In 1970, the first version of the “original luxury 4-x4” was released.
Although it’s difficult to believe, the Range Rover luxury SUV is more than 50 years old. It was launched in 1970. The Range Rover was designed as an off-road vehicle for urban families and gentleman hunters. However, it offers more comfort than the Land Rover Series IIA or III, but still has the same off-road capabilities as its corporate counterparts. The company has not made much progress in 50 years so they are building a Range Rover Fifty limited-edition to commemorate that history.
Heritage Art and Modern Canvas
Land Rover refers to the 1970 Range Rover as the “original luxury 4×4” and, although the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer may disagree with this claim, it is hard to deny that the nameplate had a significant influence on the design of modern luxury SUVs. The Range Rover Fifty is available on both the full-size RR with a short wheelbase and a long-wheelbase RR. It will also feature some heritage styling cues.
The Fifty is based on the extravagant Autobiography trim level and features unique Auric Atlas accents (pale-gold) on the grille trim and fender vents. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Creative Officer, designed the “Fifty” script badge that appears throughout both the interior and exterior. Gloss black trim can be used in place of Auric Atlas bits. This looks especially striking on the retro-inspired Tuscan Blue and Bahama Gold exterior colors. Special Vehicle Operations offers the Range Rover Fifty with these colors in very limited numbers. The rest of the Fifty limited edition will be painted Carpathian Grey or Rosello Red, Aruba or Santorini Black.
Land Rover claims that every Fifty headed for the U.S. is powered by a V8 engine of 5.0-liter and 518 horsepower (386-kilowatts). A more powerful version can be found in the SVAutobiography. The limited edition will be available in a limited edition of 1,970 units. Pricing and details are being finalized.
Range Rover History
The first Range Rover “Classic” was launched in 1970. It featured full-time four-wheel driving, a fixed roof and carpets. This was a new idea for an SUV. In 1981, the two-door Range Rover was made available as a four-door model. The first Range Rover introduced many of the models’ signature design features, such as a clamshell roof, floating roof, and fender vents. There is also a split tailgate that can be used for picnics.
The Classic was retired after a 25-year period. It was replaced by the Range Rover “P38A” Range Rover in 1995 (the US model year is 1996). Although the P38’s fender vents were removed, it retained its familiar silhouette with a perfectly horizontal beltline and floating roof. Modernized suspension and chassis systems provided better handling without compromising off-road capabilities.
The third generation Range Rover was introduced in 2003. It featured a carlike monocoque chassis, four-wheel independent suspension with airsprings, and became one of the most comfortable SUVs. The first Range Rover model to be renamed Range Rover Sport was introduced in this era. Both of their siblings were still rugged.
The most technologically advanced Range Rover yet, the 2013 model, was launched. The fourth-generation Range Rover, based on lessons learned from Jaguar’s corporate cousins, was the first SUV with all-aluminum construction. It shaved nearly 1,000 pounds (454 kg) off its predecessor’s curbweight. The sophisticated Autobiography, SVAutobiography models offer plenty of space, luxury and power.
The Range Rover family today includes the flagship SUV and Sport as well as the Range Rover Velar , a subcompact Range Rover Elvoque, and a Range Rover Velar . Each model, like most Land Rover products, offers more capabilities than you might expect from a luxury SUV.