• Rare 1993 Land-Rover Discovery 1 ‘Rossignol Edition’
• Two desirable Suffix F’ Range Rovers
• Ex-Army Land Rover Series 2a Utility
• Two classic WWII ‘GPW ‘Jeeps’

You could buy a new 4WD, or be the centre of attention in a classic Land-Rover or Jeep.

The advent of the new Land-Rover Defender and the old Defender--inspired Ineos Grenadier have helped push prices of early Land-Rovers higher and brought early four wheel drives back into focus for off-road enthusiasts.

Shannons have a rare 1993 Discovery 1 'Rossignol Edition' V8 Wagon, two desirable Suffix F Range Rovers, an ex-Australian Army Army Series 2a Utility, a 1966 Land Rover Series 2a Utility Trayback in ‘project’ condition and two restored World War II ‘GPWs (Jeeps) in next week’s Timed Online Winter Online Auction that runs from August 15-22.

The 1993 Discovery 1 'Rossignol Edition' V8 is likely to create plenty of interest from collectors, as it is a superb presented example and one of just 200 made.

Originally delivered to Maitland, in the lower Hunter Valley in NSW, this Discovery Rossignol has undergone an extensive restoration which included attention to some minor rust issues, all the rubbers were replaced and it was given a full respray of its original Moritz paintwork.

The unique Rossignol body graphics were also restored, all the and the bumpers power coated. Inside, the beige tweed cloth upholstery was cleaned up, a new dashboard installed and the air-conditioning was refurbished, along with the central locking and all electrics.

Still featuring its original Eurovox radio/cassette player and with a heavy-duty towbar fitted, the Rossignol presents in immaculate condition inside and out, despite 320,000km covered (at the time of cataloguing).

This Land Rover Discovery Rossignol Edition also comes with a pair of skis, a spare generator, two copies of the original Owner’s manual in factory billfolds and a healthy wad of receipts. This is a superb example of a very rare special edition early Land Rover Discovery that is expected to sell in the $10,000-$20,000 range.

The two Range Rover Suffix F two-door wagons in the auction will also create plenty of interest, as one is cosmetically and mechanically recommissioned, while the other is being offered with ‘no reserve’ in ‘project’ condition.

The recommissioned 1980 ‘Suffix’ presents in the classic colour combination of Sahara Dust with a beige interior and for many enthusiasts will rerpresent the ideal classic four-wheel drive wagon.

The current owner has undertaken extensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment in the last 18 months with the intention of making the Range Rover a reliable daily driver,

This work includes having the carburettors overhauled, reconditioning both cylinder heads, fitting new front and rear tail shafts, replacing the rear springs and shock absorbers and fitting a new heavy duty battery.

The interior cosmetics have also been improved, with fresh carpets throughout, new headlining and both front and rear seats re-faced in new vinyl.

Showing 71,025 miles on its odometer, the Range Rover is substantially free of modifications, enhancing its collectability. It is expected to sell for $25,000-$35,000.

The other Suffix F Range Rover is an earlier highly-desirable 1978 model – but an unrestored gem, largely original throughout and crying out for a full restoration to enhance its collectible value..

Australian-delivered by Brysons in South Australia to a retired engineer, the Rangie was dealer fitted with air-conditioning two months later. During its more than 20 years of initial ownership it also acquired electronic ignition, a Holley carburettor and a dual battery isolator, before going to its second owner in June 1999. Today the two-door Range Rover is finished in its original white , but its panel work is straight, and all the body furnishings are in place.

Recent work has included new brake callipers and lines, new rear shock absorbers and refurbished springs. This 1978 Range Rover really is a diamond in the rough, in need of a sympathetic renovation. I t is expected to sell to an enthusiast in the $10,000-$15,000 range.

Other Land Rover aficionados will be eyeing the ex-Australian Army 1972 Land Rover Series 2a Utility that actually served 20 years in the military between September 1971 and September 1991.

Though its generally fine restored condition suggests it might have seen only civilian use, it was purchased by a hard core Land Rover and Australian military enthusiast.

A restoration was started over a 12 month period but remained incomplete, until our vendor purchased it in 2020. At that point the Landie underwent a systematic body-off restoration, followed by a refurbishment on the chassis, suspension, steering and brakes. Now looking ready to be pressed back into action at a moment’s notice, Land Rover is finished in ubiquitous Army Karki green throughout, with washable black vinyl seats and floor mats up front. This ’72 Landie also comes with a box of various spares.

Having been enjoyed for several years, our military Land Rover is now being sold to fund new projects. Ideal for farm use or military display, it could also be a fun recreational weekender.

Now celebrated as an automotive icon, interest in classic Land Rovers is at all-time high, and early examples are fetching record prices around the world, with this fine example expected to sell in the $18,000-$24,000 range.

If you have more time on your hands, there is also a 1966 Land Rover Series 2a Utility Trayback ‘project’ in the auction.

Offered with ‘no reserve, and expected to sell for $10,000 - $15,000 , the vehicle is powered by the model’s reliable Series IIA 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine.

As a stalled ‘father and son’ project, this diesel-powered 1966 Series IIA was destined for restoration locally until circumstances changed. Finished in grey primer, the Australian-delivered Landie is largely complete and starts, however it’s very definitely a ‘project’.

The good news, though, is that it comes with a large cache of new parts and manuals to assist that restoration. Fundamentally straight, the ’66 Land Rover’s panel work looks decent with just a little rust around the front vent flaps. It sits on steel wheels, while out back is a large aluminium tray and underneath, a sturdy towbar mount suggestive of an earlier working life.

Inside, the Series IIA cockpit is rudimentary, with black vinyl trimmed seats in good condition, rubber floor mats and not much else.

Indicating 87,610 miles (at the time of cataloguing), this Land Rover ‘project’ comes handily with a large collection of new parts to assist its restoration including Series IIA glass lens external lights – indicators, sidelights, brake lights and taillights – an ignition switch, a wiring harness and interior light. There’s also a rear bumper, a copy of an original Land Rover Series IIA Workshop manual in a ring bound folder, and two reference books on the model.

Finally there are two restored left hand drive World War II GPWs in the auction – both expected to bring $30,000-$40,000.

The 1943 Ford-built example was used by the Australian Army after the War and then sold to a Longreach farmer. The current owner bought it in 1993 and has always kept it garaged in Brisbane.

The Jeep has been registered continually during this period. It has been used for Anzac parades over the years and has been to Cape York and on trips with the Military Jeep Club up and down the East Coast.

In 2020 it was given a ground-up restoration completed in 2022 using new old stock parts, and it was re-tuned to run on 91-octane petrol.

The other Ford-built GPW is a completely-restored 1944 model that has been in the hands of its owner for 30 years and is presented in US Army livery after being found close to derelict condition.

In good condition throughout, the Jeep also comes with boxes of spares. There are photos of its restoration, plus images of its condition pre-resto and a folder of receipts.

Built for business, the Ford is equipped with a front blackout light, body-mounted shovel and axe, a jerry can and inside an ammo box.

As fun run-around or military display piece, this Ford-built Jeep will undoubtedly prove popular, as Ford-built Jeeps were not as numerous as those from Willys, making them especially desirable.