1982 Range Rover Monteverdi
Very rare opportunity to obtain an original Monteverdi running restoration project - this is not just your normal 4 door Range Rover it is a piece of history -
For anyone not aware These vehicles were made under license from Land Rover. First seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980. They were then launched onto the Uk market at the International Motor Show at the NEC in October and were only to be available through a selected limited number of dealers.
The 3 door version had been selling like hot cakes since the launch, so why would you think a change would be required. However, the idea had already been on the drawing board at Land Rover since 1972 but never made it into production. The initiative of a small Swiss manufacture, Monteverdi, served as the a full-scale test for Land Rover.
Land Rover and Monteverdi began to collaborate in 1978, and produced the first prototype in 1979.
Sent directly from the factory in Solihull to Fissore in Italy. It is at the Italian coach builders that the transformation is carried out, without changing the length or the wheelbase of the Range Rover 3 doors which serves as the base vehicle. They recieved some small minor aesthetic modifications, but above all a more luxurious interior. All models produced were distributed by the Land Rover network, and included the in-house warranty!
The vehicle was such a success that Land Rover decided to launch its own version in 1981. An "official" version that unfortunately signed the death warrant of the "Italian-Swiss" version. In total, the production figures are unclear: the most commonly accepted figure is that of 167, but some say 300 vehicles. In any case, this vehicle is an extremely rare example.
This car now needs restoring to its former glory, we have had it running and driving recently. The last Mot expired in 2012.
The Engine burst into life easily (did require a direct power to the starter motor solenoid) the engine is thought to be a later 3.9 or 4.0 unit (recorded on the logbook as 3982cc) running an electronic ignition and twin stromberg carburettors. Seems to run ok although has a slightly noisy water pump /alternator ? or similar noise from the front of the engine that would need investigating, the Exhaust system is stainless with tubular manifolds and appears in good shape. It has an LPG system fitted but I haven’t tested this.
4 speed manual transmission, Clutch operates fine and it goes through all the gears and hi / lo ratio works ok. Brakes are spongy - suspect a pipe leaking somewhere, handbrake operation ok and power steering is working.
Amazingly all the lights and most of the electrics work - only the front wipers didn’t operate, heater blower works although it’s noisy and the aircon seems to operate with pump and pipe work all present. Rare aircon dash as seen and original “cubby” box centre console.
All correct Monterverdi parts are present including badges , unique dash clock cowl and original seat coverings (utilises the 2 door type rear seat) very interesting car as none of the side glass / doors are the same as your normal 4 door.
Obviously requires plenty of body work including repairs to doors and bonnet , will need welding repairs to front foot wells and I’m sure there will be other bits but the main chassis and bulkhead are good. surprisingly the top and bottom tailgates look very good most likely having been replaced in the past. Original early steel bumpers which would repaint ok , rear lamp lenses with black edges are in very good shape given their age.
Logbook is present along with copy’s of old logbook and lots of invoices / history with old mots.
To be transported away not road worthy! May possibly px with cheaper classic car ?