Description

There’s a certain magic to early Range Rovers. The clean lines, the slim pillars, the sense of air and light, and that unmistakable upright stance—capable yet unpretentious. But while the earliest models carry unmatched charm, their primitive driving dynamics and rust-prone architecture often limit real-world usability. This is where a Range Rover like the one offered here rewrites the rules.

Offered for sale by Kingsley Cars, this 1990 3-door Range Rover Classic blends the most desirable early design cues with the mechanical sophistication and reliability of a later chassis.

It might seem like an unconventional approach to build a ‘fast-road’ Range Rover, but the commissioner of this build is more than a little exacting. With a firm belief that ‘old is gold’, but with an appreciation that old mechanics might not be quite so polished, the resulting outcome offers the perfect blend. A Range Rover with true off-road capability, authentic vintage looks, and serious engineering credentials beneath the skin.

The Build: A Marriage of Form and Function
At first glance, this is a textbook early Range Rover—the model many regard as the purest expression of the original concept. The body has been backdated to replicate the look of a 1973 model, complete with original steel bumpers and the fabulous, purest profile.

Beneath the classic façade lies the far superior chassis from a 1990 model. Stronger, stiffer, and far more corrosion-resistant, and since undersealed and wax-oiled to ensure long-term protection and rigidity far beyond what was possible in the 1970s.

The most transformative upgrade lies under the bonnet. The factory 3.5-litre V8 has been replaced by a 4.6-litre unit, rebuilt by none other than JE Engineering—an authority on Rover V8 tuning. With 287bhp on tap and a significant increase in low-end torque, this engine makes the car feel effortlessly muscular across all conditions. Crucially, the engine has seen just 3,000 miles since its rebuild, offering years of performance yet to come.

Ensuring upgrades were carried out across the driveline, this example saw the replacement of the original LT95 transmission, with power now sent through a five-speed ZF manual gearbox with synchromesh. An unexpectedly precise shift is granted, with the new found smoothness delivering on refinement.
All mechanical work, including suspension and drivetrain, was entrusted to Graham Hope of Vitesse Engineering. With more than 35 years of hands-on experience working on classic British off-roaders, Hope’s input brings a depth of knowledge and reliability to the build that few others could match.

Ride and Handling: Built to Drive
The chassis has been equipped with a bespoke eight-damper suspension system—yes, two dampers per corner—allowing the car to adapt between supple off-road comfort and taut, composed on-road performance. A driving experience unlike many of its peers; the advanced nature of this setup eliminates uncertainty on the road, a trait usually caused by dive under braking or lateral wallow. Jumping behind the wheel of this Range Rover and you’ll immediately notice the extraordinary and surprising composure when pressing on, delivering fast-road handling without sacrificing its trail-ready DNA. And then there's the noise: that glorious V8, delivers a rich, guttural soundtrack through a bespoke exhaust system—equal parts thunderous and refined, the kind of mechanical symphony that makes every gear change a moment to savour.

Interior: Tailored Craftsmanship
Inside, the experience is elevated further still. The cabin was retrimmed by Auto Audio, one of the UK’s most respected specialists, known for their bespoke work on luxury and performance vehicles. The seats, door cards and headlining are finished in a combination of Tan Connolly leather and Navy Blue Alcantara—materials fit for most luxurious and sporty supercars. The result is a cabin that feels inviting, luxurious and bespoke, without sacrificing the rugged charm of the original design. A Moto-Lita steering wheel adds a final period-correct flourish, while a bespoke £3,000 audio system with subwoofers ensures modern-day usability. Whether your soundtrack is Vivaldi or the V8, the delivery is exceptional.

Provenance and Perspective
The car forms part of a significant private collection and has clearly been built to an exceptional standard, with attention to detail that far surpasses the sum of its parts. From the meticulous selection of individual contributing suppliers, to the holistic and thorough approach to mechanical upgrades, few cars offer the same level of execution. From the cohesive selection of materials to the mechanical refinements, it is a vehicle that bridges the divide between classic and contemporary in a way that few Range Rovers ever have.

A Rare Opportunity
For those who admire the timeless design of the early three-door Range Rover but want performance, refinement and usability without compromise, this is a truly rare opportunity. It's a car that respects the past while embracing the present—delivering everything enthusiasts love about the original, with none of the drawbacks. Elegantly optioned in Tuscan Blue over tan, this example is ready to be used and enjoyed immediately.

Not restored by Kingsley Cars, but offered with their endorsement, this exceptional build is available now for viewings and enquiries.