Early Range Rover... Errrrr, yeah right!!!

[grifterkid]

I question the authenticity of this 'early' Range Rover...

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Range-Rover-Tax-Free-/111330728546?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19ebd41a62

[dodgerover]

Its quite possible to be a genuine 1972 chassis and hence ok - I can't think anybody would do something that blatent if it wasn't legit..... but you'de need to get a good look at the stamped in chassis number to be sure (not just the riveted plate), its a right mix and match of parts though.

I have seen a disco bodied rangie chassis legitimately reg'd on a '78 plate

[redratbike]

As early as 1972 Rover had this 4 door prototype developed, but
lack of financial and production capacity prevented launch untill 82



www.range-rover-classic.com/Home/land-rover-brochures/range-rover-1970-s

[redratbike]

Although it would have wing mirrors instead of door mirrors

[dodgerover]

Its not a Monteverdi or prototype though, its got the concealed door hinges etc I'de guess the shell is somewhere around an '88 - '90 maybe?

[redratbike]

Yep

[bryn]

Forget the legalities, I really like that! I was looking at my late model RR the other day and working out if I could back date it somehow, but as I've got a '71 there's litle point! Good idea

[fred]

My old land lord had a 71 Rangey - chucked the old body, and dropped a 95 Range Rover Body on top of the ''free tax chassis'' nay sure what alterations he did but ran it for a few years tax free

[grifterkid]

I suppose it makes sense to save a few quid just as long as it's all above board etc... It does look pretty cool being a 4-door with all the early gubbins on it... Good value too! I just think the ad' could be a bit more detailed...

[marinacoupe]

Wikipedia (if you can believe it), says RR started production in 1970, but four doors didn't come along until 1981.

I think some of the other comments are on the right track. DVLA base year of manufacture on the chassis number for tax free status and as the RR has a separate chassis, a later body could have been dropped onto it. The engine is stated as a 4.0 litre EFI which came in much later in 1994.

For practicality the four door is much more useful. Also the early cars had a mixture of aluminium and steel panels and the steel ones rot as fiercely as any other BL tin from the 1970s.

So this is most likely a mongrel RR benefiting from tax free status due to the older chassis.

Not illegal, just not all original.

[bavarianretro]

It's a bitsa.

It is not even a complete late body on an early chassis. The fuel filler is definitely pre 86 and the concealed hinges on both doors and bonnet make them post 89. The grille and lights are earlier than the rest of the body too.

[VIP]

Going by the description, that's an entire late RR that's been rung onto an Tax Free ID with some period touches attached.

[HoTWire]

... and these are the people that will bring IVA/BIVA/SVA/Whatever crashing down on the heads of modified car folk, because avoiding £180whatever a year tax is more important than the future of your hobbby.

[mrabody]

May 9, 2014 7:58:02 GMT HoTWire said:

... and these are the people that will bring IVA/BIVA/SVA/Whatever crashing down on the heads of modified car folk, because avoiding £180whatever a year tax is more important than the future of your hobbby.

If the chassis is really from a 1972 Range Rover and there are enough points remaining amongst the other bits and pieces for it to retain its identity then I fail to see how this vehicle is endangering the hobby.

[HoTWire]

May 9, 2014 11:16:22 GMT mrabody said:

If the chassis is really from a 1972 Range Rover and there are enough points remaining amongst the other bits and pieces for it to retain its identity then I fail to see how this vehicle is endangering the hobby.

My bad, I didn't realise they came with a 4 litre EFI engine in 1972, I forget how advance they were for their years.

[mrabody]

May 9, 2014 12:28:51 GMT HoTWire said:

May 9, 2014 11:16:22 GMT mrabody said:

If the chassis is really from a 1972 Range Rover and there are enough points remaining amongst the other bits and pieces for it to retain its identity then I fail to see how this vehicle is endangering the hobby.

My bad, I didn't realise they came with a 4 litre EFI engine in 1972, I forget how advance they were for their years.

If the chassis, suspension, steering, drive train etc was left stock and the engine was changed the vehicle would still have enough points to retain its original identity. My understanding is that being of body-on-frame construction, which body you plunk over it is irrelevant to the vehicle retaining it's identity. It would be on par with sticking a zetec in an otherwise stock Escort.

[VIP]

May 9, 2014 12:44:58 GMT mrabody said:

May 9, 2014 12:28:51 GMT HoTWire said:

My bad, I didn't realise they came with a 4 litre EFI engine in 1972, I forget how advance they were for their years.

If the chassis, suspension, steering, drive train etc was left stock and the engine was changed the vehicle would still have enough points to retain its original identity. My understanding is that being of body-on-frame construction, which body you plunk over it is irrelevant to the vehicle retaining it's identity. It would be on par with sticking a zetec in an otherwise stock Escort.

I still maintain its a late vehicle with an early ID.

"White (rare), four door body but on a 1972 V5 which I have in my name."

[grifterkid]

I love that bit about White being rare when it has quite clearly been resprayed in White... Do they mean White paint is rare?! You can still see the original colour in the door shuts for goodness sake!!!

Anyhow, I will be interested to see how long this lingers on the 'bay of monetary doom!!! This car isn't all bad, it's just not right...

[colnerov]

Hi, IF this is a '72 chassis with later bodyshell it is still getting close on points because it hasn't got original engine or gearbox, power steering was only an option and axles are later type. The four door bodyshell didn't have body colour door shuts. It's a well executed build and I like it but I wouldn't buy it because i foresee hassle in the future trying to prove that it is a '72 chassis.

Colin

[murdock]

I don't believe there's enough of the original vehicle there to keep the '72 identity. With the seller not knowing the history of the vehicle or even what's original or not, I would stay well clear. A photo of the ID plate would help, as there's nothing to prove the VIN number being consistant with the '72 even.

Ian