led a pampered life. The body is exceptionally rust free, with all the usual trouble spots showing no signs of corrosion and in fact, in many places, paint that would polish up to a gloss. Tell-tale plastic bungs reveal the car has most likely been Ziebarted which may go some way to account for the body's incredibly condition. All the details are correct, from the drop-down rear number plate, to the screw-off fuel filler. Inside the car doesn't disappoint either, it is all complete including the centre console 'Palomino' vinyl covering, along with the footwells, roof and door cards all present. Having formed part of two major collections over the past twenty years, it has been dry stored and always maintained in running order. A thorough, but sympathetic mechanical recommissioning was completed in 2002 and the vendor reports the car to run and drive very well to this day.

Supplied with a V5C registration document, BMIHT Certificate, 2015 Land Rover Monthly magazine article, recommissioning parts list, workshop repair manual and promotional catalogues. Impossible to replicate, this may be the most original Range Rover in existence and a vehicle for the true connoisseur. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1971
Make: Range Rover
Model: Suffix A
Registration: GYX 424J
Chassis No: 35501495A
Odometer: tba

* Magazine featured
* Incredibly original
* Desirable 'Suffix A' model