RANGE ROVER VOGUE
ENGINE 3528cc/V8/OHV POWER 165bhp@4750rpm TORQUE 206lb ft@3200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 107mph 0-60MPH 11sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-23mpg TRANSMISSION 4WD, four-speed auto MoT November 2021 ODOMETER 72,324 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Driving a Range Rover classic is always something of an adventure, even if you keep it on the Tarmac. This example is wallowy, lazy and wanders around the road
– in other words, it’s highly representative. Likewise, the transmission shifts as smoothly as it ever did when new (that’s to say, not very). The V8 soundtrack has been improved immeasurably with the removal of a silencer and yet a prod of the throttle will only give an impression of speed rather than an any actual increase of same. It’s still hugely entertaining but the brakes are once again as Land Rover intended… not great. We had a huge amount of fun with this Rangie and it’s in fine mechanical fettle – the drivetrain in particular is quiet and well-behaved – it’s just how they are.
BODYWORK CHECK
It’s had a re-paint in the past five years – it was originally silver – yet the job has been done so thoroughly (all shuts, inner panels, under bonnet, etc.) that it seems like a better than factory job. Its new
EXTERIOR
Paint finish is better than factory
INTERIOR
All present and correct Sagging roofining
MECHANICALS
Drives as well as any old Rangie shade of Caspian Blue metallic is highly reflective with no orange peel or imperfections. That said, a patch of surface corrosion at the top of the driver’s door shut is indicative of a slightly wonky door mounting because it gently catches the bodywork as it closes. There’s also a small patch of paint missing from the driver’s side A-post.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The sagging headlining is pretty common on almost all old Range Rovers, the very light mould staining less so. The culprit is likely the slightly below-par sunroof seal, though it’s not bad enough to cause any unpleasant smells or lasting damage and seems to have been cured. Cabin
lights front and rear show signs of corrosion and minor crust visible in the hinge area of the lower tailgate will need treating sooner or later.
UNDER THE BONNET
It was last sold five years ago with an engineer’s report showing that all was well. The engine fluids look fresh and are up to the correct levels and there are no cracks or bulges in any of the hoses.
THE CCW VIEW
Good early three-door classics might be commanding peak values at the moment, but if you’ve ever actually driven one you’ll know that they’re hard work. The original Range Rover evolved into its role as a premium SUV and got better and better as the years went on. The pick of the bunch for us (and for any collector who actually uses their car) would be a 3.9-litre Vogue SE – though they now command a premium. This earlier 3.5-litre injected example might lack a little grunt and interior refinement, but it still gives you 90 per cent of the same experience for a lot less cash.
PROS Great paint and mechanics, fair price CONS Minor interior issues need putting right
BUY IT FROM Two Bears Automotive, 12 Eagle Business Park, Imperial Way, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire PE7 3GP. 01733 830207, facebook.com/ TwoBearsAutomotive