Launched at the Brussels Motor Show in 1970, the Range Rover was actually the world’s second luxury off-road vehicle ever produced.
Pipped to the post only by the Jeep Wagoneer in 1963, the first Range Rover came with optional enhanced trim, permanent four-wheel drive and a beastly 3.5 litre V8 engine.
The Range Rover Classic, originally made by British Leyland, was an innovative combination of utility and iconic styling.
We explore some of the features that make it such an enduring classic car and great driving experience.
The Range Rover V8 engine
Built from aluminium to keep the weight down, the V8 petrol engine could produce 124bhp. While it didn’t win points on fuel economy, it could get up to a top speed of 96mph.
All-wheel drive
A first in British luxury automobile design, the Range Rover Classic had a permanent four-wheel, two-axle drivetrain. Off-road or on-road, the manufacturer’s marketing tagline for the Classic was “a car for all reasons”.
Only three D#doors
The first models off the line had only three doors, rather than the standard five of later models. If you are looking to sell on your Range Rover rebuild project, then the lack of extra doors will add extra value.
Luxury in name only
The luxury label seems to be a misnomer in hindsight. The 1970 Range Rover lacked the level of trim and comfort that other road cars enjoyed at the time.
It was certainly not the luxury we would expect from a 2026 Range Rover. Seats were made of PVC, not stitched leather, there was no air conditioning and the steering was tank-like.
The classic Range Rover silhouette
A boxy, angled shape that defines the design aesthetic was firmly rooted in utility and owed much of its silhouette to the Land Rover. The rectangular front grill, square indicator, brake lights, and perfectly circular headlights add to the effect.
Despite its lack of sporty curves, in 1971 it was displayed as art in the Louvre Museum in Paris for all to admire.
Almost 60 years since launch, the Range Rover has become a car enthusiast’s dream. Its popularity among collectors and as a rebuild project is a testament to the design that won it the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy in 1971.