VIN (AADD1WV1BRB811759) FORENSICS

A             AFRICA

A             SOUTH

D             AAD (Associated Automotive Distributors (PTY) Ltd)

D             LANDROVER

1             110 WHEELBASE

W            STATION WAGON

V             3.5L V8

1             IMPORT ENGINE

B             R380 GEARBOX

R             1994 YEAR OF MANUFACTURE

B             BLACKHEATH

811759 CHASSIS NUMBER  (see data plate attached above)

 

 

HISTORY

Land Rover UK pre-assembled vehicles and shipped them to the South Africa. Associated Automotive Distributors (PTY) Ltd, then assembled them at their plant based in Blackheath, Cape Province, as can be seen from the data plate.

 

From the 1960s to the late 1990s Land Rover UK shipped ‘knockdown’ kits to AAD for assembly. These were called “Knock Downs” because of the ‘flat pack’ way in which they were shipped from Solihull.

 

Land Rover UK shipped their kits to overseas territories such as South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Spain (Santana) and South America.

 

They did this to :

 

1. Comply with import regulations and to 

2. benefit from lower assembly costs in these territories, 

These builds quality were comparable to the UK in terms of build quality and components.

 

 

DRIVETRAIN
The 3.5-liter aluminum OHV V8 engine descended from the Buick “215” cubic inch (3528cc) engine that Rover used from GM in the mid-Sixties. 

 

This is the same engine fitted to the North American spec defender built between 1993 and 1997.

 

 

The motor is mated to the R380 5-speed box, coupled to an LT230 transfer case, offering permanent 4 wheel drive with high and low ratios with front to rear diff locks.

 

This vehicle is fitted with Multipoint Fuel Injection delivering 136 H.P. @5000 rpm and 189 lb-ft @2500 rpm 

 

The motor is mated to the R380 5-speed box, coupled to an LT230 transfer case, offering permanent 4 wheel drive with high and low ratios with front to rear diff locks, as could be found in the highly desirable Range Rover Classic of that era.

 

 

RESTORATION/REFURBISHMENT

The Vehicle was restored/refurbished by SA LANDROVER HUB in Pretoria, South Africa finished in June 2022 (photos below) before being imported to the US by its then owner. 

  

BG purchased the vehicle in May 2023 from the gentleman who imported the vehicle.

 

These are the things we can see were done to the vehicle:

 

1.Refinish of all exterior panels in the current Grey metallic color

2.Removed engine and refinished frame with black chassis paint.

3.Replaced coil springs and shocks

4.Replaced brakes , u joints 

5.Replaced body bushings

6.Installed new wheels and tires

7.Installed new carpet, leather seats , dash, headliner

8.Installed new Bluetooth double din radio

9.Installed center consoles with subwoofer in rear console

10.Installed a/c unit (under dash)

11.New front and rear bumper with front Brush guard

12.New headlights and taillights

13.New grill

14.Installed Electric window conversion

15.New Roof rack

16.New Spare tire carrier

17.InstalledFront skid plate

18.New Side steps

 

 

A sample of restoration pics are attached.

 

BG has changed the oil and filter this month in prep for sale.

 

The engine starts, idles, and runs well and has no oil leaks or weeps. The five-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly. 

 

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