The iconic Range Rover has been a much-loved luxury four-wheel drive ever since it’s release back in 1970, that’s right, it has just turned the big four zero. Many critics say the Range Rover is the ultimate package and compromise due to it’s comfort, off-road capability and, especially with the later models, on-road stability and sedan-like feel and handling.
Over the years there’s been three different generations of Range Rover. The original Classic – released in 1970 under British Leyland ownership – which used a platform so good it was produced until 1994, although under multiple parent companies – Rover Group (1986 through until 1988) and British Aerospace (1988 through until 1994).
In 1994, BMW bought the rights and with it released an all-new second generation known as the P38A. It was produced from 1994 until 2001. The P38A was available with various engine packages, including a BMW 2,5-litre six cylinder option. There were also improvements made to the original 4,0-litre and 4,4-litre Rover V8s. This model also saw big improvements made to the automatic and manual, height-adjustable air suspension system.
The third and latest generation, known as the L322, was produced from 2001 and is still being produced today. Ford took over the rights of the brand in 2000 until 2008, when Tata Motors bought the rights and currently still holds ownership. Although the Land Rover range has been around for much longer, the rugged utility wagon hasn’t made quite the same impact as the more luxurious Range Rover on an international scale, as Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, describes; “Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched. It is one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring.”
To celebrate its 40th anniversary the company has announced the ultimate incarnation of the current Range Rover, the ‘Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition’.
With a unique finish in ‘Barolo Black’, the exterior features 20-inch alloy wheels, a unique front grille with Titan grille mesh, a bright chrome grille ‘U’ edge and black grille surround. The side vents have a new mesh with bright chrome bars and a black vent surround. There are body coloured door handles and of course, the tailgate badge, ‘Autobiography Black’.
Inside, there’s a choice of the standard colourway in Jet, or two colourways unique to the Autobiography Black – Jet and Ivory, or Jet and Pimento. The Autobiography Black logo is discretely repeated throughout the interior where it is embossed on the rear seat armrest and appears on the four unique, ‘Grand Black’ door veneers. Front door sill tread plates are illuminated with the words ‘Range Rover’ and there’s a half wood Grand Black steering wheel. Petrol models also offer gearknob veneers.
“At the top of the Range, the new Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition offers customers the option of complete exclusivity with unique colourway combinations as well as striking interior and exterior design features. Around 700 will be made, emphasising the exclusivity of this limited edition”, says Design Director, Gerry McGovern.
No detail has been overlooked in ensuring this is the most special Range Rover in the marque’s 40 year history. Even the key fob and driver’s handbook carry the Autobiography Black logo.
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