At the end of March, Classic Car Auctions will hold a no-reserve auction for a 1980 Range Rover Classic thought to have belonged to the one and only Bob Marley. Take note of the word “without reservation.” We’re not talking about Mr Bean’s immaculately kept Integrale, here. This dingy old Rangie is crying out for some tender loving care.
When it was discovered that “Robert Nesta Marley” was written on the original registration document, it appeared that the legendary musician owned the vehicle. Originally Masai Red, the Rangie is a unique mixture of black, green and blue – said to be painted by some of Marley’s kids.
This particular Range Rover isn’t in the best condition and has the appearance of an ex-stunt car. Even though it only has 62,000 or so miles on it, the engine is hidden in pieces in the back of the three-door vehicle rather than being in the engine bay. Hence, ideal material for restoration. The folk and reggae star, who is believed to have bought the car around the time “Redemption Song” came out, was touring in support of his last studio album, Uprising, with his band the same year that the Range Rover was introduced.
Before Bob Marley’s untimely death at the age of 36, the Classic, reportedly one of two Rangies owned by the singer, was regularly ferrying between Jamaica and Britain after being shipped from Birmingham, UK to Germany, Germany, and Jamaica.
A Series 3 truck from 1976 was the other. It was fully restored after being found in 2015.
“We are delighted to be offering this ex-Bob Marley Range Rover at public auction,” said Simon Langsdale of Classic Car Auctions. “This unique opportunity to purchase not only an early suffix example, but one with history linked to the legendary reggae star – I am sure it will attract huge interest.
“Fully restored examples have sold for as much as £130,000 in recent years, but with a celebrity link that can add up to 20 per cent in value so this is a great investment option. For a true Bob Marley fan who is also a petrolhead, owning this Range Rover will be something beyond price and is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Marley’s Rangie will return quite romantically to its birthplace when it is auctioned off at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on March 26 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Source: https://www.topgear.com/
