1987 Range Rover Vogue V8 3.5 EFi - Manual

Background:

The original and still arguably the best, the Range Rover Classic is a pukka collector’s classic, having progressed from ‘comfy Series Land Rover’ to luxurious go-anywhere transport for Princes and (relative) paupers.

Spen King’s masterpiece not only created an entire market on launch in 1969, it sired generation after generation of SUVs of all sizes and shapes, aping the space, comfort and versatility of the original. There’s barely an auto-maker on the planet who doesn’t owe Rover designer King and engineer Gordon Bashford a massive debt of thanks.

In 1984, the Range Rover underwent a number of upgrades, Lucas fuel injection replacing carbs on the all-alloy 3.5-litre V8, boosting power to 155bhp while also aiding economy. Leather upholstery was available, as was an automatic gearbox. For 1986, a number of safety-related items were incorporated into a facelift, along with a raft of other improvements under the skin.

The car:

This outstanding survivor is a real rarity – in a number of ways. Firstly, it boasts the ultra-rare and desirable combination of the 3.5-litre V8 with Efi linked to a manual gearbox. By this stage, Rangies were most frequently specced with an automatic gearbox, for easy cruising, so a low-mileage manual is like hens’ teeth.

But this is no poverty-spec model, it boasts full Vogue interior trim, the top level available, with excellent grey velour interior including factory air conditioning. The Kenwood radio has a wired-in Sony Discman CD player – it could hardly be more ‘80s!

Resplendent with unusual and elegant Cassis Red coachwork, plus excellent Vogue alloys, the car benefits from factory option side steps and bull bars, with a tow bar.

Supplied new by Wadham Stringer in Guildford in July 1987, this fine example has covered a documented 67,962 miles. The original owner cherished the car until he passed away in 2004 and it remained in dry storage for almost two decades before being purchased from the first owner’s estate and overhauled and recommissioned in more recent times. The car was bought last year by a private collector but due to lack of use and a change in direction for his collection, the car is now back on the market.

The history file includes owner’s manuals in a Range Rover wallet, a large file of old MOTs, a service book stamped to 2004, when the original owner passed away, a Haynes Manual and British Motor Heritage certification, among much more.

Summary:

A nicely preserved, low-mileage, two previous owners, EFi V8 manual Range Rover Vogue, which ticks a lot of boxes and is excitingly offered without reserve. Grab it while you can, you’re unlikely to find another.

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional

Location: Hertfordshire