Range Rover Classic Conversions – The classic Land Rover completely different

The first Range Rover was presented in 1970. An almost visionary vehicle, it elevated the actually rough off-road vehicles to the status of luxury and lifestyle vehicles, which are now more than in demand as luxury SUVs. By 1996 it had undergone some updates and improvements. But anyone who wanted to stand out went to their trusted coachbuilder to get an open version, a hunting car or a three-axle extended vehicle. A small selection of creators of Range Rover Classic Conversions from then to now.

Wood & Pickett

Bill Wood and Les Pickett already worked together at the London coachbuilder Hooper, which manufactured special bodies for luxury vehicles at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1947 they started their own business.

While Hooper’s business basis was slowly but surely lost with the introduction of self-supporting bodies at Rolls-Royce, two other British brands and models made the difference for Wood & Pickett: Mini and Range Rover.

The various modifications to the Mini accounted for most of the income. From today’s perspective, with the familiar sight of the “classic” mini shape, not all the changes may be viewed as entirely successful in terms of style, but the prices for original conversions of the time are considerably high.

The Range Rover was also suitable for all sorts of modifications due to its construction in the early 1970s and in the years that followed. Especially since Land Rover’s factory offering initially only included a three-door version.

However, the majority of Range Rover buyers, who are well-heeled, often wanted a 4×4 that could meet different requirements. An open hunting car perhaps, or for a safari. Also with the right equipment and a coordinated picnic basket.

Overfinch

The Overfinch brand from Leeds has its roots less in body construction and more in the refinement and tuning of Land Rover models. Founded in 1975 as part of the supplier company Shuler, they initially devoted themselves to individual details and the engine of the Range Rover, which they called deemed in need of improvement.

Among other things, a new transmission was developed, which was successfully used in the Dakar Rally in 1981. Air suspension was also developed for the road versions, which was intended to increase driving comfort in regular operation but also be robust enough for off-road driving.

There was a bit of experimentation with the engines, should it be the Rover V8, the Jaguar V12? Ultimately, a 5.7 liter General Motors V8 engine Motors was used. This was constantly further developed and reached its peak with the Overfinch 570Ci model in 1993, on the tenth anniversary of GM engines in the Range Rover.

Over time, more and more powerful and better equipped models were added, also based on other Land Rover vehicles. Today, Overfinch Heritage not only offers well-maintained historical examples, but also its own line of restomod vehicles. Old-school looks meet modern technology, entirely in line with customer wishes. If you have the necessary change, the vehicles are not that cheap. But they are also correspondingly valuable and suitable for everyday use.

Everrati

The British company Everrati takes a completely different approach to Range Rover Classic conversions: with electricity. Everrati is particularly fond of large, iconic vehicles such as the Porsche 911 or Mercedes-Benz SL of the 113 series, but also Land Rover.

Admittedly, purists and preservers of traditional drive concepts will probably avert their gaze when they suddenly see the conversions without an exhaust. But others become all the more perceptive when they hear about Everrati’s concepts. With electric drives, the high consumption values of the classic Range Rover become obsolete. And the power delivery is of course different due to electrical reasons.

The pure conversion of the drive is usually accompanied by a fundamental revision of not only the chassis, but also the interior. Different configurations are conceivable, depending entirely on the tastes of the customers.

Admittedly, the path to modern times is not entirely cheap. The manufacturer quotes starting from 230,000 pounds for the conversion, in addition to the donor vehicle, of course.

Rometsch

But it wasn’t and isn’t just British brands that create Range Rover Classic conversions. There are also companies in Germany, for example, that used to work with the “Landy”. Like the Friedrich Rometsch bodywork company in West-Berlin.

Range Rovers were admittedly not the company’s core business. In many ways, the basis was the Volkswagen Beetle. Beginning with taxis, which Rometsch manufactured from extended Beetles from the beginning of the 1950s.

The Beetle was also the basis for other, own bodies. Like Lawrence or Beeskow, which were named after their respective designers. A total of just over 500 of these models were built, which makes them collector’s items and regular guests at concours d’elegance such as the Classic Gala Schwetzingen.

Rometsch also built individual pieces, such as the three conversions of a Range Rover. The order came from the other side of the Wall; the vehicles were to serve as hunting cars for the GDR State Council Chairman Erich Honecker.

Range Rover Classic Conversions – Conclusion

The “Classic” is still very classic. It is also still a good entry into the world of Range Rovers. But even within this exclusive circle of convinced Range Rover owners, there is still the opportunity to stand out a little more. There are early Range Rover Classic conversions, which can cost a little more depending on the condition. But experienced Range Rover veterans will certainly be able to confirm that you should be very careful with the substance and rather buy the better and more expensive model.

But current modifications and restomods are also a serious alternative. If you want more everyday practicality and contemporary amenities. And can certainly raise the mid-six-figure sum that such a vehicle will certainly require.

Fotos Everrati Automotive Ltd, Michael Fahrig, Hallier Classic Cars, Overfinch Ltd.

Author: Paolo Ollig

As editor-in-chief Paolo regularly writes about all the big and small stories related to classic cars and motorbikes. Classic dreams: Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. View all posts by Paolo Ollig →