1995 Range Rover Classic Vogue

This is a well-specced, little-used and highly original example of the ‘soft dash’ Range Rover Classic. Wearing its original Epsom Green paint, it has just 27,800 miles on the clock and is currently in the hands of its second owner from new, a known specialist in the Land Rover marque.

Being a late model (note the rare “Land Rover Classic” badge at the rear) it’s equipped with a lovely fuel-injected 3.9-litre (3947cc) Rover V8 coupled to a four-speed ZF automatic transmission, running permanent four-wheel drive via a two-speed transfer box. There’s no need to lock the diff on slimy terrain – these late models have a viscous coupling which handles that job automatically if wheel-slip occurs. 

Despite its gentle life, it’s been put through an MoT every year and is currently ready for the road and driving well.

“I bought it last year from a chap whose father had owned it from new,” the present owner tells us. “It had been his absolute pride and joy and he kept it under cover, only using it occasionally, until he passed away. It’s in incredible condition, probably the best I’ve seen. Nothing there that will give anybody any grief.” 

The paintwork is believed to be entirely the original Epsom Green applied at Solihull, and it’s mostly in excellent condition. Inspect the panels and you’ll see small areas where the paint is starting to flake – namely around the lips of the aluminium wheel arches, and the lower section of the steel tailgate. The owner has received a quote for £900 to spruce up those arches; well worth doing as it would significantly uplift the overall appearance.

The upper tailgate is in perfect condition, closes completely with little effort and seals completely. The exterior plastics are impressively free from signs of impact, from the front bumperettes to the optional side steps and vinyl-clad D-posts. The left-hand corner piece for the rear bumper is slightly askew, but a Genuine Land Rover replacement is being included in the sale.

You will find a gentle carpark ding in the nearside front wing, light scuffs around the driver’s door handle, and some modest corrosion inside one of the front foglamps, all illustrated in the photos. Anyone familiar with old Land Rovers will appreciate just how minor these flaws are.

The interior is arguably the best place to appreciate this particular Range Rover. It’s extremely well preserved throughout, free from dampness or the kinds of wear and tear that have affected so many classic Rangies.

Fans of the popular ‘teddy bear’ cloth seats will find these examples almost too good to sit in. “There’s just no wear on anything – it’s incredible,” the owner tells us. “The previous owner was meticulous. He used to make sure he got down into the driver’s seat instead of sliding in from the side.” The trim and plastics around the cubby box are also in good order, signifying that the car’s occupants have been sensitive to this little weak spot.

Spec includes air conditioning, electric sunroof and windows, heated rear screen, electric mirrors, dual-zone heating and the original cassette player, and everything is working. The door cards, trims and switches are extremely tidy, and if the headlining looks new, that’s because it is. The original was replaced during the current owner’s tenure, not due to water ingress – there hasn’t been any – but because the adhesive was failing (as they all do).

Opening the boot reveals not only a tidy parcel shelf and carpets but a real rarity, a lockable drinks cabinet with wooden facings and brass latches. We don’t know its heritage, but it will make an excellent focal piece for luncheon in the countryside. Glassware is included… tipple isn’t!

Not only is it driving spot-on and free from mechanical flaws; we also believe this Range Rover has never received nor required any welding.

It’s very unlikely that it has ever ventured off-road, given the mud-free cleanliness of its underside. The chassis is coated only with its factory-applied paint and is still impressively solid, even at the rear. Structural corrosion has never been mentioned on any of the car’s annual MoTs, and everything looks strong: body mounts, sills, floors etc. 

The seller has confirmed that the car has had a new MoT today (02 January 2024) which it has passed.

There is some cosmetic rust at the front of the rear offside wheelarch which wants arresting, but other than that, it’s all good.

The vehicle comes with its full history since new, proving that its very low mileage is entirely genuine. Its first owner operated a Midlands engineering firm which made nuts and bolts for Land Rover. Its second (current) owner is a former Chairman of Exmoor Trim – a brand known to many in Land Rover circles – whose father designed the interior trim for the Classic Range Rover whilst head of experimental trim at Land Rover. His Grandfather’s last job before retirement, as head of engineering in the press tool shop, was working on the body panel tooling for the Range Rover’s famous castellated bonnet. This vehicle’s affinity with Land Rover is therefore a wonderful mirror of its cosseted life.

Given its gentle usage, very little work has been required other than ongoing servicing, and the engine oil is perfectly clean. We’re told it has only ever received Genuine Land Rover / OEM parts throughout its life.

The mechanical condition, clean engine bay and sweetly revving motor attest to the level of care this Range Rover has received (see our video and turn the volume up to hear it sing). Engine and transmission are described as “a dream” by the owner, but he reckons a remap would help the big V8 give its all. If you’re a relaxed driver, you might not feel the need.

This is a rare opportunity to become the third owner of a superb example of the breed, exuding understated style in a way that only a Range Rover can. You’ll be waiting a while to find a Classic with this combination of originality, high spec and low miles – especially if you also want it to be ready to hit the road.

It’s the ideal machine for enjoying country pursuits or attending car shows, and is guaranteed to attract admirers wherever it goes. The next owner would be wise to lock-in the vehicle’s current value by having it carefully rustproofed and its paintwork improved; future costs can then be limited to ongoing maintenance. Though not the most frugal car around, a good Range Rover Classic will repay a careful owner with depreciation-proof desirability and relatively simple mechanicals, devised in an era when desirability was not a byword for complexity.

In short, this is a uniquely lovely example of a wonderful machine, and we envy its next owner.

We are happy to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the seller in Taunton, Somerset. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.