First released to enthusiastic acclaim in 1970, production of the design now known as the Range Rover Classic continued for an astonishing 24 years. This 1978 Range Rover Classic ‘Suffix F’ is a complete, ‘time warp’ example of this ground-breaking 4x4 design. It has recently been refurbished with a conscious choice not to over-restore but to keep it as original as possible – a genuine survivor car. Power comes from a 135hp 3.5-litre Rover V8, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with four-wheel drive and high and low ratio gearing. Built in Range Rover’s Solihull, England, factory in 1978, it was subsequently exported to the Australian market and sold to the original owner in August 1978 by Cairns Motors in Cairns, Queensland. The car was placed into dry storage in 1991 after the first owner’s health deteriorated such that he was no longer able to enjoy it. It was subsequently purchased by its second keeper in 2016. The car has now been with its third owner for around two years. Its chassis and engine numbers are confirmed to be matching. The car has always been garaged, and the seller states that the most rust-free RHD vehicles in the world come from Australia. As the vehicle was originally built in the UK and is now over 30 years old, potential UK-based buyers are advised that the VAT liability to re-import should be only 5%, and the duty liability £50 (though bidders should make independent enquiries to verify this information). This handsome Range Rover Classic is finished in Sahara Dust, with curved silver bumper bars and the earlier, rare aluminium alloy badges. The interior is trimmed in Palomino vinyl and has its original three-spoke steering wheel plus ashtray between the front seats. It rides on original specification 16-inch steel wheels, shod with Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S tyres in near-new condition. Period correct bronze brushed nylon carpet to original 1978 specifications was sourced from Land Rover specialist Exmoor Trim and fitted by the seller in 2022. Dealer-fitted options included a tow bar, tie rod bar, dual batteries, long-range aluminium fuel tank, air conditioning, and a rear sway bar. From 1978 to 1982 all Range Rovers sold in Australia had automatic choke carburettors and a special vacuum air pump and Puls-Air air injection to meet the Australian emission control regulations for detoxed engines. Special for Australia was also the solution with two air cleaners under the bonnet, one large air cleaner box for each carburettor. The cargo bay has the original factory-fitted two-piece mat, a rare inclusion to have survived on a car of this vintage. Accompanying the vehicle will be the original owner’s manuals, warranty documents and service book, which was stamped up to around 20,000 km in 1979, along with a manual for the dealer-fitted Mark IV automatic air conditioning system, a 2020 pre-purchase report from Landy Centre Cairns, a recent Land Rover specialist service invoice, a spare lower tailgate seal, a roll of Palomino vinyl, and a complete and undamaged toolkit and jack. An uninstalled used Fairey Winches Overdrive unit is also available to be purchased separately, if desired by the buyer. The overdrive was an option offered from 1978, which advertised the following benefits: a reduced engine RPM by 21.8% at a step-up ratio of 0.782:1, the ability to change from overdrive to ‘direct’ gears without using the clutch, a 15% fuel efficiency improvement, and a boosted top speed of around 110mph. Please note, the New South Wales historic club vehicle registration ‘3755 J’ is not transferable so is not included in the sale. Overall this car is said to be in excellent condition with an authentic ‘patina’. The seller reports that it has been a head turner and conversation starter whenever it has been out and about. They state that the body is straight and appears to be all original, with no evidence of past accident repair, panel repair or replacement. The chassis is straight and fully original with no damage, modification, rust or repair. Its resprayed paintwork is in very good condition, with a small chip near the driver’s door handle, and some other minor blemishes. Inside, a small mark can be seen at the bottom of the steering wheel, the dial covers are now slightly cloudy, and there is light wear to the dashboard plastics and switchgear controls. Otherwise, the cabin and its mostly original upholstery (door cards and some seat panels have been replaced) presents extremely well. The seller advises that while the car generally drives very well. The AC compressor needs replacement, the dash clock is not functional, and there is some seepage from the power steering pump area. The seller is not aware of any other electrical or mechanical issues with the car. Its most recent service was in October 2022, where technicians at the well-known and highly respected Land Rover specialist Graeme Cooper Automotive in St Peters, New South Wales, replaced the gearbox mounts, air filters, choke cable and spark plugs, before resetting the carburettors and bleeding the hydraulic brake system. The engine mounts were replaced in 2020. The second owner was a mechanic who self-serviced the vehicle and also replaced the springs, dampers, bushes, steering ball joints, steering damper, clutch hydraulics, seat diaphragms, front seatbelts, transmission seals and driveshaft universal joints. During their ownership, the radiator, ride leveller, carburettors, wheel hubs, wheel bearings, and brakes were also rebuilt. This 1978 Range Rover Classic ‘Suffix F’ is a striking example of the landmark two-door 4x4, and was among the final batch of vehicles imported to Australia post-assembly, rather than as pre-assembly kit cars. Now, having been refurbished - but not over-restored - it presents as an honest, ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ survivor car that would make a fine addition to any collection of rare British classics. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.