1988 RANGE ROVER VOGUE SE
WILLIAM MEACHAM, CONSTRUCTION BUYER/SURVEYOR, ST ALBANS
How did you find this project?
The same as most people I guess, which is word of mouth. Though it has to be said that I waited over three years to acquire this specific Range Rover, so it did take a wee while before it officially became mine! The owner knew of my desire to own it, which always helps and thankfully he was keen for me to get it. It took us a while to get it out of the storage facility and I have owned it for about six months now. Sometimes you just have to be patient and then good things do come your way.
How is the engine running?
Are you planning on replacing it?
The engine is a rebuilt Rover V8 with forged racing pistons, bored and stroked to 4.4 litres with 260 horses. I think we will just leave it just the way it is. Then it has upgraded suspension all around. This is a very special Range Rover as it was built by Rover Power/oblic Automotive. You have no idea how happy I am to be the new owner!
What are your immediate plans with it?
I am currently having the leather interior redone. I have already re-cored the radiator so that should be good for a couple of years. As for the bodywork, the underside is perfect and requires absolutely no welding. I will keep doing various little bits to it until I have it in an excellent condition. Anyone who knows me and my Range Rovers will testify that is the way I like them.
What are the next jobs you will be doing on it?
I need to find a good underside protection company to first clean down the underside and then rustproof it all, of course. I will also be refitting an original Vogue SE steering wheel as it just has to be correct.
Then it will be time for new discs and pads so that it stops the way it should. I will be respraying both sides that were damaged slightly whilst in storage. Then it will be time for four new tyres and refurbished wheels. The proverbial icing on the cake will be the walnut door cappings.
What has been the hardest part of this project so far?
Finding or sourcing the parts. I know there are some great manufacturers producing quality stuff for Classic Range Rovers at the moment but most things on this special Range Rover are bespoke. Electric seat buttons have been particularly hard to find.
When will it be finished?
It will be finished before the end of the year, I hope. I just need to find all of the bits that I need.
Who is helping you with the project?
A friend of mine, Sean, who does most of the work on my cars. He is extremely resourceful and gets through things quickly. I would highly recommend him. Any other projects on the go?
Of course there are. I have a couple of P38 Range Roverss on the go and then there are also two Vogue SES that
I am restoring. So yes, I am very busy at the moment.
How can readers follow what you are doing? If anyone wants to follow this or any of my other or completed projects then please check out @voguevintage on Instagram or else just look for Will Meacham. Feel free to comment on what I am doing or get in touch if you just want to chat about Range Rovers.