Both the Range Rover and the engine that made it a legendary 4×4 offroader had their origins in the 1950s, but it would not be until 1970 that the two would be brought together.

Despite being an American engine fitted to perhaps the earliest example of what would become a sports utility vehicle, the Range Rover and its V8 engine would be such a perfect couple that it would be used until the latter ended mass production following the collapse of MG Rover.

However, despite being the perfect combination, the Range Rover was not the first car to use the engine. In fact, Rover’s first car with the Rover V8 was not even designed for it.

The Rover P5 began production in 1958, the same year as the first Road Rover prototype, and was initially powered by a three-litre straight-six engine.

As was the case with many Rovers of the era, it was both remarkably luxurious in its design and would continue to be used with few alterations for another decade.

The P5B replaced the Mark III P5, modifying the body slightly in order to feature the slightly larger engine. Despite the slightly heavier weight, the additional 30 horsepower provided significantly better performance as well as fuel economy.

The luxury saloon was remarkably popular amongst royalty and members of parliament, to the point that whilst it is known that the late Queen Elizabeth II considered it one of her favourite cars, it is unknown just how many she used.

From Harold Wilson in 1967 up until Margaret Thatcher at some point in the 1980s, the P5B was the primary vehicle of the Prime Minister, to the extent that the last batch of P5Bs were placed in government storage so they continued to look new even a decade after production ended.

Whilst a capable and powerful engine for luxury cars, this legacy is slightly forgotten due to the success of the Range Rover.