1994 Range Rover Vogue LSE

46 Bids Winner - math1
1:31 PM, 03 Sep 2025Vehicle sold
Sold for

£16,802

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - math1
consigner image

Paul's review

Paul Hegarty - Consignment Specialist Message Paul

“ Apparently 1 of 2 made to this specification; with full bespoke leather and lambswool rugs ”

This Vogue LSE is a thrilling find. A three owner car with a sensible original mileage and a rare livery. The originality is excellent with Nokia phone and bottle jack to boot.

Background

As early as a year into Land Rover production in 1949 the Wilks brothers were experimenting with a more road orientated, better appointed version of their rough and rugged utility vehicle. It was in that year that the Land Rover Station Wagon appeared. Based on the 80-inch chassis of the standard vehicle, the Station Wagon wore a wooden framed alloy body designed and crafted by Tickford of Newport Pagnell. The Station Wagon was decidedly upmarket for the times with leather trim, seven seats, a heater and numerous other refinements. It was not only expensive to produce but its configuration rendered it “non-commercial” and so subject to a 33% purchase tax. The extra cost did for the Station Wagon with only 700 being ultimately built.

A couple of years later what we might now describe as a crossover, or “soft roader” was built and tested. The “Road Rover” aimed to capture some of the rugged, go anywhere DNA of the Land Rover but in a significantly diluted form and based on a two-wheel drive Rover P4 chassis with an exaggerated ride height and an estate body. The concept was in development for nearly a decade before being finally cancelled in 1958. The idea of a plusher, more road friendly model just wouldn’t die, however. In 1966 and encouraged by the success of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wagoneer in the US, development of an equivalent model recommenced. This time it had the design luminaries Spencer “Spen” King and Gordon Bashford in its corner, so the odds of success were exponentially improved.

Like all the best ones the ethos was simple. Combine the comfort and on road ability of a Rover saloon with the off-road capabilities of the Land Rover. Designer David Bache, who penned the P6 saloon, was charged with the aesthetic design. Ultimately, he merely refined and tidied up the slab panelled prototype used by King and Bashford in what has to be one of the most fortuitous “design accidents” in automotive history. The project was greenlit in 1966 and 10 prototypes were produced and given the code name “Velar.” The Range Rover arrived in its final form in 1970 and the rest, of course, is history. The original car was a quantum leap forward in terms of on-road dynamics, but it was far from a luxury conveyance, initially. Hose friendly rubber mats and vinyl seats were the order of the day back then. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Vogue and LSE models that the car moved significantly upmarket essentially creating a new and desirable niche all of its own.

Key Facts


  • Fresh Advisory Free MoT
  • Moderate Mileage
  • Desirable “Top of the Range” LWB
  • Good History
  • Bespoke Interior
  • Rare Colour Combination

  • SALLHBM33MA653134
  • 101,000 Miles
  • 4275cc
  • auto
  • Beluga Black
  • Light Stone Connolly Leather
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom

Background

As early as a year into Land Rover production in 1949 the Wilks brothers were experimenting with a more road orientated, better appointed version of their rough and rugged utility vehicle. It was in that year that the Land Rover Station Wagon appeared. Based on the 80-inch chassis of the standard vehicle, the Station Wagon wore a wooden framed alloy body designed and crafted by Tickford of Newport Pagnell. The Station Wagon was decidedly upmarket for the times with leather trim, seven seats, a heater and numerous other refinements. It was not only expensive to produce but its configuration rendered it “non-commercial” and so subject to a 33% purchase tax. The extra cost did for the Station Wagon with only 700 being ultimately built.

A couple of years later what we might now describe as a crossover, or “soft roader” was built and tested. The “Road Rover” aimed to capture some of the rugged, go anywhere DNA of the Land Rover but in a significantly diluted form and based on a two-wheel drive Rover P4 chassis with an exaggerated ride height and an estate body. The concept was in development for nearly a decade before being finally cancelled in 1958. The idea of a plusher, more road friendly model just wouldn’t die, however. In 1966 and encouraged by the success of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wagoneer in the US, development of an equivalent model recommenced. This time it had the design luminaries Spencer “Spen” King and Gordon Bashford in its corner, so the odds of success were exponentially improved.

Like all the best ones the ethos was simple. Combine the comfort and on road ability of a Rover saloon with the off-road capabilities of the Land Rover. Designer David Bache, who penned the P6 saloon, was charged with the aesthetic design. Ultimately, he merely refined and tidied up the slab panelled prototype used by King and Bashford in what has to be one of the most fortuitous “design accidents” in automotive history. The project was greenlit in 1966 and 10 prototypes were produced and given the code name “Velar.” The Range Rover arrived in its final form in 1970 and the rest, of course, is history. The original car was a quantum leap forward in terms of on-road dynamics, but it was far from a luxury conveyance, initially. Hose friendly rubber mats and vinyl seats were the order of the day back then. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Vogue and LSE models that the car moved significantly upmarket essentially creating a new and desirable niche all of its own.

Video

Overview

Enter this handsome 1994 LSE model. This example hails from the year when the term “Range Rover Classic” was retrospectively applied with the arrival of the P38A successor model. In 1994 this example represented the top of the Range Rover food chain with a retail price of £40,889 – more than £10,000 more than the “base” Vogue. The LSE model ticked (almost) every box on the Range Rover available equipment list. Only a towing pack, mud flaps and a CD changer were available options for the LSE, and they are all present on this example.  The “L” of LSE was important too. These models were a full eight inches longer than their lesser siblings with all that extra space provided for the enjoyment of the rear passengers.

That “Special Equipment” specification list was a lengthy one, of course. Highlights include heated and electrically adjustable front seats, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt and slide electric sunroof, heated windscreen, and clever multi-position air suspension.

This stunning example boasts some even more unusual and desirable facets, however. Firstly it has had just three registered keepers to date. A rare attribute indeed for a 31 year old Range Rover. Secondly its mileage is way below the norm equating to just 3,300 miles per year on average. This moderate use is accompanied by the most diligent of service histories with a full 18 services documented to date. Lastly it presents in a rare and desirable colourway of Beluga Black over Light Stone Connolly leather. Stunning.

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Exterior

As if to further emphasise the exclusive nature of the Vogue LSE Range Rovers, they were hand finished by the crack team at Land Rover Special Vehicles of Lode Lane, Solihull. The 108-inch chassis required special individual attention with the fitment of extended rear doors and roof panel, and this was meat and drink to the Special Vehicles team. Those and other differentiating features can be enjoyed beneath the Beluga Black livery of this rare example.

Our photographic package effectively captures the charming originality of a car that has been moderately used and, no doubt, deeply enjoyed. Given the originality the condition seems impressive indeed. There is a deep shine emanating from the panels and a chrome adorned rubbing strip and single silver coachline do enough to subtly enhance the look of the Range Rover still further. Charming features include the vinyl finished “C” pillars, the headlamp guards and the original HR Owen supplying dealer rear window sticker. Inevitably enough there is the odd chip and minor imperfection noted, and these are photographed for your review.

The LSE sits on a set of five spoke 16-inch “Saw Tooth” alloy wheels. These are finished in silver and present in a good overall condition with just the odd minor mark noted. These wheels are shod in a set of 205 profile all season tyres which appear to retain ample remaining tread.

Interior

As a premium and range topping model, this LSE is sumptuously trimmed in hand finished Connelly leather in a Light Stone hue. Contrasting black piping and hand finished veneers are also present ensuring that this most commodious of interiors leaves a lasting impression of opulence and comfort. Being a 1994 model this LSE is one of the desirable “soft dash” models so revered by connoisseurs. 

Our seller believes "The car has been to some sort of specialist coach builders very early on if not at inception due to it having a full leather roof liner, door cards, dashboard and parcel shelf all of which were not standard and also deep lambswool rugs which were fitted. The handbook presenter is also finished in the same matching hide."

The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable and the driver’s side boasts a memory function. The condition of the Connolly leather of both front seats exhibit minor patina commensurate with the car’s age and mileage, but no rips, holes or tears were noted or reported. The folding rear seats appear to be in an almost unused condition, however, and effectively showcase the almost legendary capaciousness of the rear of these extended LSE models. Rolls-Royce-esque, wedge shaped footrests (three, no less!) are even present.

Another facet of the LSE’s luxury ambiance is the hand finished veneer that graces the dashboard, centre console and door cappings. This seems to be complete and in fine order. The black carpets are edge bound in Light Stone leather and in an excellent, used condition. Deep lambswool rugs are also included. The double stitched full leather headlining is in excellent order with even the fit around the sunroof blind noted as impressively good. Even a period correct Nokia car phone handset is still present.

The boot is exquisitely carpeted and is complete with its own deep lambswool rug. This area is accessed via the signature Range Rover split tailgate which usefully doubles as a covered bench seat for all those rainy days at the point to point. This is also home to the spare wheel and even the original Land Rover bottle jack.

Mechanical

This example is fitted with the 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine. Originally rated at 200 bhp and with a meaty torque curve, this endowed this large SUV with a sub 10 second 0-60 mph time and a top speed easily into three figures. That somewhat misses the point of the LSE, however. The tuneful and flexible V8 mated to the four-speed ZF automatic gearbox is more about wafting and refined, effortless progress regardless of the conditions or the surface. The Range Rover brochure of the time put it aptly, if a little tritely by saying the LSE is at home "from mountain to Monte Carlo, from glen to Glyndebourne."

The under-bonnet presentation of this example appears very good and well cared for. The inner panels are straight and uncorroded and the unique Special Vehicles data plate is present and correct. The underside of the looks solid and well preserved for a vehicle of this nature with no signs of corrosion or damage. The LSE is reported to be free from any lingering warning lights and is understood to start and run faultlessly.

History

As you may imagine, a Range Rover of this scarcity and quality comes with an impressive paperwork archive. The V5 Registration Document is on hand as is its current advisory free MoT which is valid until September 2026. Numerous earlier MoT hard copies are also present.

The original book pack is included complete with the all important service record. The service booklet confirms the Range Rover as a UK specified and supplied model, provided by HR Owen of London W3. This then documents the most diligent of service histories which is neatly summarised by an accompanying document. This confirms 18 services to date with the most recent undertaken at 100,375 miles. A number of invoices are present providing the detail behind some of these services.

As per the documents gallery the car was for family use from 1997 till 2001 when it was taken to Italy. Thereafter until 2017 it had very little use, though it was stored in a garage, and maintained and serviced. Upon returning to the UK in 2017 it has been consistently looked after and MoT'd.

Summary

The closing years of Range Rover Classic production culminated in the so called “soft dash” models produced between 1994 and 1996. These sold alongside the new P38A model and provided a fitting segway between still quite agricultural early Classics and the later uber-limousine versions. The Vogue LSE was the ultimate expression of this coming of age and good examples are desirable indeed.

This Vogue LSE is a thrilling find. A three owner car with a sensible original mileage and a rare livery. The originality is excellent with Nokia phone and bottle jack to boot. The icing on the cake must be the documented service history meaning that this 4.2-litre V8 could well have another 100,000 miles of wafting duties still on offer. Clearly the time for decisive bidding is nigh.

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

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: SSwindells


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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