Okay, so it is not exactly a Range Rover Sport SVR or classic MOTOR material.

But this original 1978 Range Rover marks the first vehicle officially restored by Land Rover’s official Classic division – and that’s a bit cool, and long before SUVs were seen to be.

1978 Range Rover reborn as new

A team has converted this Bahama Gold example back to 1970s specification using original parts, in this case with a 3.5-litre carburettor V8 petrol engine producing 98kW at 5000rpm and 251Nm at 2500rpm, teamed with a four-speed manual and lockable centre differential.

1978 Range Rover engine

Between its 1970 launch and 1981, the Range Rover was made singularly in three-door guise. The five-door version of the vehicle widely acknowledged as the first luxury SUV joined thereafter and continued the first-generation’s long production that ended in 1996.

1978 Range Rover reborn interior

Land Rover Classic can also advise customers of the best used vehicle to purchase and have restored, “In terms of collectability, preferred chassis numbers and unique characteristics.”