First production Range Rover to be auctioned

The first production Range Rover will be auctioned in London on 4 September. The Range Rover, which established the market for luxury 4x4s and is now an iconic British car.

The model, which carries the chassis number #001, was built in late 1969 and registered on 2 January 1970.Michael Furlong, who produced promotional films for the Range Rover, was the first owner. By 1975 the car had changed hands and been repainted in Bahama Gold, another official colour.Further registration plate, colour and owner changes meant that the car was 'lost' for several years, until it was identified again in the early Nineties.

The 3.5-litre V8-engined Range Rover was then the subject of a professional ground-up restoration, which resulted in the car being returned to its original condition – including a repaint in its factory Olive Green colour.

Despite the Range Rover's age it has retained its original chassis, engine, gearbox, axles, shell and reputedly its original aluminium bonnet. Its mint condition, and matching-numbers status, will further increase its appeal and potential value.The Range Rover bears the registration plate 'YVB 151H' and will take part in the Salon Privé sale, hosted in partnership with Silverstone Auctions, in London on September 4th.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said, “It’s wonderful to be able to offer this iconic British model for auction at the UK’s finest concours event.These cars are incredibly popular and we expect a significant amount of interest when it goes under the hammer.”