1991 Range Rover CSK

To mark the huge success and the 20th anniversary of the model, Land Rover launched the limited edition Range Rover CSK named in honour of Charles Spencer King, the man who designed the original Range Rover. The CSK was intended primarily to publicise the new anti-roll suspension and was promoted as a sportier Range Rover with only 200 numbered examples produced. This special Range Rover featured a number of modifications improving both performance and passenger comfort and was the fastest production Range Rover ever built at that time, with a chipped version of the 3.9 litre V8 engine developing 185bhp. The increase in performance is complemented by improved handling at high speeds and Land Rover had introduced front and rear anti-roll bars and sports dampers, to give a smoother, more comfortable ride on normal roads. The stunning Beluga Black paintwork is contrasted with chrome bumpers and silver pinstripe coach lines whilst discrete silver CSK logos are positioned on both front wings and one on the lower tailgate. The elegant CSK lettering on the sides of the scuttle panel supposedly represents Spen King's signature, but his bank probably wouldn't honour any cheque with this scrawled across it. The great man confessed some years ago that he had to write his initials in three or four different ways before Land Rover stylists found a version they liked.

This prime example, No. 190, has benefited from huge expenditure over recent years. Bought by our vendor in 2012 from the gentleman classic car dealer, Graeme Hunt of Kensington, who had chosen to have it bare metal resprayed prior to the sale. During our vendor's ownership, the car was re-trimmed in Tan quilted leather that beautifully complements the gleaming Beluga Black paintwork. A programme of works amounting to over £5,000 was undertaken at the same time to ensure this CSK was the best example around. This work included a full rebuild of the engine (machined cylinder block and heads, rebuilt rocker shaft assembly, new camshafts and valve gear etc), and a stainless steel exhaust and manifold. Although showing an odometer reading of a shade over 120,000 miles this car is in superb order, with less than 3,000 miles covered since the works were completed and is the proud possessor of a fresh MoT.

The history file boasts a service record with stamps from the first complementary dealer service up until 80,000 miles, numerous service invoices for the miles covered up to the current reading, original CSK books, and a rare period brochure. At this guide price, and in this condition, this CSK offers the very best of both worlds and a rare opportunity to own a car that has Charles Spencer King's name all over it.