BUYER’S CHECKLIST

SOME OWNERS SEEKING EXTRA PERFORMANCE REPLACED THE ORIGINAL V8 WITH A 4.4-LITRE VERSION, AS SOLD IN THE LEYLAND P76 AND TERRIER TRUCK

Performance with the 3.5-litre engines feels more spirited from behind the wheel than against the stop-watch. Early manual versions took a leisurely 18 seconds to reach 100km/h while the 112kw Vogue with a fourspeed automatic transmission was timed at a reasonably slick 12.2 seconds. Top speed of the 1970s models was 155km/h, however the later and heavier Vogue could manage just 145km/h. Fuel consumption in the 14 to 18L/100km range is common to all versions. Early manuals can manage 12L/100km at constant highway speeds and the 3.9 auto is typically around 16L/100km, but that can quickly go past 25L/100km in rough going with low-range engaged.

The fuel tank was originally a reasonable 86 litres but was reduced to a barely adequate 76L in four-door models.

Some owners seeking extra performance replaced the original V8 with a 4.4-litre version as sold in the Leyland P76 and Terrier truck. These can be easily modified to produce more than 200kw, but serious offroad enthusiasts caution against using Holleytype

carburettors which don’t perform well in steep terrain.

BUYING

LOW VALUES and high maintenance costs have resulted in stocks of early two-door Range Rovers becoming seriously depleted. By the late-1980s, very good 10- to 15-yearold versions had dropped below $2500 and a reconditioned engine or transmission would cost more than a complete vehicle.

The significant decline in retained values extends to Vogue and early LSE models as well. These generally sell for less than $10,000 and only the best pre-1995 cars will climb past $15,000.

Short-wheelbase models without the more complex suspension are preferable for serious off-road use and have often been modified for improved performance in extreme conditions.

Having set your mind to finding the best early Range Rover available, collective owner wisdom suggests acquiring a tired or mildly damaged one to provide spare parts, you might need them.