Range Rover

Buyer Beware

• CHASSIS Check for off-road damage and rust. The chassis frame from an early Discovery can be utilised if need be
• RUST Floors, arches, bulkheads, crossmembers, sills, tailgate and even the fuel tank are all rotters so check the car over well
• ENGINES Overheating, camshaft wear, exhaust manifolds are main worries. TDs not brilliant, VM blows head gaskets
• RUNNING GEAR Usually clunky, watch for leaks and general wear although always noisy. Suspensions wear out fairly quickly
• LPG Check installation for security and workmanship as it is safety critical

Fast Facts

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The Range Rover was the first ‘Chelsea Tractor’ but, unlike later models, was made for work, rest and play rather than simply show and pose

Upmarket luxury load-lugger, fashion icon, style statement or mud-mauler supreme, the Range Rover was and remains the real deal. Designed through the 1960s, launched in 1970, produced for 26 years and exhibited in the Louvre Museum as a piece of automotive art, it remains an unlikely classic but one that’s a practical proposition in every sense and one that can usefully be used as a second family vehicle.

Driving

That lusty, rumbling V8 is a joy, less so the diesels, but the smile comes from their better economy. For off-road fun, it’ll romp in the mud with the best of them or waft down to the south of France, especially the later models which are Rolls-Royce like plush.

The body roll was tamed over the years by front and rear anti-roll bars (now available as aftermarket fitments and well worth installing), and more by owners who uprate the plethora of rubber bushes with polyurethane alternatives. Early pre-1980 cars are quite crude; the transmission is noisy and there’s the typical Land Rover backlash in the system.

What’s more the non-assisted steering is heavy and laden while early four-speed gearboxes are equally heavy going, so consider who is also going to drive the vehicle before deciding on the model.

The four-doors and the air sprung LSE, are very comfortable so give you the best of both worlds but it’s the three-doors everybody is clamouring for due to their certain style. Common to all are great off-road capabilities and practicality.

Best Models

Depends what you want from the vehicle. Early two-door Range Rovers are the most collectible but the four-doors most practical and easier to live with – and a lot cheaper so watch prices rise. Diesels aren’t half as good as the trusty lusty V8 even if economy is scary. It’s best to seek the advice from a specialist such as Kingsley Cars of Whitney, Oxfordshire: http://www.kingsleycars.co.uk.

Prices

You can buy a rough runner for about £1000 but what a liability it will be. For a fair vehicle from the 1970-79 era, expect to pay £4000. Later, fuel injected and preferably 3.9 versions, go for £5000 upwards and double this for a later LWB; top four doors, £12K upwards. Two-doors, which have the most classic appeal) can sell for 30 grand and upwards and top cars double this (especially if its a development VELAR badged car). The first production car recently sold for more than £200,000!