serial number plate on transmission says range rover?

[masonater]

On top of the transmission housing right in front of the shift lever is a plate with model and serial numbers. I thought it was because it had been covered in oil for 40 years that it was so clean but when i decided to read it today i noticed it said land rover genuine parts...range rover? I have a 1970 ex mod 109. Does this mean it has been replaced at some point in its life? I'm pretty sure range rovers were not even a thought in 1970.

[TSR53]

Quite possibly...

YVB 151H was the very first 1970 production Range Rover.

http://www.peterstoys.com/RRoverno1/yvb151h.jpghttp://www.peterstoys.com/range-rover-no1.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_Rover_Classic

[rwollschlager]

On top of the transmission housing right in front of the shift lever is a plate with model and serial numbers. I thought it was because it had been covered in oil for 40 years that it was so clean but when i decided to read it today i noticed it said land rover genuine parts...range rover? I have a 1970 ex mod 109. Does this mean it has been replaced at some point in its life? I'm pretty sure range rovers were not even a thought in 1970.

The range rover should have had the Lt95 and not the series transmission, if I'm not mistaken. So possibly yours has a special stamp or cast uncommonly seen due to rarity or the amount of oil covering up all the others.

-Rob

[Jeff Aronson]

As noted by Thompson, the Range Rover first hit the dealerships in 1970. A "road rover" had been under consideration, design, and planning since the late 1950's.

Jeff