The first-ever Range Rover was no ordinary vehicle. Not only was the Classic the first four-wheel-drive SUV, but it eventually became the first four-door vehicle of its kind, starting the 4×4 era.

Nowadays, the 4×4 SUV is ubiquitous, but this was not the case in the early years of Land Rovers. It soon became the norm for Series Land Rovers to be four-wheel drive vehicles, but Range Rover took things a step further.

Launched in 1969 but officially available from 1970, the Range Rover Classic was exceptional in several ways, with its four-wheel drive standing out as being the first time an SUV had been permanently equipped this way.

What Engines Were Used In The Range Rover Classic?

Anyone rebuilding a Classic may note that the Range Rover engine in use changed, too. The original was the 3.5-L Rover Carburettor, but in 1984, this was superseded by 3.9 L and 4.21 L versions with direct fuel injection.

During its time, three diesel units were inserted:

• • The Italian 2.4 L VM Unit with an unusual cylinder

• • The 200 TDi Land Rover unit

• • The 300 TDi Land Rover unit

Your choice of Engines is not the only thing to consider when revamping a Range Rover Classic. Other notable features to consider include:

• • The doors, with the Classic starting as a two-door vehicle until the four-door version emerged in 1981

• • Anti-lock brakes, which were first used in 1989

• • Electronic traction control and automatic air suspension, both introduced in 1990

Because the Classic was produced until 1996, it represents a lengthy period of Range Rover history, encapsulating the first quarter of a century in which a range of further developments supplemented the initial four-wheel drive innovation.

In doing so, a car not originally designed for the Luxury market became exactly that, paving the way for future Range Rovers.

This also means that as an enthusiast, you have plenty of choices of features and engines when revamping a ground-breaking first-generation Range Rover.