Hier ein kleiner Artikel über die vermeintl letzen Range Rover Classic von dr Antiterroreinheit 12SAS22:

The professionals
from the earliest days of Range Rover production, the vehicle was selected as a supreme off-roader by Britain’s special forces

‘D Squadron were on the Anti-Terrorist Team. This was lucky because I was looking forward to getting out of the ‘green’ kit and learning a different soldiering skill. As I walked to the Squadron office I could see a building with several garage doors. This must be the place, I thought. The doors were open, it was a hive of activity, blokes running all around the place. Weapons of all descriptions were out on pallets, and equipment I had never seen before was stacked up along the walls. A Range Rover was in every hangar doorway.’
Nigel ‘Spud’ Ely, For Queen and Country
On September 5, 1972, the world watched helplessly as a Palestinian terrorist group massacred Israeli athletes taken hostage in a raid on the competitors’ accommodation at the Munich Olympics. West German police sharpshooters had tried to kill the terrorists in an attempt to prevent them leaving the country with their nine captives, but a lack of training and experience saw the operation turn into a fiasco.
Within days, British Prime Minister Edward Heath and his cabinet had authorised the formation of a specialist army unit to counter any future similar outrage in the UK, and the job was turned over to 22 Regiment of the Special Air Service (22 SAS). This unconventional military formation had already been operating a small ‘Counter Revolutionary Warfare’ cell for a number of years, but the new terrorist situation now allowed them access to all the funding they needed to get the job done. One of their first purchases would be a small fleet of Range Rovers.
Of all the military Land Rover vehicles and variants that I have covered over the last two decades, the SAS Range Rovers have been the most difficult to find accurate information about. The Ministry of Defence has a strict policy of not discussing our Special Forces, of which 22 SAS is just one of a number, and it will neither confirm nor deny just about every question asked on the subject. It also hammers home this message to the many companies which officially supply specialist equipment to these clandestine units, with the result that they too refuse to answer questions point blank, even when the evidence is staring everyone in the face.

snippets of information
As a rule of thumb, whenever I am told by a military sales rep that “our product is used by the SAS”, I take his comments with a shovel of salt, as those who do supply seldom speak about it. However, in a democracy no organisation can maintain complete secrecy, and odd little snippets of information are bound to leak out. Anything you read in this article is based on personal observation or on published facts and photographs, corroborated by conversations on the subject with a number of high profile former SAS troopers and non-commissioned officer authors, who it has been my pleasure to interview over the last five years or so.
The best source of original information on the SAS Range Rovers is former SAS Sergeant Barry Davies who, along with Major Alistair Morrison, helped Germany’s new GSG-9 anti-terrorist unit with the successful operation to free terrorist captives held on a hijacked aircraft at Mogadishu in 1977. In his book Complete Encyclopedia of the SAS Barry says that when the anti-terrorist teams were formed in November 1972: “The government sanctioned the purchase of six Range Rovers, and a team of SAS soldiers was sent to the factory to collect them directly from the assembly line”. At this time, the Range Rover had been in production for under two years, but it had already established a reputation for being the best vehicle for combined on-road and off-road use.


ladder chassis
In most anticipated scenarios the CRW assault teams would need to travel quickly by road to near the scene of an incident, and once there possibly traverse rough or difficult terrain. So the, then new, Range Rover with its powerful V8 engine was simply the only vehicle for the job. As a bonus, because it had a traditional ladder chassis like the Land Rover, it could also be easily lashed down for transportation inside the C-130 Hercules and flown anywhere in the world.
These first six Range Rovers were standard specification two-door vehicles. Although relatively ostentatious, as few of the public were aware of the nature of the SAS in those days, their use did not attract undue attention. However, the London Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 would see Britain’s men in black come to worldwide prominence as they successfully rescued more than twenty hostages and killed five out of six terrorists, under the gaze of television news cameras transmitting live around the globe.
Range Rovers were used to transport the initial response teams, which were literally on standby to move within minutes of an alert, from the regiment’s former headquarters in Hereford to the London incident scene.
In the mid-eighties, the four-door Range Rover was taken on-strength by the regiment, and around about the same time a demountable assault platform and ladder system was added. In a personal photographic collection that I have seen, earlier two-door vehicles can be seen during an aircraft assault training exercise. In this instance, SAS troopers in full riot gear are sitting on the tailgate, carrying loose aluminium ladders to access the fuselage. This method was both basic and time-wasting, so the idea of mounting aluminium bonnet and roof platforms, to which ladders could be securely attached, was conceived.
Later versions of these platforms, which are now used by police and military counter-terrorist teams around the world, would incorporate running boards for personnel to hang onto the sides during fast assaults, banks of ladders to allow aircraft escape doors, low roofs or first floor balconies to be assaulted directly and collapsible guard rails to allow operatives to stand upright atop vehicles moving at high speed. Barry Davies published the best genuine photographs (beware that many other pictures are reconstructions) of Range Rovers with assault platforms fitted in his 1996 book SAS, The Illustrated History. One of these photos, dated 1992, is of a group photo of nineteen personnel sitting on and standing between a pair of black or very dark blue E-registration Range Rovers.

roll cages
Many published sources mention that the SAS Range Rovers were fitted with roll cages. Clearly, as the first vehicles were taken straight from the Solihull production line, they would not have had them fitted as standard, but later batches of vehicles certainly were equipped with internal cages from new. However, these were so discreetly fitted that it is difficult to spot them on photographs, and indeed one writer on this topic in another Land Rover magazine seems not to have even noticed the cage when driving one of them, as he makes no comment whatsoever on this subject. To those who knew what they were looking for, it is the internal roll cage and the bumper mounts for the assault platform, plus occasionally the fitting of discrete extra communications antennae, that gave away the owners of otherwise standard appearance Range Rovers.
As far as can be determined, the last Range Rovers were ordered by the SAS just prior to completion of production of the original shape vehicle. Shortly after this, another road-biased Land Rover variant was officially taken on-strength by the SAS. The reason why this batch of very late model Classics was procured instead of new-shape vehicles is entirely logical. The new P38A was primarily a high specification executive transport, and a pair of these out and about carrying four denim-clad, desert boot shod, moustachioed troopers apiece would have attracted the media spotlight like moths to a candle.
There is probably no way of knowing just how many Range Rovers have been used by the SAS over the past three decades – almost every one of them has been quietly and cautiously disposed of due to the sensitivity of their role. In the late eighties I saw a couple of the two-door versions leading another life in a vehicle depot not too far from the British mainland, and it is possible that others followed this route when their time was up with the Counter Revolutionary Warfare teams, but details of this may not come out in the foreseeable future. However, with the other vehicle model having superseded the Range Rover in the mid-nineties, what we assume to be the final batch of SAS Classics was released for public auction around March 2001. A small number of slightly earlier classics had been sold off prior to this, but the batch of four which came out at BCA Newport has the latest chassis numbers of which LRM is aware.

anonymous-looking
Classified by the military as Car Utility 4x4 3.9 Litre V8 Petrol Range Rover, the four vehicles bearing the call-signs TAC71 to TAC74 carried military registration numbers in the batch EV70AA to EV73AA, though not in any particular order, and had chassis numbers in the MA662### series. They also had random anonymous-looking civilian number plates, which they would have carried while in the UK. Body colours varied and were standard shades, though not ones current for the Classic series at time of manufacture. Two were blue, one was green and the fourth was red – the latter being Rioja Red Micatallic, to be precise. It is known that Land Rover’s Special Vehicles department did the conversion work. From the release paperwork, we know that the vehicles entered service in early January 1996 and were cast, which is the military term for taken off active service, in late March 2001, having clocked up annual mileages averaging around 10-12,000.
slightly deformed

Other than the two receiving sockets on the bumper, which would have held the support legs for the section of demountable assault platform over the bonnet, there is little external sign that these Range Rovers are anything other than civilian vehicles. The keen eye will spot that the roof gutters are deformed at the points where the roof section of the assault platform was supported, but such deformation could easily have been done by any heavy roof rack. The door panels are also slightly deformed where the struts for the lower ladders would have come in contact. As previously mentioned, the Safety Devices roll cage is sufficiently discreet as to pass almost unnoticed, and the load compartment safety guard can pass for a dog grille.
Less noticeable changes included Southdown steering and axle guards for underside protection and a run-flat tyre system fitted to Discovery wheels. Though disconnected before disposal, the headlights had a police-style occulting switch unit and 120 decibel two-tone horns were fitted. Switches for infrared lights were also fitted, though the lights themselves were removed, and the vehicles also carried twin batteries with a split charging system. One other minor, but very necessary extra, was the stalk-mounted map light for the front passenger. Finally, a heavy duty tow pack and up-rated anti-roll bars were supplied.
With the help of Dave Wilson (EV71AA), who owns the red right hand drive vehicle, we tracked down second owner Ian Birchall (EV70AA), of Tearles Jungle Garage near Preston, and brought two of the four together again for a few hours. At the time a third vehicle (EV72AA) from the batch was being offered for sale by a Hereford garage. We have temporarily lost track of the fourth, but hopefully somebody reading this will be able to put us in touch with the present owner.



impressive
Finally, the question you have all been asking – what has been done to these Range Rovers on the performance side? To be frank, we don’t actually know, and to say otherwise would be silly. Even now, nearly two years after release, the engines are remarkably powerful, and they have very evidently been doctored. Dave has added an LPG conversion to his, and in this mode the vehicle is no slouch, but when run on petrol it almost takes off. As Nick is the Rangey expert, having written his first book on the topic when only thirteen and owned a left-hand-drive two-door Range Rover as soon as he was old enough to get it insured, I let him take to the wheel. “Impressive”, was his understated comment as the keys were prised out of his clenched fist at the end of the day.
Unfortunately, the guidelines on reporting Special Forces activities laid down by the Defence Advisory Committee prevent us delving much further into the secretive world in which these vehicles performed. However, it is now no great secret that Britain’s military elite quickly appreciated the benefits of the Range Rover right from the outset, but what is so surprising is that they stayed loyal to the same model for nearly thirty years when they, of all people, had the funding and political clout to procure any vehicle they wanted or needed.

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.
Borg-Warner 13-61-004 2 speed transfer case with viscous coupling unit (VCU) provided full time four wheel drive, and now had an automatic progressive center differential lock-up (1.206 high, 3.243 low) rather than the manual lock up in 1987 and 1988. It was chain (vs. gear) driven to reduce noise, and still had the built in parking brake. California models no longer had the vacuum advance delay valve that improved emissions. The third catalyst was eliminated.
EPA 12 mpg city, 15 mpg highway

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Tires were now Michelin XM+S 244 205 R16 radials, on the same 7x16 inch three spoke alloy wheels. Wheel centers were painted body color on the Hunter and County models.

Exterior Changes:
Available Paint Colors: Alaskan Blue Metallic (393), Chamonix White (354), Colorado Silver Metallic (391), Eastnor Green (419), Portofino Red (390), and Savannah Beige Metallic (365)
Available County Model Paint Colors: Beluga Black (Clear Coat) (416), Cairngorm Brown (408), Trocadero Red Micatallic (467)
All Hunter Models had Cypress Green (367) paint
The lower edge of the front spoiler had four slots added to it and a plastic panel (part #BTR3510) added to the base of it under the engine to help engine bay cooling.
The muffler and tailpipe of the new exhaust system are different and the tailpipe now points down
Front window washer jets heated this year, and sqirters on the hood were bigger.
Exposed door hinges were hidden in the first half of the model year (after VIN KA374641)
The hinges were still exposed on 1989's built 1/89 (VIN KA370371) but hidden on 1989's built 2/89
All models with hidden hinges have deeper black plastic under body sills.
Models with hidden hinges have different fenders/wings (part #MXC1408&9) cowl panel (part #MXC8057). The rear doors also got different hinges.
The black rub strips on the front doors and front fenders are also different on 1989s with the hidden hinges.
The electric grid on the heated rear window was changed to cover more area and improve radio reception (the grid was also the radio antenna)
Front windscreen was now electrically heated.
Side window glass thickness was reduced from 5mm to 4mm to make the glass lighter so the power windows would go up faster with the same motors. The fixed load space glass was also reduced from 5mm to 4mm.
Land Rover had some problems with the thinner front window glass getting sucked outward at freeway speeds and designed a small plastic guide to push it in to the track at the top. It is not clear if Land Rover ever put them on any 1989s. I have seen the guides (Part #ALR6498) on some 1989s, but they may have been added by the owners (They didn’t cost much and were easy to install so I put them on the 1989 Range Rover I owned).
The Land Rover badge on the grill was now green with gold letters

Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Brogue Brown Cloth, Highland Gray Cloth, Winchester (dark brownish) Gray Connolly Leather, Sorrell (light tan) Brown Connolly Leather.
Dash and console were changed from Boltura also called Bokhara (blueish) gray to Winchester (dark brownish) gray.
A smaller two position shifter for the new automatic locking transfer case
The light to remind the driver that the center differential was locked was no longer on the dash to the right side of the radio. (this was not necessary with the automatic locking transfer case)
Door panels were revised and now had a thin strip of lacquered American walnut rather than the door cappings in 1987-1988.
The new door panels had two more speakers to bring the total to six, bigger storage pockets, and different interior door locks.
The central locking was extended to the tailgate, the lock actuator was hidden with a black plastic cover.
New Clarion AM/FM anti theft stereo cassette
Power seats now 8 way, most 1989’s had leather seats
Heated windshield switch was added to the dash next to the heated rear window switch
New windshield wiper switch with variable delay lever
The rear wiper had more complex wash wipe features
Ignition override of head lamps, turned head lamps off with ignition, the headlights on audible warning was deleted, however the parking lights still stayed on with the ignition off
Single touch down driver's power window switch was added.
The rear view mirror was now glued to the front window, rather than bolted to the top of the window.
A higher capacity evaporator was added to the air conditioning system that improved output by 20% and fresh air to the passenger area was enhanced with a new vent control system.
Passenger grab handles above the doors were changed from black to off white to better blend in with the headliner.
The black plastic tabs on the center of the tailgate now say lift and hold in white (these can be replaced with the shorter tabs from the outer side of the tailgate after they snap off).
Push buttons replaced the pull tabs to release the rear seat backs
The VIN And GVW information on the drivers door was now on a sticker, (it was on a metal plate in 1987, 1988).

1989 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

Hunter:
There was a very limited edition of 120 Hunter models sold in 1989 they cost $2,000 more than the base model (see 1991 section for other Hunter model). The brochure that came with all Hunters said “Range Rover has long had a close association with equestrian activities worldwide. This association is marked by the Range Rover Hunter.” All the 1989 Hunters had “the same comprehensive specifications as other Range Rover vehicles, plus the following features standard”: Cypress Green metallic paint, with Cypress Green painted three spoke wheel centers and silver rims, Electric tilt and slide sunroof, Electronic auto-dimming rear view mirror (the same the anti-glare control rear view mirror as the County), Brogue Brown cloth interior (leather was not available on the Hunter). American Walnut was on the doors (like other Non-County 1989s), but an additional piece of American Walnut was also around the shifter on the center console (but not on the dash or around the power window switches like the County). The Hunter had a sticker on the tailgate of a person riding English style on a horse jumping over the letter H in Hunter. The word Hunter was in the same script as the word County on the back of the 1989-1992 County models. The 1991 Hunter model had the same sticker on the tailgate but was a very different model (see below).

County:
The County model was introduced mid-way through the 1989 model year (The earliest one I have seen had a January 1989 build date) and cost $7,300 more than the base model. All County models came standard with the electric slide and tilt sunroof, Connolly leather seats, and front mud-flaps that were optional on the base Range Rover, they also came with polished Burl walnut on doors, dash and center console (base models had American walnut on the doors only). Chrome bumpers replaced the black bumpers, the wheel centers were painted body color and a pinstripe was added to the body. The County model also had anti-glare (or auto dim) control rear view mirror with a photo diode that senses light and dims the rear view. A premium Pioneer sound system with CD changer and subwoofer is listed on some spec. sheets as optional, but all the County’s I have seen had the sound system and CD changer. The County had emblems in script on the dash, tailgate and all four wheel centers. The passenger grab handle was leather wrapped. Many County’s had dealer installed front brush guards and rear light guards.

Other:
Range Rover was #1 in the J.D. Powers national survey of customer satisfaction at the end of 1989.
Four Wheeler magazine named the Range Rover “Four Wheeler of the year”
Automobile Magazine calls the Range Rover a “Top Choice” among all sport Utility Vehicles and calls it “One of the World’s 10 Best Cars”
Range Rover wins the Motorweek award for best multipurpose vehicle in the U.S.
Honda Motor Company purchased a 20% interest in the Rover Group this year.
Range Rover wins a gold medal for coach work at the Birmingham International Motor Show.
Land Rover Discovery 2 door is launched in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show based on the Range Rover chassis and powertrain.
After the launch of the Discovery the code name for the new Range Rover was changed from Discovery to Pegasus, and later 38A (38A is the number of the design building at the Solihull factory site)
Many 1989 (and a small # of other model year) Range Rovers had a small round Great Divide Medallion added to the left side (some were added to the right side) of the tailgate by dealers to commemorate the Great Divide Expedition held in August of 1989 These are not Great Divide Edition Range Rovers (see 1990 and 1991 model sections below for more information on the Great Divide Expedition and Great Divide Edition Range Rovers). The medallion was just over two inches in diameter and said Range Rover at the top and Tread Lightly at the bottom, with Great Divide Expedition in the middle.
European Range Rovers did not have the 3.9L V8 option until the 1990 model year. The Euro 3.9L put out 7hp more if catalytic converters were not ordered (they were optional in Europe)

1990 Model Year
Number built 5,315 U.S. (27,385 Worldwide)
First 1990 built August, 28 1989
Last 8 digits of first 1990 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN LA400016
Base Price $38,575 (Increase of $2,225 from 1989)
Curb Weight 4,389 lbs. (Increase of 17 lbs. from 1989)
Gross Vehicle Weight 5997 lbs.

Powertrain Changes:
Larger plastic engine coolant expansion tank replaces the metal tank.
3.9 now stamped on the top of the engine plenum chamber (the 1989 3.9L engines have the same plenum chamber as the 3.5L Range Rovers).
Lucas 14CUX Multiport L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection with fault code display.
New more efficient fuel injectors, two piece exhaust system.
Transmission was modified for smoother shifting and an inhibitor was added to prevent kick-down from top into third at high speed.
Models built very late in the year have the 21.6 gal. deformable plastic fuel tank with integrated pump/sending unit (VIN# LA454554 on up)
EPA 13 mpg city, 16 mpg highway

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
A special 4 wheel 4-channel ABS Anti-lock brakes designed to work with the Range Rovers full time four wheel drive was on all models. It was developed over four years in conjunction with the German firm Wabco best known for heavy commercial vehicle and aircraft braking systems.
Front disks now vented for improved cooling and pad life.
The stopping distance from 60 mph by Road & Track was down to 153 feet from 179 feet when Road & Track last tested a Range Rover in 1987
Models built very late in the year have an access panel in the rear load area to allow the fuel pump to be replaced without removing the fuel tank (VIN# 454554 on up)
Fourth frame crossmember (what the self energizing “hydromat” ride leveling device is bolted to) changed from square to tubular (some late 1989 models may have this round crossmember).
Rear shock mounts were redesigned late in the year (after VIN 450646) so the shocks are held on with a bolt rather than a cotter pin.
Steering swivel pins modified for use with ABS brakes.
County wheels now painted dark gray metallic (vs. the body color in 1989).
The front passenger side of the frame was now stamped with the North American Spec. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), 1987-1989 Range Rovers had the euro VIN stamped in the frame.

Exterior Changes:
Available Paint Colors: Chamonix White, Colorado Silver Metallic, Portofino Red, Eastnor Green, Westminster Gray Micatallic, Clearwater Blue Micatalic, Beluga Black Clear Coat, Cairngorm Brown Micatallic, Ardennes Green Micatallic, Trocadero Red Micatallic.
The lower edge of the front spoiler got two more cooling slots this year for a total of six. Door Jambs and under hood area painted body color (early 1990's 11/89 build are still black)
3rd brake light added to the rear window
Fog lights replace the driving lights in the front spoiler.
Different wiper arms did not have bayonet mounts for the blades anymore. The new wipers also had different bases with that bolted on rather than clipped on to the wiper motors.

Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Sorrell Brown leather (Winchester Gray leather available only on County). All 1990 models had leather interior (except a small number of Countys with special order cloth)
The central locking system was modified so the passenger side door lock would now control the locking like the drivers side lock
Heater and AC system were improved with increased output. The starter relay moved under steering column from under the hood (to avoid problems related to the under hood heat).
The instrumentation was changed, including the check engine light removed from dash, and improved lighting, warning lights were moved and, the sweep of the new tachometer was now from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock (from 9 o’clock to 1 o’clock) and the sweep of the new speedometer was now from 7 o’clock to 5 o’clock (from 6 o’clock to 1 o’clock). The speedometer was now electrically-driven and the problems with the often noisy speedometer cable were eliminated. The radio antenna was modified for improved AM reception on all models and County had a new optional premium sound system with simplified controls.
Better soundproofing was added to the passenger compartment.
A bar code was added to the VIN and GVW information sticker on the drivers side door.

1990 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

County:
It was priced at $2,100 more than the base model. This was the first full year the County was offered. The County came with Winchester Gray or Sorrell Brown leather interior the seats had different stitching with fewer seams. (Winchester Gray was not available on base models). Cloth interior could be special ordered on the County only, very few had cloth. The CD changer was now standard on the County, but a sunroof and auto dim rear view mirror were optional.

Great Divide Edition (GDE):
The GDE was built in 1990 (and has 1990 (LA) model specifications) but it was sold as a 1991 with a 1991 (MA) VIN. It was introduced in July of 1990. See 1991 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions below for information on the GDE.

Other:
Range Rover of North America and the U.S. Forest Service conducted the Great Divide Expedition in August of 1989 that traversed the 1,123 mile Continental Divide in eight Range Rovers to publicize the “Tread Lightly Program” and introduce the 1990 Range Rovers to the press.
May of 1990 announced its involvement with the Tread Lightly program and it included Tread Lightly material with all new Range Rovers.
RRNA wins Renew America Award for conservation education through the Tread Lightly Program and the Great Divide Expedition.
Many 1989 and 1990 Range Rovers had a small round Great Divide Medallion added to the left side of the tailgate by dealers to commemorate the event. These are not “Great Divide Edition” Range Rovers. (See 1991 Range Rover Models for more information on the GDE)
Range Rover places first in J.D. Powers Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) and is eight points ahead of second place Acura.
Auto Motor Sport (Germany’s biggest car magazine) names the Range Rover “Best Imported 4x4”
Range Rover of North America played down the Range Rovers 20th anniversary, it did not want to remind Americans that the vehicle that they just recently introduced in America was 20 years old.
The American market became the largest of the 80 overseas markets that the Range Rover was exported to this year.
Land Rover of Canada Inc. was established and seven dealerships in the country began selling Range Rovers on June 25th.
The names of the Land Rover 90 and 110 is changer to Defender 90 and Defender 110, there are rumors that RRNA may import the vehicles to the U.S.


1991 Model Year
Number built 3,471 U.S. (not counting the 409 GDEs built to 1990 specs.) (16,624 Worldwide)
First 1991 built August 29, 1990 (except the GDE model, that was built to 1990 specs. but sold as a 1991)
Last 8 digits of first 1991 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN MA465228
Base Price $44,475 (increase of $5,900 from 1990)
Curb Weight 4,401 lbs. (increase of 12 lbs. from 1990) Hunter was less than the 4,400 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight 5997 lbs.

Powertrain Changes:
All now have the 21.6 gal. deformable plastic fuel tank with integrated pump/sending unit. (except the GDE model that was built to 1990 specs. and has the old 20 gal tank) The larger tank wrapped over the frame and occupied the space of the old fuel filter (part #0450905030) and different fuel filter (part #ESR3117) was used, and it was mounted farther forward on the frame. A new fuel filler pipe was used to reach the new filler location, a different gas cap was used (NTC 5418)
EPA 13 mpg city, 15 mpg highway

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Front and rear sway bars on all models except the Hunter (25mm front, 18.5mm rear). Models with sway bars had single rate (150 lb./in.) rear springs replace the dual rate rear springs, softer bushings installed in the front trailing arms, and different shocks with softer damping characteristics. The sway bars slightly reduced available wheel travel (axle articulation). A new plastic undercoating was used this year. Base models had gray painted wheels. A swivel roller bearing was installed (after VIN MA601607) for improved steering feel, this was on the new lower steering shaft (part #NTC8478). The lower steering universal joint was also redesigned (part #NRC7387). All have an access panel in the rear load area to allow the fuel pump to be replaced without removing the fuel tank (except the GDE model that was built to 1990 spcs).

Exterior Changes:
Available Paint Colors: Alpine White, Aspen Silver Metallic, Roman Bronze Metallic, Westminster Gray Micatallic, Clearwater Blue Micatallic, Ardennes Green Micatallic, Trocadero Red Micatallic, Available only on the County SE was Beluga Black Clear Coat (1991 Color and Upholstery Guide says Beluga Black is a “Limited Availability” color). The Hunter models were painted Alpine White, Eastnor Green, Arran Beige, and Portofino Red. Other colors were not available on the Hunter, and except for Alpine White the other three Hunter colors were only available on the Hunter.
All 1991’s (including County SE) had black bumpers
Fuel door was smaller and higher on the body due to the new larger tank this year.
Glass sunroof with sliding screen and CD changer optional on all models (glass sunroof may have been standard on all except Hunter)
Canadian Models had daytime running lights and engine block heater with plug in front spoiler.

Accessories and options offered by the dealers included: A choice of three brush guards in both black or polished aluminum (one was the GDE brush guard/bumper combo), body side moldings with Range Rover logo, sunroof air deflector, five spoke GDE/County SE wheels and the painting of wheel centers body color. A roof rack system made by Tuhle was sold by the dealer.

Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Winchester Gray and Sorrell Brown leather Brogue Brown cloth on Hunter
Sound Insulation was increased this year. All interiors were leather in 1991 (except Hunter).
Front door locks are now heated
Auto dim rear view mirror and burl walnut was standard (on all except Hunter)
All (except Hunter) had Pioneer premium sound system with subwoofer. All vehicles wired for rear CD changer, Fuel filler release is added to the steering column and the fuel door is no longer part of the central locking system. Recessed rear seat belt anchor points.
All except Hunter had wood on dash and center console like 1989-1990 County.
Steel loadspace floor replaces aluminum and it now has an access panel to get to the fuel pump without removing the fuel tank or the entire loadspace floor.
Vinyl connected the carpet in the rear loadspace area to the carpet on the tailgate covering the tailgate hinges

Accessories offered by the dealers included: half and full length plastic loadspace protectors, (the plastic loadspace protectors would not fit models with CD players) waterproof seat covers with storage bag.

1991 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

Hunter:
Price was $7,950 (Kelley Blue Book) or $6,500 (Four Wheeler) LESS than the standard model. The Hunter was introduced as a lower cost model for those who appreciated the Range Rovers off road ability but did not want to pay the rapidly escalating price of the fully equipped U.S. models. Despite having the same name (and tailgate sticker) the 1991 Hunter was different from the 1989 Hunter sold in the U.S. The 405 Hunter models sold in 1991 had LESS equipment than the standard 1991 models, while the 120 Hunter models sold in 1989 had MORE equipment that the standard 1989 model, but not as much as the top of the line County (see 1989 section for more information). The 1991 Hunter did not have ABS anti lock brakes or sway bars like all the other 1991 models (the GDE did not have sway bars because it was built to 1990 specs) but it still had the vented front rotors introduced in 1990. Due to the lack of the sway bars, ABS brakes, power seats (and on most Hunters) a sunroof, they weighed over 100 lbs less than other 1991 Range Rovers. The exterior of the Hunter was finished in one of four solid colors (Alpine White, Eastnor Green, Arran Beige, and Portofino Red) metallic and micatallic paints were not available on the Hunter. The Hunter did not have the plastic front air dam with fog lights, but had the small plastic air deflector from the European Base and Diesel models, or a sunroof (the sunroof was available as a $1,500 option). Inside the Hunter had Brogue Brown cloth seats without power adjustment (the 1991 Hunter is the only Range Rover ever imported to the U.S. by RRNA/LRNA without power seats). All came with a dog guard between the back seat and the load area. The Hunter did not have a hard loadspace cover like all other NAS Range Rovers, but had a less expensive luggage net. The shelf over the jack area was different from other Range Rovers and would have to be replaced if the owner wanted to add a hard loadspace cover. The wheels were painted light silver (the same color as the outer rim on other Range Rovers), to save money the Hunter did not have the second coat of darker silver or body color on the wheel centers, and they came with Goodyear Wrangler tires that were less expensive than the Michelin XMS tires on other Range Rovers. The Hunter had a has a sticker on the tailgate of a person riding English style on a horse jumping over the letter H in Hunter. The word Hunter was in the same script as the word County on the back of the 1989-1992 County models. The 1991 Hunter model has the same sticker on the tailgate as the 1989 model. A total of 525 Hunters were sold (120 in 1989 and 405 in 1991) The stripped down Hunter was not popular with the typical Range Rover buyer (see average income below) and many 1991 Hunters were upgraded at the by the U.S. dealers (or by their owners) with items such as front spoilers, sway bars and power seats. RRNA used many of the hard to sell vehicles as company cars and later sold them on dealer used car lots.

County:
They still had the County decal in script on the right hand side of the tailgate, but special County wheel center caps and dash medallion with the word County in script that were on 1989 and 1990 County models were no longer part of the County package. Inside all Countys had burled walnut wood, power glass moonroof, and a two-stage auto-dimming rear view mirror. Standard County models had the same sound system as the 1990 County.

County SE:
Price was $2,500 (Kelley Blue Book), $3,400 (Car & Driver), or $4,300 (Motor Trend) more than the base model. The County SE was introduced as new top of the line model and was only available in Beluga Black. It had the same 5 spoke alloy wheels as the GDE with silver or black painted spokes (most were painted black). It had a County SE decal in script on the right hand side of the tailgate. The County medallion on the dash was eliminated to make room for the a/d/s/ subwoofer level control that was added to the dash next to the radio. Inside all the County SE’s had burled walnut wood, power glass moonroof, and a two-stage auto-dimming rear view mirror. The Pioneer sound system (with weatherband) was specially developed for the American market, it had a 150 watt amp and eight a/d/s/ speakers and a subwoofer in the right rear of the cargo area below the CD changer and amplifier. All had a black painted aluminum brush bar with removable head lamp guards and black lamp guards over the rear lights (the tail lamp guards may have been a $178 dealer installed option and not part of the factory package).

James Howard from the West Coast “Mendo” list posted some information on the a/d/s/ sound system:
Here is the story of the a/d/s sound system installed in Range Rover Classics starting in 1990 with the County SE model.

The a/d/s system was designed and put together in the US, and shipped to Baltimore where they were installed on the Rovers after they entered the US. The same people also installed various other options such as brush bars. The quality of the installation was not always the best, particularly with the air seal around the 4" speakers in the doors. Air leaks here can cause rattling sounds. They can be fixed with self sticking foam weather seal tape. The early systems used a subwoofer made by a/d/s. It is a black painted wooden box. In 1993, this was changed to a black ABS plastic subwoofer made by ELAC in the UK. This was installed at the factory. A tweak a/d/s suggested to Land Rover was to cut out the black plastic grill molded into the vent of this subwoofer. The grill has 1/4" thick bars that can cause turbulence. Land Rover opted not to do this, so it is left as an exercise for the owner. Check for air leaks where the two plastic halfs of the box are bolted together. Adding some noise abatement material such as Dynamat to the walls will reduce flex and damp resonance. The amplifier in the 1993 models was an a/d/s PH11. Any replacement amp
should be a five or six channel device that incorporates an active crossover with adjustable frequencies. The high pass to the front speakers is ~ 120Hz. The rear high pass was ~ 170Hz. The low pass to the
subwoofer was ~ 90 Hz. There is an intentional gap between the high and low passes, which reduces the cabin resonance that overemphasizes the output in the midbass region. The RR head unit was built by Pioneer and puts out a nominal 4V signal, which is high by aftermarket standards. However most aftermarket amps can handle this by turning the input level controls down to an appropriate level. The speakers can handle up to about 50 watts.

Great Divide Edition (GDE):
Price was $600 more than the County model. The Great Divide Edition was named after the August 1989 Great Divide Expedition, a 13 day, 1,123-mile trip along the Continental Divide sponsored by RRNA for the press. A limited edition of 400 were made according to press releases and only 400 have the numbered plaques in the door jambs. A total of 409 GDE models were built (the NAS parts manual lists all the VIN #s). The extra 9 GDEs were used for promotional purposes by RRNA. One of the 9 was loaned to the Death Valley Park Rangers for patrol duties and had the optional factory winch hidden under the front bumper, ranger decals, and a red and blue highway patrol style light bar on the roof. All were built in 1990 to 1990 (LA) model specs, and were sold in the summer of 1990 as 1991 models with 1991 (MA) VINs. All were painted Alpine white with Sorrell (light) brown leather interiors. They had a large round Great Divide sticker on the tailgate and a numbered brass plaque in the drivers door jamb. They all had rear lamp guards and a special black painted aluminum front bumper with integrated brush bar (some had dealer installed winches). They did not have the plastic front air dam with fog lights, but had the small plastic air deflector from the European Base and Turbo Diesel models. They were the first US Range Rovers with the 5 spoke wheels (painted smoke gray) that were originally designed as an option for the Discovery in Europe. Inside they were the only U.S. Range Rovers to have pebble dot perforated leather upholstery. They also had a sunroof, auto dim rear view mirror, and American walnut on the doors, dash and center console. The front page of the GDE owners manual had a sticker that says NOTE: This limited Production Range Rover has a special equipment package giving it unique character and appeal. Not all of the equipment described in the Owner's Manual is installed on the Great Divide Edition Vehicle. Specifically the references to the front spoiler, engine undertray, and fog lamps do not apply to this vehicle. The fog lamp switch and wiring is installed on the vehicle.

Desert Storm Edition (DSE):
According to Jim Allen, International automotive journalist (and former Land Rover mechanic) RRNA took a 1991 Hunter with Arran Beige paint, added roof rack and bull bar, etc., and called it the DSE. They only made one, however, before (according to Jim) “they finally came to their senses”.
It is rumored that this one of a kind Range Rover was sold to a RRNA employee.

Other:
Median household income for new Range Rover owners this year is up to $400,000!
A Great Divide Edition (with a winch) was lent to the Death Valley Park Rangers for patrol duties by RRNA.
The factory warranty increased to 3 years/42,000 miles this year.
Land Rover changed from a unified VIN system to a model specific VIN system January 1991
The 4 door Discovery is launched in Europe.

1992 Model Year
Number built 3,266 U.S. (14,586 Worldwide)
First 1992 built June 25, 1991
Last 8 digits of first 1992 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN NA610295
Base Price $39,475 (decrease of $5,000 from 1991)
Curb Weight 4,364 lbs. (base) 4,401lbs. (County)
Gross Vehicle Weight 6019 lbs. (both models)

Powertrain Changes:
Engine got a new piston design, power was up 2hp to 180 @ 4750 rpm and torque was up 7 ft. lbs. to 227 @ 3250 rpm. ABS was only on the County model in 1992. Electrical improved with use of better connectors and fusible link in positive battery cable
EPA 13 mpg city, 15 mpg highway

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Base models did not have ABS or sway bars to help keep cost under $40K.
Base model had the five-spoke wheel in gray, County models had the three spoke wheel.

Exterior Changes:
Available Paint Colors: Alpine White, Aspen Silver Metallic, Roman Bronze Metallic, Westminster Gray Micatallic, Estnor Green, Ardennes Green, Portofino Red, Trocadero Red, Plymouth Blue, Pembroke Gray, and only on the County (for extra-cost), Beluga Black (Cleat Coat), available only on the County LSE Cornish Cream.
Land Rover oval (like the one on the grill) added to the left hand side of the tailgate.
All County models did not have chrome bumpers this year.

Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Sorell Brown, Winchester Gray, and Lightstone Leather. Lightstone Leather was only available on the County LSE (The County LSE, was the County Light Stone Edition, this differed from the LSE models sold in Europe that were all Long Wheel Base, LWB models).
Rear view mirror with two built in map reading lights. The auto dim rear view mirror was only on the County and County LSE.
The plastic area around the radio was redesigned (to fit a longer radio) and the cigarette lighter was moved from the left to the right side of the radio
The front seats were now heated (on the County) and the switches were located on both sides of the radio
A Range Rover alarm with a key chain remote (made by Alpine) was available (standard on the County).
Cubby box cup holder mounted to the front of the cubby box
All models this year had a glass tilt and slide sun/moon roof with sun shade.
Base Range Rovers had American Walnut around the shifter.
Like the Hunter model in 1991 the Base model did not have a loadspace cover in the rear of the vehicle.

1992 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

County:
Priced at $5,600 above the base model, The County came with the three spoke alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes, front and rear sway bars (base Range Rovers did not have sway bars or ABS in 1992) nicer carpet, special leather front seats. The auto dim rear view mirror had built in map lights for the first time in 1992. County wood was Burl Walnut (vs. American Walnut on the Base model) and the county had additional wood trim on the dash and power window switch panel. Heated front seats, Alpine remote keyless-entry security system, 120 watt a/d/s/ integrated audio system (first seen on the 1991 County SE) with a subwoofer, amp and six-disk CD changer. The subwoofer level control was moved from the right side of the radio (now that the cigarette lighter was there) to the dash switch panel above the interior light switch. The door panels were redesigned to accommodate the a/d/s/ speaker system that had one less speaker in the front doors than models with the standard speaker system. Beluga Black was only available on the County for $300 extra

County LSE:
County LSE (Light Stone Edition) was a limited edition of 400, and was the top of the line model (the model is not listed in the Kelley Blue Book). The County LSE model cost more than the County and had American Walnut on both shift knobs in addition to all the places the County had burlwood. LSE models were painted Cornish Cream or Brooklands Green and had the letters LSE on the left side of the tailgate (they did not have any County badges at all). The seats were “Lightstone” Leather with piping. They had front and rear rock guards and five spoke wheels, some LSE models had the wheel s chrome plated by the U.S. Dealers. (The U.S. LSE models all had the 100” wheelbase and were different from the County LSE models in Europe that all had the 108” wheelbase)

Brooklands:
This model was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1991 at the introduction of the 1992 models. It was finished in Brooklands green, and was the first Range Rover to have a new body styling kit produced by Tom Walkenshaw Racing (TWR) with different front and rear bumpers and deeper body color molded under body sills. The Brooklands model was never officially imported to the United States, but the styling kit was installed on a small number of Range Rovers by U.S. dealers between 1992 and 1994 In 1995 the styling kit was shown in the dealer brochure.

Other:
Four Wheeler Magazine named the Range Rover County a best buy in the “Cost-is-no-Object-Ultra-Luxury Class”
Range Rover of North America (RRNA) previews the Defender 110 at the Detroit Auto Show January 8th 1992
Range Rover of North America (RRNA) changed its name to Land Rover North America (LRNA), dropping the “of” in the name August 1st 1992 when it began selling the limited edition Land Rover Defender 110 as a 1993 model (the only year the D110 was sold in North America by Land Rover). Five Hundred Defender 110s were sold in the U.S. and 25 were sold in Canada. There were also 9 unnumbered 110s brought in to the U.S.

1993 Model Year
Number built 4,689 U.S. (15,385 Worldwide)
First 1993 built July 8, 1992
Last 8 digits of first 1993 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN PA624881
5th digit of the VIN on the LWB models was different, 7th digit of the LWB models was a 3 due to the new 4.2L V8 engine
Base Price $45,125 (Base Model now the SWB County)
Curb Weight 4,401 lbs. SWB 4,574 lbs. LWB
Gross Vehicle Weight 6019 lbs. (SWB and LWB)

Powertrain Changes:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC) or Electronic Traction Control System (ETCS) was on both SWB and LWB models. ETC used sensors from ABS system to and activated the brakes to cause power to be applied to the wheel with the most traction. The axle shafts were also upgraded from 10 spline to stronger 24 spline. The County SWB 100” model still had same 3.9L engine as 1992, but with higher compression (9.35:1 up from 8.13:1) to put out 2 more hp than for a total of 182 @ 4750 rpm, Torque was up 5 ft.-lbs. to 232 @ 3100 rpm. Bigger alternator (part #A2528) put out 100 amps, and a new poly-v belt was fitted. County LWB 108” model had a larger 4.2L (4275cc) engine (3.70” bore x 3.03 stroke) with a 8.94:1 compression ratio producing 200 hp @ 4850 rpm 251 lb-ft torque @ 3250 rpm. The engine has 4.2 stamped in the top of the intake. All models had internal valve-body changes to the transmissions for notably smoother shifting.
EPA 12 mpg city, 15 mpg highway 3.9L
EPA 13 mpg city, 16 mpg highway 4.2L (Articles in 199s said that the LWB had better mileage due the fact that the EAS would lower the vehicle at freeway speeds, but in 1994 it still had better mileage when the SWB model had EAS).

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Longer frame was used for the 108” (2743 mm) wheelbase LWB model introduced this year.
All of the extra length was in the rear door area so all the 100” sheet metal could still be used except the rear doors and roof.
Electric Air Suspension (EAS) or Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) with auto leveling and ride height adjustment is on all LWB models, and later in the year on a small number of SWB Sport models (see below) The electronic air suspension control unit monitors level sensors at all four corners 100 times per second and automatically adjusts the vehicles air springs to constantly maintain a level ride, even when fully loaded. Driver controls on the dash allow the vehicle to be set at one of five height settings with a range of 5.1 inches (130mm).
County models had the three spoke wheels; County LWB had the five spoke wheels (most County LWB models had the five spoke wheel centers painted to match the body color), and the County Sport had silver five spoke TWR wheels. Center caps on late year County LWB and all County Sport models said center caps said "Land Rover", the center caps on most LWBs and all SWB (non Sport) County models said "Range Rover"

Exterior Changes:
Available County SWB Model Paint Colors: Alpine White, Ardennes Green, Portofino Red, and Westminster Gray
Available County LWB Model Paint Colors: Alpine White, Ardennes Green, Beluga Black Roman Bronze, Mosswood, Plymouth Blue and Beluga Black (Clear Coat).
Available County Sport Model Paint Colors: Beluga Black (Clear Coat) Aegean Blue
Beluga Black paint was only extra cost factory option available only on the County LWB and County Sport for $300 extra
New raised plastic Range Rover stickers on hood and tailgate
New raised plastic County emblem on tailgate
LWB model had the letters “LWB” next to the County emblem on the tailgate
The County emblem was now in block text vs. the script logo 1989-1992.
Black plastic under body sills had more texture.

Interior Changes:
Available Interior Colors: Sorrell Tan leather and Winchester Gray leather on County Model. Saddle leather on County LWB.
Improved in car entertainment system with a Pioneer AM/FM stereo radio/cassette, 6 CD changer, 7 a/d/s/ speakers (including a sub-woofer) on both County, County LWB, and County Sport.
Subwoofer level control moved next to the fog light switch.
RDS (signal-tracking) radio antenna was now embedded in both sides of the rear side window glass.
Improved cruise control
Single touch down power window switch was added to the passenger side (drivers side front window had the single touch feature since 1989)
Power to sunroof and windows 45 seconds after ignition shut-off
Area around sunroof switch now smooth plastic without “fuzz stuff” on it
Electric Air Suspension (EAS) control buttons added to dash
Cubby box cup holder was connected the hinge at the rear of the box
Auto dim rear view mirror with map lights now on all three models.
Front seat belt height adjusters were changed
Rear seats are raked back more to the rear
VIN plate on dash is bigger, has the Land Rover logo on it, and it is attached to the dash with anti-tamper rivets in front of the round air vent.
Improved soundproofing throughout the vehicle
Rear loadspace cover and support redesigned to accommodate taller items. A small net was added to the left side and the carpet covering the subwoofer and CD changer on the left side of the load area was replaces with a hard cover that had a door to access the CD’s.

1993 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

County:
This was the base model this year, it had Burl Walnut wood trim.

County LWB:
Priced at $4,700 above base SWB County model it was introduced in October 1992. The LWB was 8 inches longer and had much more rear seat leg room (a total of 39.7 inches!). The rear passenger compartment got seven of the extra eight inches. It also had six more cubic feet of loadspace with the rear seat folded down. All LWB Range Rovers were County models, the letters LWB were added to right side of the County logo on the tailgate. The LWB letters were silver gray with a black outline.
All County LWBs came with the new 4.2L engine, electronic air suspension (EAS), All interiors were saddle leather with dual preset memory on driver's seat and outside mirrors, chrome bumpers, 5 spoke alloy wheels (may LWBs had the wheel centers painted body color) and Mediterranean Poplar wood trim, including a wood insert on the top of the transmission and transfer case shift levers (some early 1993s did not have the wood on the transfer case lever)
The LWB rear doors have map pockets, extra grab handles, puddle lamps and red door open warning lights like all U.S. Spec. Range Rovers front doors.
The LWB also has an additional map pocket in the front passenger kick panel.

County Sport:
This was a limited edition County SWB model introduced mid way through the model year with Electric Air Suspension (EAS) and silver “Sparkle Silver Finish” TWR five spoke wheels (the same wheel as all the 1994 and 1995 SWB Range Rovers). The wheels had lug nuts with shiny stainless steel caps. Most were Beluga Black, but some were Aegean Blue. Many (possibly all) had a brush bar on the front and lamp guards over the rear lights. The County Sport was the first SWB Range Rover to have the EAS, and the only SWB model with EAS in 1993 (In 1994 and 1995 all Range Rovers sold in the U.S. had EAS). It is estimated that approximately 250 County Sport models were sold.

Other:
County LWB is named “Best New Light Truck or Sport Utility Vehicle” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
County LWB is named “Best Sport Utility Vehicle in North America” by Playboy Magazine
1993 Defender 110 first sold August 1, 1992. A limited edition of 500 D110s were sold in America and 25 were sold in Canada. (500 was the official # from LRNA for the U.S., a few more may been sold) Base price for the D110 was $40,575

1994 Model Year
Number built 5,790 U.S. (17,090 Worldwide)
First 1994 built June 22, 1993 (Production of the County SWB stopped in early 1994 and resumed when it was renamed the 1995 County Classic in October 1994)
Last 8 digits of first 1994 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN RA640226
Base Price $47,525 (Base Model now a SWB County)
Curb Weight 4,401 lbs. SWB 4,574 lbs. LWB
Gross Vehicle Weight 6019 lbs. (SWB and LWB)

Powertrain Changes:
Fuel tank is increased to 23.4 gallons.
EPA 12 mpg city, 15 mpg highway 3.9L
EPA 13 mpg city, 16 mpg highway 4.2L

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Air Suspension on all County SWB and County LWB models this year. It was improved with calibration changes.
SWB County has silver “Sparkle Silver Finish” TWR five spoke wheels first seen on the 1993 County Sport
LWB County has pewter “Quicksilver Finish” five spoke Cyclone wheels

Exterior Changes:
Available County SWB Model Paint Colors: Alpine White, Beluga Black (Clear Coat), British Racing Green, (Conniston Green may also have been available) and Carmen Red Pearl.
Available County LWB Model Paint Colors: Alpine White, Beluga Black (Clear Coat), Brooklands Green, Cornish Cream, Montpellier, Mosswood, and Plymouth Blue.
New plastic rear wiper
Black plastic trim piece below the tailgate on the rear bumper smaller
Plug in trailer receiver now says “Land Rover” (1987-1993 it said “Range Rover”)
Wheel center caps now say “Land Rover” (1987-1993 they say “Range Rover”)
All wheel center caps are now silver to match the wheels
The LWB letters no longer have the black outline

Interior Changes:
Available County SWB Model Interior Color: All County SWB models had Sorell Beige Connolly leather (in a color lighter than last years Sorell Tan)
Available County LWB Model Interior Colors: Sorell Beige Connolly leather (with Alpine White, Mosswood, and Plymouth Blue paint), Dark Sable Connolly leather (with Beluga Black and Montpellier paint) and Light Stone Connolly leather (with Brooklands Green and Cornish Cream paint)
Rear cigarette lighter was deleted
Both County and County LWB have burl walnut wood trim, including a wood insert on the top of the transmission and transfer case shift levers.
Black plastic door sill plates replaces aluminum
Da stehts, ich hatte es ja vermutet: ich hab also doch nen '94er Vogue SE...trotz K Reg? gabs L überhaupt?
Upholstery no longer attached to the seats with staples, and extra insulation added.
The standard alarm/keyless entry system was revised.

1994 Model Year Range Rover Special Editions:

County:
Like 1993 this was the base model this year.

County LWB:
Priced at $3,300 above base model
Chrome bumpers (County SWB had black painted bumpers this year), dual preset memory on drivers seat and mirrors, burl walnut on shift handles, additional storage pockets

Other:
Discovery (base price $30,725) brought to the United States for the first time this year.
Defender 90 (base price $28,495) was also available for the first time, the first North American Spec. (NAS) D90 was sold October 1, 1993
BMW announces purchase of Land Rover from British Aerospace on January 31st.
County SWB not imported from March 1994-January 1995 (when it returned as the “County Classic”)
The 1995 model County LWB and Discovery were introduced in March 1994
Land Rover completed a new $107 million assembly line for the new Range Rover on the Solihull site.
The all new Range Rover went on sale in Europe this year a 1995 (See below for more information)

1995 Model Year (See my other FAQ for Range Rover P38 information)
Number built 2,494 U.S. (6,746 Worldwide)
First 1995 County LWB built in Oct. 1993, first sold March 1994
First 1995 County Classic SWB built Oct. 17, 1994, first sold January 1995
Last 8 digits of first 1995 U.S. Spec. Range Rover VIN SA657356 (this is according to Land Rover, but the NAS parts manual lists SA647645 as the first 1995, and a friend has a 1995 June 1994 build County LWB with VIN SA653638)
Base Price $52,500 LWB and $45,625 SWB
The 1995 County LWB was introduced in March of 1994 (at the same time as the 1995 Discovery) and dealers received new ones until December 1994. The 1995 County SWB was introduced in January of 1995 and new ones were sent to the dealers until late 1995. As late as May 1996 there were still a few unsold brand new County Classics on dealer lots in the U.S.
Curb Weight 4,628 lbs. SWB 4,807 lbs. LWB
Gross Vehicle Weight 6019 lbs. (SWB and LWB)

Powertrain Changes:
Both the 4.2L and the 3.9L got one serpentine belt replacing the separate drive belts on the alternator, PS pump and Air conditioner compressor. The air filter was changed and a new square plastic air filter enclosure replaced the round metal one to reduce intake noise on both engines. Cylinder head and valley cover gaskets were improved. A new two piece drive shaft was added.
All air conditioning systems now CFC free.

Chassis and Suspension Changes:
Frame was modified and energy-absorbing front extensions (“crush cans”) were added to the front of the chassis rails. Side impact beams were added to the front doors (and rear doors on the LWB).
Improved body and chassis isolation
Air suspension was modified for durability/serviceability
County Classic SWB got the same air pump motor as the all-new Range Rover P38

Exterior Changes:
Available County LWB Paint Colors: Avalon Blue, Alpine White, Beluga Black (Clear Coat), Biaritz Blue, British Racing Green, Cornish Cream, Plymouth Blue (this color was in the sales brochures, but may not have been available on the Range Rover,

Dann hoffe ich mal, dass das hier sprießt und gedeiht
im moment ist ja noch nicht soviel los!

also, meldet euch an!

hab eben noch ne tolle Landkarte implementiert...

ich denke, am farbkonzept könnte mann noch ein wenig arbeiten, das is im moment eher

bin für alle vorschläge offen!

grüße,
christoph

PS: suche noch moderatoren um der thread-flut herr zu werden