In the mid-1960s, Graham Bannock, who worked in Rover’s marketing department, made a research about then current off-road vehicle market. It became clear that the market for Land Rovers designed for military and agricultural use was stable, but more and more families wanted a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle for towing a boat or caravan or for overlanding adventures in challenging conditions.

Bannock presented his idea to Charles Spencer King, who was responsible for the design of new vehicles. Gordon Bashford, who had been responsible for the chassis design of all Rover cars since 1945, was brought in.

It was clear from the start that the SUV would be built on a separate ladder frame, but instead of leaf springs, the car would have a modern and comfortable coil suspension. Spencer King had tried off-roading with various competitors' products. Initially, the new car was planned to be equipped with Rover's three-liter straight-six, but off-road experience confirmed the idea that the V8 purchased from Buick would be the right choice, especially for the American market.

The first luxury SUV with permanent four-wheel drive was born, and production of the first generation Range Rover continued until 1995.

This early Range Rover Suffix A, first registered in 1972, has been used by four families and its ownership history is known from the start.

The car was sold new to Finland in Leppävirta, Northern Savo and first registered to an owner named A.Roiviainen. The first owner kept the car for 13 years until he sold it to the Ansela brothers in Kuopio, Finland in 1985. The next owners were father and son M. & J. Mäkimartti from Keminmaa. We also reached out to these owners, who remember the car well from the 23 years of ownership. The car was then transferred from them to M.Heinä in 2008, who got the car, preserved in extraordinary good original condition, restored. Range Rover served their family in regular hobby driving for 18 years.

We bought the Range Rover from M. Heinä in early 2026.

During 2026, the car was serviced and comprehensively refurbished, respecting its originality:

The ignition parts of the engine were renewed and the carburetors were disassembled, overhauled and adjusted. The engine oils and filters were changed. The transmission, transfer case, and rear oils were renewed and the chassis parts were greased. The coolants and brake and clutch fluids were renewed.

The exhaust system's middle and rear silencers were renewed and the brakes were overhauled. The springs and shock absorbers were renewed.

In extraordinary good original condition preserved chassis and body were hot-washed underneath and the chassis was lightly sandblasted and the entire chassis was protected with waxy protection.

The interior upholstery was renewed in the original Palomino shade and Kit Kat shapes, including the seat cushions. The floor mats, center tunnel mat, and all interior upholstery panels were renewed. The dashboard, steering wheel, and control switches are still original and intact. The seat frames, engine compartment, and trunk were painted.

The body paint was polished and treated with a ceramic coating. The car was repainted in the original Lincoln Green shade by the previous owner and the paintwork is still in really impressive condition despite very minor mistakes.

The Range Rover runs great, the refined burble and gentle torque of the Rover V8 are still there. The transmission works perfectly. The car is really comfortable and good to drive.

Registered as a historic vehicle, Mot/Tüv inspection valid until 08/2028.

The car is located in Vantaa – 25 minutes from Helsinki–Vantaa Airport. Views by appointment.

Worldwide shipping with generous rates.