1982 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC 2 DOOR - BY SYMBOL LTD

This 1982 Range Rover Classic is a matching-numbers and highly original 4x4, which was given a significant upgrade before delivery at Park Lane-based Symbol Ltd, and has fascinating provenance. Under the bonnet sits a rebuilt 3.5-litre Rover V8, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 48,426 km.

First registered in May 1982, this Range Rover was purchased by Helen Cunningham-Reid, the daughter-in-law of the late First World War flying ace and Conservative MP Alec Cunningham-Reid. The car was kept in Monaco and later Switzerland by the first owner, where it is understood to have led a colourful life, occasionally used to chauffeur the family’s celebrity friends around the principality. It was imported and re-registered in the UK in October 2016 to the vendor, who is the second owner from new.

It was delivered in 1982, and as per the original bill of sale, was modified in 1984 by Symbol Ltd on Park Lane, a bespoke specialist which also subcontracted some of its upgrade work to the renowned coachbuilders Wood & Pickett. This particular conversion included a re-paint to Grosvenor Brown, flared wheel arches and Symbol alloy wheels, and gold initialled coach lines. It also received a re-trim with cream leather, Wilton wool carpets and wool headlining, alongside the fitment of a custom walnut dashboard, an air-conditioning system, and a leather steering wheel. In addition, as part of the ‘Magnifico’ interior specification, the car is fitted with leather straps for shotguns and fishing rods, a picnic box and a luggage pad in the boot.

During 2016 and 2017, it was thoroughly recommissioned mechanically, which included a carburettor, transfer box and top end engine rebuild, plus a new refurbished LT95 gearbox along with a new clutch and release bearing. New universal joints, period-correct OEM brake discs and callipers, and an original mild steel exhaust system were also fitted. The engine and differential oils were changed, while the front spheres have been re-greased and sealed, and most of the suspension bushes have been replaced. The shock absorbers and springs were also changed as part of the overhaul, though have been covered in underseal overspray.

The Grosvenor Brown paintwork is in generally excellent condition and is believed to be entirely original, with the vendor noting that while it presents with the occasional stone chip, these are commensurate with the mileage. The initialled coach lines, grated headlamps and distinctive flared arches all present very well, while the car’s 15-inch Symbol alloy wheels have some slight discolouration, but are certainly presentable.

Inside, the car’s cream leather trim is the original Symbol Ltd upgrade and is in excellent condition, presenting with an attractive patina and some very light creasing. The vendor reports it has no rips or tears, and though some slight discolouration can be seen on the steering wheel, this could be solved with a re-connolising treatment. The custom walnut veneer on the dashboard is free of any notable scuffs, while an aftermarket Pioneer stereo and VDO Dayton satellite navigation system have been installed, both of which are believed to be in good working order. Electric windows were also part of the Symbol Ltd upgrade, and all of the electrics work as they should.

The vendor reports that they serviced the car approximately 500 miles ago, when all of its major fluids were changed. Prior to this, Vitesse Engineering serviced the vehicle in October 2019. This Range Rover Classic was used for a family trip to the southern Spain two years ago, taking its occupants there and back in comfort and without a single issue.

The most recent MOT test was on 14 August 2017 at 42,724 km, which resulted in a pass with two advisories to monitor a nearside rear seat belt which was slow to retract, and corrosion at all of the mounting points. However, the mounting points were subsequently stripped to bare metal by Vitesse Engineering and found to only have surface rust, so they were given an anti-corrosion treatment and undersealed. It will require a fresh MOT certificate before taking to the road again. The tyres are reported to be in excellent condition, with minimal wear.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original owner’s manual, service book, bill of sale and purchase literature, along with the conversion invoice, and many travel records. An additional set of wheels with studded tyres will be supplied, along with the full tool roll. The car comes with a huge amount of paperwork dating back to 1982, including an extensive record of its service history, with invoices, receipts and other documents filling two boxes.

This Range Rover Classic is a rare and eye-catching period Symbol conversion, with intriguing provenance, and which has benefited from extensive recent mechanical recommissioning. It is reported to be in generally excellent and impressively original condition, and would make a compelling choice for a Land Rover collector.

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