Range Rover Classic U.S. Spec.
1970
Land Rover introduced the Range Rover on June 15th or 17th 1970 (different sources have listed both days). The Range Rover first went on sale in the U.K. on September 1st 1970. Demand for the Range Rover was well above projections and there was a waiting list for the first couple years so Land Rover suspended plans to sell the Range Rover in the United States. By the time Land Rover caught up with the demand for the Range Rover at the end of the 1974 model year, they had pulled out of the U.S. market due to slow sales and the high cost of meeting more and more stringent U.S. safety and emissions regulations.
1983
Land Rover Managing Director Tony Gilroy requested a report that would study of the possibility of re-entering the U.S. market to sell the Range Rover.
1985
Land Rover UK Ltd. formerly announces plans to market the Range Rover in the U.S. through a subsidiary of Land Rover-Leyland International Holdings, Ltd.
Range Rover of North America was incorporated in the United States.
The Range Rover had a totally welded frame for the first time this year replacing the bolt-together frame. Land Rover switched to the welded frame to try and reduce the huge panel gaps that most Americans would find unacceptable on a $30,000+ vehicle. Fuel injection replaced dual carburetors on the V8 in order to meet U.S. emissions restrictions.
1986
October 27th was the official opening of Range Rover of North America’s (RRNA) Maryland Headquarters. The first U.S. dealers received their framed charters from Britain’s Princess Alexandra at the ceremony. The first U.S. Spec. Range Rover (after two years of development under the code name “Eagle”) rolled off the Solihull assembly line November 18th.
1987 Model Year
The Range Rover first went on sale in the U.S. (and the first was sold) March 16th 1987.
Number built 1,542 U.S. (21,225 Worldwide)
Number sold in the U.S. during calendar year 1987 1,792
First 1987 built November 18, 1986
After 1987 most Range Rovers were first sold in the U.S. about 2-3 months after the build date.
First U.S. Spec. Range Rover Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) SALHV114XHA277451
The Range Rover VIN translates as follows (the U.S. or Federal VINs are slightly different from European VINs):
SA = Built by Rover Group
L = Land Rover Division
H = Range Rover
V = 100” Wheelbase U.S./Canada (The Range Rover was not sold in Canada until June 1990) C= 108”
1 = 4 Door Station Wagon
1 = 3.5L Petrol Catalyst V8 Engine (2= 3.9L, 3 = 4.2L)
4 = Automatic Transmission 4 Speed Left Hand Drive
X = Check Digit (The Check Digit is the 9th digit on all post ’80 U.S. cars and the is determined by a mathematical equation using the other numbers and letters in the VIN)
H = 1988 Model year (the 10th digit on all post ’80 U.S. cars is a letter corresponding to the model year)
A = Built in Solihull England
Last Six Numbers = Build sequence number
Base Price $31,375 (Kelley Blue Book) MSRP $30,825
Curb Weight 4,303 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight 5997 lbs.
Powertrain:
3.5L (3528cc/215 cubic inches) 150 hp @ 4750 rpm (15 less hp than the euro 3.5L that did not have the three-way exhaust catalysts and other U.S. emissions equipment.) 195 lb-ft torque @ 3000 rpm 90-degree Overhead Valve (OHV) V8 aluminum alloy heads and aluminum alloy block with dry steel cylinder liners (3.5" bore x 2.8" stroke) 8.13:1 compression ratio. Lucas 13CU Multiport L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. The electronic fuel injection on the Range Rover was similar to the EFI that had been using on the 3.5L V8 in Rover cars since the 1970’s (including the Rover 3500 that was sold in the U.S.), but it was tuned differently for low-end power and torque. A Pulsair air injection system allowed fuel to be burned more completely. California models had a vacuum retard device that reduced emissions to meet the more stringent emission standards for the state. Unfortunately the vacuum retard device also reduced (the already low) power, but fortunately the small device is easily removed. The RRNA official hp and torque figures for the California models were the same as the 49 state vehicles. The engine had five main bearings, hydraulic lifters, and a Lucas 80 amp alternator. Diesel engines were available in other countries, but were never available on Range Rovers imported to the U.S. by Range Rover of North America (RRNA) or Land Rover North America (LRNA).
The transmission was a 4 speed ZF4HP22 automatic (the same transmission was used by BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo) with fluid lockup torque converter and overdrive 4th gear. (1st 2.48:1, 2nd 1.48:1, 3rd 1.00:1, 4th .728:1, R 2.086:1) Manual transmissions were available in other countries, but never available on Range Rovers imported to the U.S. by RRNA or LRNA.
The transfer case was a 2 speed LT230T gear driven unit that provided permanent four-wheel drive with mechanical center differential lock (High 1.222 & Low 3.320). Like other Land Rover models the parking brake was built in to the transfer case.
EPA 13 mpg city, 15 mpg highway
Chassis and Suspension:
The frame was a fourteen gauge box-section ladder-type frame with five crossmembers and ten mounting points for the body. It was “Electrophoretically” treated for corrosion resistance. All North American models had a Class III towing receiver. Long travel coil springs were on all four corners, 133 lb./in. front and 127 to 180 lb./in. dual rate in rear. Beam axles with “spiral bevel” differentials (3.54:1 ratio) and “fully floating” with 10 spline axle shafts (The axle shafts were upgraded to stronger 24 spline shafts in 1993)located by radius arms and a panhard rod in front, trailing links and a central “A” frame in the rear. A self-energizing “hydromat” ride-leveling device is on the rear axle. and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at each corner. Adwest Varamatic worm and roller steering box with Hobourn-Eaton power assist unit. Four wheel power disk brakes with four piston calipers in front and two piston calipers in the rear (early 1987 models had an Automotive Products (AP) master cylinder with a pressure differential warning actuator, later 1987 models had a Lucas Girling master cylinder with a float that activated the warning light when brake fluid level dropped) with pad wear sensors on the front right and rear left inboard brake pads. All U.S. spec Range Rovers came with 7x16 inch three spoke alloy wheels with an asymmetric rim hump to better retain a flat tire on the rim (tire shops will often complain that it is tough to get tires off Range Rover Classic rims). All 1987 Range Rovers came in to the U.S. with the wheels painted two tone silver (light silver on the rims and darker silver in the center), but many dealers chrome plated the wheels. According to Land Rover they got the idea for the three spoke wheel design from the 1979 Ford Mustang three spoke wheels. The tires on all 1987 Range Rovers were Michelin XM+S 200 205 R16 radials. The wheelbase was 100” and track was 58.5”.
Exterior:
Available Paint Colors (Paint Codes): Astral Silver Metallic (364), Cambrian Gray (348), Caspian Blue Metallic (366), Cassis Red Metallic (382), Chamonix White (354), and Cypress Green Metallic (367)
All U.S. Spec Range Rovers were 4 door models; the 2 door model was never imported to North America by RRNA or LRNA. All outer body panels are aluminum except the steel hood (bonnet), tailgate, and rear corner panels. The tailgate and rear window were split horizontally.
The door covering the fuel filler (the 1987 model was the first Range Rover with a door covering the fuel filler) locked along with the doors. All but a few early 1987's had a black Land Rover badge on the grill (this grill was also new for 1987; previous Range Rovers had vertical salts in the grill.)
Black painted bumpers, Built in Class III towing receiver at the rear. The plastic front spoiler had integrated driving lights. The headlights were halogen sealed beam headlights with power wash sprayers built in to the front bumper. Windshield washers were on the hood, and washer and wiper was also on the rear window. Sun Roofs were not available, but the design of the Range Rover roof was changed in 1987 eliminating the water channels above the front seat passengers in anticipation of a power sunroof option in 1988. Both outside power mirrors were electrically heated (they turned on when the rear window defroster was turned on).
Accessories offered by the dealers included: brush guards, lamp guards, running boards and front mud flaps (rear mud flaps were standard). Some dealers installed American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) tilt up sunroofs. Factory sunroofs were not available until the 1988 Range Rover was introduced.
Interior:
Available Interior Colors: Osprey Gray cloth or Penbroke Gray leather
6 way power seats (more 1987's had cloth than leather upholstery) with adjustable armrests.
The only option that was available from the factory was leather seats.
Air conditioning, Power Windows
60/40 split folding rear seats, folding rear parcel shelf/loadspace cover
Leather covered 16” two-spoke steering wheel.
Electric Cruise Control
Clarion NT-2 AM/FM anti theft stereo cassette with 4 speakers and a radio antenna on the rear window glass
Map pockets in door panels, Center cubby box
Woven deep pile removable carpet over rubber mats.
A special lytherm heat/sound insulation material was under the carpet and mats.
American walnut veneer door cappings.
Central locking on all four doors and the fuel door.
Child locks on the rear doors.
Front door puddle lamps and red door open warning lights
Rear window defroster
Accessories offered by the dealers included: Floor mats, dog guard (with or without a shotgun rack), and sheepskin seat covers
1987 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:
There were not any Special Editions in 1987, only one model was offered
Other:
Tom Collins (who later became the U.S. Camel Trophy team coordinator) and Dan Floyd finish 2nd overall in the Camel Trophy driving a Range Rover turbo diesel
Median income for new Range Rover owners this year (remember we are talking 1987 dollars) was $200,000. The demand for Chamonix White paint and leather upholstery that exceed the supply so plans were made to make more available in 1988.
1988 Model Year
Number built 3,942 U.S. (26,747 Worldwide)
First 1988 built August 5, 1987
Last 8 digits of first 1988 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN JA303322
Base Price $33,950 (increase of $2,575 from 1987)
Curb Weight 4,303 lbs. (same as 1987)
Gross Vehicle Weight 5997 lbs.
Powertrain Changes:
Engine was the same as 1987, but the transmission was recalibrated (lock-up was delayed) to improve responsiveness, it was the same 4 speed ZF4HP22 automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive 4th gear. Second gear ratio was changed to 1.48:1 and converter lock up speed increased from approximately 40mph (1,500 rpms) to 50mph (1,750 rpms). The transmission changes resulted in an EPA rating that was 14 mpg for both city and highway
Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Bake servo improved for “less pedal effort”.
New brake disk material was used to (according to RRNA) “give better pedal feel”.
Exterior Changes:
Available Paint Colors (Paint Codes): Alaskan Blue Metallic (393), Chamonix White (354),) Colorado Silver Metallic (391), Cypress Green Metallic (367), Portofino Red (390), and Savannah Beige (365)
New roof panel without ribbing over front seat area (to provide a flat area for the sunroof)
Electric slide and tilt sunroof now available as an option at $1,375
Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Osprey Gray cloth or Penbroke Gray leather
More were sold with leather seats in 1988 than in 1987 a $1125 option
Air conditioning ducts were modified for more flow
Check Engine Light was added to the dash, next to the fog light switch
1988 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:
40th Anniversary Edition:
It was introduced midway through the model year and cost $700 more than a standard Range Rover with the optional sunroof and leather interior. The model was available in Cypress Green or Chamonix White, they all had power sunroofs and Pembroke Gray leather interior with “additional leather details” and lacquered burl walnut door cappings. The standard three spoke wheels were painted a lighter color silver (RRNA called a this a “special finish”) An oval shaped 40th Anniversary Edition sticker was on the front fenders (wings) below the rub strips. The Sticker said Land Rover 1948-1988 with a big 40th Anniversary in the middle. A small number of Beluga Black 40th Anniversary models were available with darker lacquered burl walnut door cappings.
Other:
Malcolm Smith drove a modified Range Rover to a fourth place finish (the highest ever to date for an American) in the 8,000 mile Paris-Dakar rally.
British Aerospace buys the Rover Group from the British Government for 150 Million Pounds August 11, 1988.
Range Rover was named “Best 4x4” by Playboy Magazine
1989 Model Year
Number built 4,372 U.S. (25,674 Worldwide)
First 1989 built September 30, 1988
Last 8 digits of first 1989 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN KA351876
7th digit of the VIN now a 2 representing the 3.9L V8 (1987-1988 had a 1 representing the 3.5L V8)
Base Price $36,350 (increase of $2,400 from 1988)
Curb Weight 4,372 lbs. (increase of 69 lbs. from 1988)
Gross Vehicle Weight 5997 lbs.
Powertrain Changes:
The engine displacement was increased to 3.9L (3947cc), 3.7"bore (up from 3.5” last year) x 2.8" stroke with 8.13:1 compression ratio now put out 178 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 lb-ft torque @ 3250 rpm. New Lucas 14CU Multiport L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection. The 1989 is almost 3 seconds quicker than the 1988 to 60 mph. Top speed is now over 100 to 107 mph. A Bigger radiator with an oil cooler (in addition to the external oil cooler that the Range Rover has had in front of the radiator since 1987) was added, and the electric cooling fans would now stay on to cool the engine after shutdown if necessary. Land Rover recommended using premium unladed fuel in the 3.9L Engine.