1995 Range Rover Classic

First registered in 1995 during the final year of Range Rover ‘Classic’ production, this rare Niagra Grey Metallic example (a colour more commonly seen on the succeeding P38 model) was purchased in 2005 by the vendor, and was in regular, near-daily use for a number of years, covering around 5-6,000 miles per year.

In more recent years, this use has been curtailed somewhat, as the vendor could see value trends for these Range Rover changing, and it was subsequently used much more sparingly.

Interestingly, the vendor notes that when purchased in 2005, the previous owners were listed on the V5 document, and the first owner was - apparently Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet! [insert 'Gold' joke here]

Garaged throughout the vendor’s ownership as part of his extensive Land Rover collection in a 20,000sq ft warehouse, this ‘Classic’ has largely been maintained by the vendor and his team of mechanics, meaning that whilst paperwork is thin on the ground (more on that in a moment), the following works have been carried out whilst in the vendors care:

- Replacement Alloy upper tailgate

- New rear window rubbers

- Back-end bushes

- Brake pad and calliper replacement

- All brake lines replaced

- New alternator and battery

- New water pump

- New roof lining

- Oil/fuel filter changes

Alongside the above, the vehicle has also been converted to LPG (with the tank in the boot) and has been fitted with an immobiliser system for added security. The troublesome air-suspension system has also been swapped out for conventional coil springs to improve reliability (thereby rendering the controls in the cabin obsolete) though all the required parts to undo this conversion are included with the sale of the vehicle.

The vendor notes that the instrument binnacle was changed during his ownership (with the original clocks included) and the true mileage of the vehicle is in the region of 180,000 miles.

Finished in the rare shade of Niagra Grey Metallic, the vendor admits that the paintwork has seen better days and states that if he were to keep the vehicle, the paint and bodywork would be the next thing on his ’to-do’ list.

That said, there doesn’t appear to be any accident damage visible on the vehicle. The bodywork itself also appears largely straight, with the only evidence of any work being carried out showing itself on the rear quarter panels/boot panel, which are a different colour compared to the rest of the vehicle, as seen in images 83, 88 and 103.

Elsewhere, the paintwork has succumbed to the passage of time, with some wear visible on the panels. We also noted a number of very small patches of bubbling in the paintwork, and some typical age-related marks, chips and scratches in keeping with the vehicle’s overall condition and mileage.

Both lower headlight units (below the indicators) show signs of water ingress, though this doesn’t appear to affect their operation.

All four wheels are in good condition, having benefitted from a refurbishment. 4 matching tyres with plenty of tread are fitted to this Range Rover.

Inside, the cabin is beginning to show its age in places and has evidently been much enjoyed throughout its lifespan.

The seats, for example, wear plenty of signs of life, including creases, scratches (particularly visible on the driver’s seat and rear seat bases), bolster wear and a slight dulling to the overall finish, commensurate for a well-used Range Rover.

Up above, the headlining has been replaced during the vendor’s ownership and presents very well, though the electric sunroof is inoperable.

Elsewhere in the cabin, areas the high-traffic areas such as the shifter, carpets, mats, door cards, inner door sill plates and steering wheel wear a commensurate usage patina consistent with a high-mileage vehicle such as this, and there is wear visible to the wood veneer trims.

The main binnacle/trim for the instrument panel has come loose, and rattles when the car is driven.

In the rear, the boot/load bay is worn, and the nearside catch for the upper tailgate does does lock securely.

During our inspection, we noted that - in addition to the inoperable sunroof mentioned above - the driver’s electric seat adjustment is broken, one of the direction toggles for the central air vents has snapped off, the nearside rear window sticks/is slow to operate, the seat heating appears to be inoperable, the rev counter is broken, and the electronic mirror adjuster is broken. The air suspension buttons are redundant on account of the aforementioned coil spring conversion.

Under the bonnet, the venerable Rover 3.9-litre engine presents in well-used condition, though it benefits from significant works at the hands of the vendor and his dedicated team of mechanics.

Looking closely, there are signs of oil misting around the block and the intake, along with other signs of wear and general grime/detritus and other commensurate wear for a vehicle of this age.

During our time with the vehicle and after a new battery, it behaved admirably, starting easily, driving well and idling happily, with the uprated Kenlowe fans kicking in as they should.

We also noted a tapping noise that sounds like it’s coming from the exhaust/underneath the vehicle, which gradually quietened as the car warmed up. The owner believes this to be a slight blow on the manifold.

The chassis/underside looks to have been extensively protected over the years and presents in good condition throughout with no signs of any obvious issues.

The most recent MoT exam took place on 05 August 2022, resulting in a first-time pass with advisories for an oil leak and a failed offside registration plate lamp.

This Range Rover Classic comes with a UK V5 Registered Keepers document showing 7 former keepers, and a HPi report.

It should be noted that the change in ownership in 2012 (shown on the V5) was the vendor changing ownership into the hands of the family farm, as opposed to a ‘bona fide’ new keeper, and the car has been in the vendor’s possession since 2005 as stated.

A true design classic and one with deep-running enthusiast support networks, it’s no wonder that the Range Rover remains as popular to this day as it did when launched, with Classic models being among the most desirable for marque enthusiasts.

Offered for sale with NO RESERVE and an estimate of £7,000 to £11,000 this example would benefit from some TLC to bring it back to its best but would appear to be solid in all the right places. The owner admits this is not a concours vehicle, but it is far from worn out, and represents tremendous value at this price.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.