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Land Rover Range Rover Classic (1970 - 1995)

FINEST FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 191

There may be a newer-looking Range Rovers around these days but that isn't to say that the original first generation version, with its familiar boxy shape, doesn't still have its supporters. In fact, it's still going strong - on the used market. The original Spen King-designed Range Rover was one of the British Motor Industry's proudest success stories. When it went out of production at the end of 1995, it still looked as fresh and forward thinking as it did back in 1970 when one was exhibited in the Louvre as an example of modern sculpture. The car was renamed the Range Rover Classic when the MKII model was introduced in the Autumn of 1994, but demand continued even then. This was a car that had real international appeal. It sold in markets as diverse as Japan and the USA, Canada and Australia - and demand usually exceeded supply. Well over 300,000 Range Rovers had rolled off the production lines by the time this legendary model was laid to rest; the final one off the line is now part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection at Gaydon in Warwickshire.

Modelsword count: 69

Models Covered: First generation Range Rover - 1970-1995 (3.5 8cy Station Wagon [Vogue EFi, Vogue EFi SE] / 3.9 8cy Station Wagon [Vogue, Vogue SE, Classic Vogue, Classic Vogue SE] / 4.2 8cy Station Wagon [Vogue LSE, Classic Vogue LSE] / 2.4 TD Station Wagon [Turbo D, Vogue Turbo D] / 2.5 TD Station Wagon [Turbo D, Vogue Tdi, Vogue SE Tdi, Classic Vogue Tdi, Classic Vogue SE Tdi])

Historyword count: 206

After the car was launched in 1970, it took Leyland Cars (subsequently BL and later to become Rover Group) some time to realise what a good thing they had. The problems of the company at the time meant that build quality was indifferent. Nevertheless, such was the Range Rover's appeal that it quickly established a reputation for itself, first with wealthier members of the farming community, then, slowly, with those in the towns. Original cars were powered by Rover's ubiquitous 3.5-litre V8 and, later, by a 2.4-litre Italian VM turbo diesel engine. At the end of `89, the 3.5 gave way to a catalysed 3.9-litre V8 and the turbo diesel was uprated to 2.5-litres. A 4.2-litre long wheelbase model was added at the end of 1992 and the Discovery Tdi engine replaced the VM motor in January 1993. In March 1994, there was finally a new dashboard with twin airbags (using a lot of components from the Discovery's new facia) and that facelifted Discovery's redesigned 300 Tdi turbo diesel engine replaced the earlier unit. The new-shape MKII model was introduced in 1994 but the original-shape models, now badged Classic, continued on for a year or so and you'll find them on plates as late as 95N.

What You Getword count: 100

The world's finest 4x4. Only the latest Range Rover can match the earlier car's all-round off-road abilities. What differentiates the Range Rover from its Japanese competitors? In a word, style (which the Orientals never had) and wheel articulation. Off the road, you could drive a Range Rover over obstacles that would leave Shoguns and Troopers bottoming out, wheels spinning hopelessly. As everyone knows, you also get a car that can take you to the highest peak or through the deepest bog, then, via the car wash, to the ballet on the same day, parking without disgrace alongside Jaguars and Mercs.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
60%
Handling
50%
Comfort
70%
Space
60%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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