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Original Range Rover up for Auction

Original Range Rover up for Auction

Original Range Rover up for Auction
Danielle de Wolfe
13 August 2014

Since they first launched themselves upon the hills and plains of Britain in 1970, Range Rovers have changed somewhat - namely the clientèle who drive it. But farms, rappers and footballers alike will all be wanting to find room some room on their drives - the original Range Rover, chassis number #001, is set to go up for auction.

From production line to auction block, the story of the #001 would rival the average Pixar film (think Finding Nemo meets Cars). Built in the winter of 1969, the first owner of the #001 resprayed its classic Olive Green bodywork a questionable shade of Bahama Gold and swapped its all-important registration plate ('YVB 151H') for a personalised sequence. After swapping hands several times in the 70s and 80s (a farmer did own it at one point), the whereabouts of the #001 was lost.

Skip forward to the early 90s and a chance phone call to the current owner - a keen Range Rover fan - resulted in him purchasing an 'old model' that turned out to be the old model. After six years of restoration work, the #001 was returned to its former glory, complete with the reinstatement of its first number plate. Far from a box of new parts and replaced panels, it still boasts its original chassis, 8-cylinder engine, gearbox, bonnet, body shell and axles.

Anyone hoping to buy themselves a slice of automotive history should attend the Salon Privé sale at Syon House, London on 4 September. Only the footballers and rappers amongst you should hope of bagging the #001 though - it's expected to fetch in the region of £100,000 to £140,000.

(Images: Silverstone Auctions)

[Via: Autocar]