Range Rover is set to celebrate its 40th birthday on June 17 – a milestone for what the company describes as “one of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring”. It’s a bold claim, but one that is not totally unfounded as the establishment of the Range Rover marque was seen by many as the starting point for what is now one of the most hotly contested segments in the automotive world – the luxury SUV segment. “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.” Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.
There have essentially been just three generations of Range Rover since the marque’s inception.
The original Range Rover, known to many as the Classic, kicked things off in 1970 by adding a touch of luxury and on-road ability to the otherwise utilitarian vehicles for which Land Rover was renowned.
In its 25 years on the market, the Classic spawned a number of limited edition variants and distinctive spin-offs, such as the 6×4 Carmichael fire tender.
The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and cemented the Range Rover’s appeal to the public and celebrities alike with a wealth of limited edition models featuring bespoke touches and distinctive details. This model was then replaced by the current model in 2001, by which time the Range Rover had attained something of a benchmark status for the wealth of luxury SUVs that were joining the fold. A second model line, the Range Rover Sport, was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers.
“The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one,” says managing director Phil Popham. “It’s a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car; a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and noways of the world; a high performance car for long distance travel; and a working cross-country vehicle.”
Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than previous models, but it will still offer the luxurious appointments and all-terrain ability for which Range Rover is renowned.
