The timing couldn’t be better: just as Land Rover is getting ready to launch the Evoque Convertible, a rare drop-top 1973 Range Rover will be auctioned in the UK.
The early right-hand drive Range Rover convertible conversion will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ last auction of the year, The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale, on November 14-15 2015.
The vehicle started life as a 1973 Range Rover “Suffix B” and was converted in the late 1980s by Special Vehicle Conversions, who specialized in bespoke convertible conversions for Range Rovers of the period.
The car has covered just 62,500 miles (100,584 km) frome new and has recently been restored to its original specification. It will be sold at The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show auction with an estimate of £35,000 – £40,000 ($54,150 – $61,885).
The convertible Range Rover has an interesting story, as it was apparently won by the previous owner in a card game in the 1990s. It was then stored in a lock-up as he didn’t have space in his garages.
The current owner bought it and put it through an eight-month nut and bolt restoration costing £20,000 ($30,940), which included the recommission of the 3.5-liter V8 engine. The car is now said to be in “superb condition.”
“This classic Range Rover convertible conversion is a car worthy of the modern-day James Bond, but has a story akin to that of ‘007’ too. Not only does this convertible conversion have unique provenance, but it’s based on a truly superb early right-hand drive Range Rover ‘Suffix B’ and has covered a mere 62,500 miles – I doubt you’ll find one like this in the near future,” said Arwel Richards, Classic Car Consignor at Silverstone Auctions.
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