1972 Range Rover 'Suffix A'
No Reserve - Entered from the Dering Collection

Launched in 1970 under the slogan "A Car for All Reasons," the Range Rover introduced a ground-breaking concept to the automotive world. It can be considered one of the earliest examples of what we now know as SUVs, seamlessly combining the renowned off-road and towing capabilities of the Land Rover with a top speed of 100mph and a focus on passenger comfort. The 'Suffix A' Range Rovers are particularly coveted among enthusiasts and collectors. These models can be identified by the letter 'A' at the end of their chassis numbers, signifying their adherence to the original design principles.

While not a machine for purists, we cannot help but admire the quaint charms of this unique Range Rover. A highly desirable, early-production ‘Suffix A’ model, ‘YCF 215K’ was first registered on 11th July, 1972, and originally painted grey. It was last on British roads in 1984, when it was exported to Malta and later renovated in this pleasingly vernacular style. The Maltese are well-known for their earnest affection for old British cars, many of which can still be seen in regular use on the island, some restored with an emphasis on authenticity and others personalised with custom paint and accessories, rather like our Range Rover. It was evidently once the pride and joy of one Maltese enthusiast, and we can well imagine how pleased they were to see it assume their fantasy racing livery.

The custom seats are very much in keeping with the theme, but on a mechanical level we believe the Range Rover to be largely to factory specification. The bodywork appears to be very solid, as one might expect from a car which has spent so much time in the benign Mediterranean climate.

In more recent years, the Range Rover was reimported into Britain to join the eclectic collection of a gentleman racing driver, although it has only been on static display and has not been the subject of any recent correspondence with the DVLA, which still holds records from prior to its export. Having been off the road for some time, it will require some recommissioning but should make a very rewarding project. You could restore it to original specification, but with so many Range Rovers having become the focus of rivet-counting concours restorations lately, it is rather charming to find one as innocently and unpretentiously personalised as this, and we would be tempted to run it just as it is. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and we think either course would do it justice.