Winning bid
£25,000

1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Softdash 'Restomod'

Highlights

  • Apple Airplay
  • Late edition LWB Soft dash Classic
  • Excellent condition throughout
  • Over £13,000 spent over the last three years

The Background

As only the second design to have come out of the Land Rover stable, the original Range Rover caused a sensation when unveiled to the public in 1970. By today's standards, the concept seems so obvious - dual off-road and on-road abilities with a luxurious cabin. As the Range Rover developed, so did the company's aspirations. By the time the last of the original designs left the production line in 1994, the Range Rover was still an impressive proposition despite the host of imitators and it is still held in high regard as an able luxury off-roader.
As one of the last models of the Classic Range Rover, this 1994 Long wheelbase version has to be considered the pinnacle of the model. With a potential 200 horses of power to be coaxed out the 4.2-litre V8, Tom Walkinshaw Racing designed ‘Brooklands’ body kit, Cyclone alloy wheels and the sumptuous Sorrel Beige leather and walnut veneer interior, this well kept and cherished example with a excellent service history has a few more hidden delightful treats, which simply enhances this British design classic. 

The History

The owner is best described as a connoisseur of finely bred British classics cars, and when he describes the Range Rover as an off-road Bentley, one would have to conclude that he knows what he’s talking about! Inspired by a formative impression of Patrick Macnee's Range Rover in 'The New Avengers', the owner added the car to his stable four years ago and decided to enhance the car further, resulting in £13,000 pounds worth of renovations and some rather sensible interior driver aids - more of which are detailed below. 

These professionally installed features compliment the Range Rover's air of decadence with a dash of contemporary technology. During the warmer and dryer months of the year, the car is kept in a private underground garage; but, due to family obligations that necessitate year-round travel, he has replaced the car with a more contemporary Range Rover. 

We conclude the round-up with the owner mentioning that he is very confident to literally jump in the car and travel long distances with no negative feedback from the experience. 

The Paperwork

The car comes with a good body of invoices, with documents from its previous owner with includes new lambda sensors, a starter motor, power steering and inlet manifold work. The work under the current owner's watch covers the usual maintenance and servicing costs such as a new drive belt, pulley tensioner, anti-roll bar bushes, aircon refill, tailgate repair, magnecor leads, a new vacuum pump and a full set of air suspension springs. However, it's the unique cabin aspect of the car, that makes this car truly unique. 

The interior has been treated to a new Alcantara headlining fitted by Blackbrook, a professionally fitted reversing camera with a built-in screen integrated into the rearview mirror, solar-powered tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system and a fitted rear USB charger. The entertainment system has been completely overhauled and is fitted with an Apple Airplay integrated into a Pioneer motorised head-unit, with new upgraded speakers and sub-woofer. 

Finished off by a  full set of bespoke polypropylene edged passenger and boot mats made by a rug specialist, the exterior has also been treated to a professional respray in 2021 as a final touch. The car also has a positive servicing record, with service booklet stamps up to 77,000 and invoices for subsequent work. The last service was carried out in June 2021 and has an MOT to July 2022. In addition, the car also comes with a spare engine block. It is believed to be the original unit which was replaced at 106,000 miles.

The Interior

The first impressions of the interior are very positive, with its lavish appeal still intact with a faint aroma of the Sorel hide enhancing the privileged cabin experience. The leather seats have resisted time rather well, with just minimal signs of wear noted. All retain their firmness and are free from any damage. The front items have seen recently replaced heater elements courtesy of Nationwide Autotrim. The carpets are in very good shape and have clearly been spared any form of countryside jaunts. The car has set bespoke mats, which are recent items. 
The ‘soft’ dashboard and facia are in good condition, with no suggestions of wear or damage on the plastics or leather. The centre console veneer shows minor signs of age, particularly around the switches but that is the extent of the issues. The owner has also replaced the centre console cubby box lid with a leather padded item to improve comfort. The dials and controls are in good condition, and all are said to function, including the air-conditioning which blows icy-cold and the heated front screen elements which continue to make short work of any potential frost. The gear lever and steering wheel show minor signs of wear but not enough to distract the overall pleasing interior condition.
The door cards are in good shape, with finishing suggesting careful use, with no scuffs and near-perfect cappings. The plush Alcantara headlining is in excellent condition, with the rest of the cabin plastics and fittings all suggesting careful ownership profiles. The boot materials and lining are in excellent condition, with no signs of heavy use let alone a pair of muddy wellies. 

The Exterior 

The structure of the car is in a pleasingly solid state, with the all-important steel chassis looking good. The body mounts, crossmember, inner wheel arches, boot floor and sills are solid with no signs of immediate issues. As a good measure to help retain the good condition of the chassis and underside, the current owner has treated them with Dinitrol ‘Extreme’ which has been ably applied by CSK of Hoddesdon. 

The aluminium body panels are in very good order, with no issues regarding panel fit or any significantly abnormal panel gaps. They all fit flush and are free from any damage. All doors open and close freely, with no obstructions of straining to the hinges or struts - the boot hatch and tailgate, in particular, have seen work to ensure that they close and lock properly. 

The wheel arches are in excellent shape, with no other blemishes noted on the lower panels of the body, strongly suggesting that any off-roading has been limited to just neatly trimmed lawns...
To give an idea of the previous owner's regards to the car, the bespoke Derwent Green paint finish was applied to the car to match his Aston Martin. The current owner retained the colour when he resprayed the car last year courtesy of Classic and Customs of Penn Street. As a result, the finish has been completed to a high standard, with no significant chips, marks or damage observed on the car. The paint quality has a lush lustre and has been evenly applied throughout with no suggestions of overspray or poor masking. 
The exterior trim is complete, with the owner replacing the original matt pillar vinyl with a new glossy painted finish. The bumpers are level and in excellent shape, with no scuffs or damage, with the chrome trim intact. All of the glass is in tip-top shape, with no damage or lamination damage, with their respective rubber seals all in good condition. All of the lights and lenses are in good condition too. 

The Goodyear tyres are in a well above legal state, all dating from 2015 with plenty of life left in them with no uneven wear. The sought-after Cyclone alloy wheels are free from damage, with perhaps the slightest signs of age in places. The car has a tow bar fitted, but the current owner has not used it as a towing vehicle. A minor detail perhaps, but a replica of the 4.2 LSE rear badge decal will also come with the car, as the final finishing touch.

The Mechanics 

The car has seen a new engine block, due to the previous one suffering from a porous affliction. Since then the engine has bedded in nicely having only completed around 20,000 miles. It is complemented by a custom-made full stainless steel exhaust system which gives the car a pleasing tone when on the move. More recently it has its fuel lines stripped along with a new fuel filter and fuel pump, which along with new magnicore leads. 

These allow the car to start up seamlessly as ably demonstrated during the cold start. The engine presentation is positive, with all of the ancillaries, hoses and wiring supporting its well-maintained condition. Once fired up the engine ticks over well, with no undulations and no signs of fluid seepage. A quick check inside suggests that all is well with the engine temperature and oil pressure, with no warning lights evident during any stage. 

A drive along the B-roads highlights the high centre of gravity which obviously excludes it from the racing circuit, but it will happily cruise at an indecent pace on the motorway for hours. That said, it is sprightly around the gentle curves and can be piloted with reward. The air suspension is compliant having seen new airbags and all-round shock absorbers with new rear upper bushes. As expected, they soak up the ruts and poorly maintained roads very well, with no creaking or thumping coming from the wheels. 

In addition, the air suspension also operates perfectly when the car is stationary, resetting itself when the engine is switched off. The brakes are in excellent working order, with no drama noted during their operation, the steering is precise with no vibration or juddering under duress. The gearshift is slick with no slippage. 

Other points worth noting that offers more reason for the car composed road behaviour is the new transmission cooler refill, new exhaust mounts and rear-diff mount.

The Appeal

The Range Rover, in its original form, still makes a compelling case as a useable daily driver. Its refinement with comfort and style still encapsulates the qualities that make this icon a car that set the benchmark for luxury off-roaders. 

This last of the line edition retains its legendary off-roading ability, without sacrificing sumptuous luxury and impeccable comfort. Tastefully finished with a twist of modern convenience, this well-pampered example still creates an air of class where it matters.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Auction Details

  • Year1994
  • MakeLand Rover
  • ModelRange Rover LSE Softdash
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer126,395 Miles
  • Engine size4275cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownPenn
  • CountyBuckinghamshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

29 Bids

pben43••••
Bid
£25,000
14/04/22
pben43••••
Bid
£24,750
14/04/22
richard••••
Bid
£24,750
14/04/22
pben43••••
Bid
£24,500
14/04/22
ward.ol••••
Bid
£24,000
14/04/22
pben43••••
Bid
£23,500
14/04/22
richard••••
Bid
£23,000
14/04/22
pben43••••
Bid
£22,500
14/04/22
ward.ol••••
Bid
£22,000
14/04/22
pben43••••
Bid
£21,000
14/04/22

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