June 17, 2020 marked the XNUMXth anniversary of the Range Rover, a turning point in the definition of 'luxury off-road vehicle'. This launch took even British manufacturers by surprise, as the Range Rover quickly became a popular product and posed a new challenge to the luxury SUV market.
The origin and inspiration
The concept of the Range Rover originated in the 60s, when Charles Spencer King, Rover's technical director, had the idea to combine a luxury Rover sedan with the off-road capabilities of a Land Rover. Inspired by the growing market for luxury off-road vehicles in the US, such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wagoneer, King and his colleague Gordon Bashford began developing the Range Rover.
From Road Rover to 4WD
The original Road Rover concept was the basis for the Range Rover, but unlike its predecessor, four-wheel drive was chosen, inspired by American competitors. This was a crucial step towards the eventual development of the Range Rover.
The influence of Buick V8
During the development of the Range Rover, the Buick V8 engine was chosen, which ideally suited the philosophy of the vehicle. The combination of this engine with a ladder chassis, rigid axles, disc brakes all around and coil springs laid the foundation for the final design.
Innovation in four-wheel drive
Unlike the Land Rover, which had selectable four-wheel drive, the Range Rover introduced permanent four-wheel drive. This innovation was essential for handling the power and torque of the V8 engine.
The influence of Bache and VELAR on the style and design
Working with Rover's styling department, King and Bashford developed the body of what would become the definitive Range Rover. David Bache played a key role in refining the design. The prototypes, tested under the name VELAR, were crucial in the development towards the production version.
The Range Rover as a status symbol
After its launch in 1970, the Range Rover quickly became popular. Rather than being primarily used off-road, buyers praised the high seating position, rugged looks and driving capabilities. The Range Rover evolved from a luxury off-road vehicle to a status symbol.
A lasting influence
The Range Rover not only defined its own target group, but also inspired many manufacturers in the development of luxury SUVs. Today, the original Range Rover is still considered an innovative style icon and remains an important model in the automotive world.
On the unsurpassed website http://www.aronline.co.uk is a wonderful story to read about the development of the car. One of the nicest anecdotes is that they were working on styling the car, but they wanted to start testing and needed a bodywork. Spen King and Gordon Bashford then cobbled together something quick and temporary and yes… it was actually quite successful. So the actual design, which was worked on under the leadership of David Bache, went into the round steel archive and the “temporary solution” was further developed into what we all know.
I have one, a 2-door. And when I drove it. My jaw will hurt from grinning for at least another 2 days.
Ps, also drive a P38. Drives great, I just have less pain in my jaws.
The English series 'The Avengers' generated good publicity by having the main characters such as Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt) and Purdey (Joanna Lumley) driving around in that Luxury Range Rover.
The only thing good about this one is the engine, GM, Buick
I can agree (a little) with Peter's reaction, both vehicles are extremely purposefully designed, angular, practical, sober but also very characteristic and recognizable for everyone. Oh yes, external hinges on the doors are common on both! For me, the original Rangie is and remains by far the best…. OK, the new one is extremely luxurious as a power strip and undoubtedly drives like a dream, but that's what just about every new car does.
The RR in the article is the first, 2-door model. The vertical grille also appears in the later 4-door version that I own.
This has, among other things, a modified, more extensive dashboard and more luxurious interior, especially. An automatic was also available. Mine is from '85 with a 5-speed gearbox, electric windows and central locking. The P38 was its much more luxurious successor.
Does the version shown, with a vertical grille, before the Classic, actually have a name? After the Classic came the P38?
If I remember correctly, these are referred to as “Suffix A”.
I have always associated this Range Rover model with a much too large Fiat Panda.
The difference is of course that a Range Rover DRIVES neatly through fairly deep water while the Panda DRIVES AWAY on the same fairly deep water 😉
Well, the Range Rover is in a different class!