1973 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC 'SUFFIX B' - TRANSAFRICA EXPEDITION

This 1973 Range Rover Classic ‘Suffix B’ is a comprehensively restored example of the iconic classic 4x4, finished in a timeless colour scheme, and boasting unbeatable provenance. Powered by a 3.5-litre V8 engine coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with high and low-range gearing, this example shows 81,379 miles on the odometer.

The history of this particular example is nothing short of fascinating. First registered on 21 November 1973, the vehicle was delivered to Le Mans legend and Jaguar works driver Duncan Hamilton, and was used as a daily driver for a number of years. Following Hamilton’s ownership, the car then passed into the hands of ITN reporter Michael Nicholson during 1976.

When Nicholson moved to South Africa to become the office manager for ITN in the country, the Range Rover went with him, earning its keep over the next four years as a faithful four-wheeled companion. When the time came to return home to Somerset in 1981, Michael chose to take himself and his family home in the Range Rover; travelling over 14,000 miles from South Africa to England, by way of Egypt and Greece – taking in the Nyika Mountains in Nairobi, Tanzania, the Serengeti, Kenya, and Sudan.

This epic journey was documented in Nicholson’s book ‘Across the Limpopo’, which not only tells the story of this incredible adventure, but also contains numerous photographs of the car throughout the journey, and a copy of the book is included with the vehicle.

In the years following Michael’s monumental overland journey, the car was only used sporadically, with a later owner keeping it dry stored for a number of years, though inevitably it deteriorated over time. In 2017, the Range Rover was brought back to its former glory, with an exhaustive body-off recommissioning and refurbishment carried out by marque specialist Bishops 4x4, at a cost of around £60,000. Its intriguing history does not end there, as the car is now offered for sale from the private collection of noted automotive designer and now Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, Luc Donckerwolke.

The Lincoln Green paintwork is in wonderful condition today, free from any scratches, dents or damage. The bumpers are both in excellent order, as are the correct type steel wheels. The panel lines are all flush with even gaps, while the glass and seals look to be in great shape throughout.

Inside, the seats have been fully re-trimmed in the original factory style ‘kit kat’ Palomino vinyl upholstery. It looks every inch the plush adventurer today, and is ultimately ready to be pointed back to Africa to repeat Nicholson’s journey in reverse, should the next owner so desire. The seats are still crisp and show no signs of sagging or wear, while the carpets are also virtually unmarked. There are minor marks on the door cards, but the cabin is in wonderful overall condition, with the plastic early dashboard, and correct controls and switchgear.

The last service was carried out during June 2018 by Sporting Cars at 79,998 miles. During this service, the routine oil and filter changes were carried out. Other than this, the car has needed only minor attention to its handbrake since the completion of the restoration in 2017.

Under the bonnet, the V8 block and ancillaries all look to be in fine shape. Underneath, the story is the same, with the axles and front differential looking to be in excellent condition, with minimal dirt or signs of use. Everything is reported to be working as intended, and there are no known faults with the vehicle. The last German TÜV test was carried out during July 2020 and flagged no advisories or problems with the vehicle.

While almost any example of the Range Rover Classic is a desirable collector car in its own right, this particular example – with a Le Mans-winning previous owner, a starring role in a superbly documented trans-African expedition, and now in the private collection of an award-winning car designer – must have one of the richest and most intriguing histories of any such 4x4. Offered in fantastic post-restoration condition, complete with original purchase invoice and a copy of Michael Nicholson’s book, this ‘Suffix B’ is ready and raring to go on its next adventure.

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