We talk often about the settling and adjustments of the vintage car and truck market, and the fluctuations have been significant. Among our observations is that many vehicles that got red-hot have come back down to Earth in recent months, but there are still some modern classics that seem to have some room left to run. In my opinion, the Range Rover Classic – especially in late production form, like this 1994 long wheelbase model listed here on eBay for $23,900 – still have a ways to go in terms of future appreciation. This one looks exceptionally clean and has had some key improvements made.
Fun fact: I owned an identical version of this truck for a short time in 2022. It was in horrible condition, as it was essentially a parts rig that I thought I could restore into a running vehicle. The slope for old Range Rovers is a slippery one, and it doesn’t take much for one of these rigs to be past the point of reasonable return. On the flip side, however, truly good ones that have been looked after by an enthusiast tend to hold value, and I suspect we’ve not seen the end of price increases for these Classic models. With iconic Range Rover styling and enough creature comforts to make it into a compelling daily driver, these trucks are very useful and endlessly stylish.
One of the tell-tale signs of enthusiast ownership is a suspension conversion to a traditional coilover-style setup, which this truck has. They came with air suspension from the factory, which, while endlessly cool, is also a potential pit of despair if you buy one with existing issues (and even trucks without issues can be costly to maintain long-term – and let’s not forget the fact that the aftermarket presents lots of options for a modest lift kit and increased off-road utility.) The interior is in fine shape with leather seats and wood trim in excellent condition. My truck was a disaster inside with peeling trim and torn leather, and this example has clearly been looked after by previous owners.
The 4.2L V8 engine came standard in the long wheelbase trim models like this one, good for 200 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. This motor is incredibly stout and is one of the Rover’s best features, both in terms of reliability and strong parts supply. This era of Range Rover has plenty of fans, so it’s not hard to find someone parting one out or with a deep spare parts supply. One thing to note is that independent Land Rover specialty shops are not cheap and well-heeled owners are perfectly comfortable spending large sums to keep their trucks in line – so don’t enter into Range Rover ownership blindly if you need to rely on a shop for service. Otherwise, buy one now before they tick up in price.
I have owned two of these, a ‘93 LWB (like this one), and a ‘95 LWB (last of the “Classic”, updated interior, slightly more modern). It was a love/hate relationship, but more love than hate. Owning one is death by a thousand cuts. But there is a lot of enthusiast support and a lot of parts availability (but watch out for the cheap Chinese stuff).
For me, Land Rovers are like an addiction: You know you shouldn’t, but it feels so good. My wife daily drove the last Classic, and she caught the virus, too. We replaced it with an LR3 and still have it with 190k relatively reliable miles.
I still follow Classic prices and I agree Jeff, they are still appreciating. The guy that bought my last one (about 4 years ago) was English and his plan was to ship it home in a container, restore it, and make money.
@Euromoto
As a fellow former RRC owner, Amen to death by a thousand cuts as well as an addiction. I miss mine.
Interior on this, if original clearly shows a well-cared for truck.
I had one in the 90s and it may have been my favorite ride ever. Not sure I am up for the maintenance repair experience anymore that would come with a 30 year old car but this would be very tempting.
Much more sensible than most SUVs.
It’s NOT a truck.
I had a 89 many years ago. I was bit by the bug and no longer have the Rover. But now I’m the owner of two Discovery 1’s. My 96 is my daily driver and the 98 is for parts. Can’t wait to start a frame off restoration on the 96. It’s a loaded SE7.
This car back in the UK has very strong support, parts are very easy to come by and the vehicle is not hard to work on. Truly lovely drive and amazingly able off road.and it is NOT a truck !
These were the best looking of all the Range Rovers as they were functional with a classic line. I never owned one but I have British repair knowledge and they are not a car to take to a dealer unless you have deep pockets. If you do your own work they are viable cars and budgetable. From experience, any vehicle with the name ‘Rover’ on it carries the likelyhood of constant upkeep. That is not a problem if you love the marque and you love to do it. If you have no mechanical knowledge, be prepared o have your checkbook ready and able!!
Had a couple of Discos. Kept in perfect condition, but it was still one thing after another. (Both of mine had the I5 turbo diesels engine) Both ate the intercooler. Paid more than the value of each one to fix.
The vehicle you love to hate. Death of a thousand cuts is the perfect description.
Never again.
Ended, but re-listed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/146933396473
I see evidence that this vehicle did not spend a lot of time in a dealership, which is unfortunate. There are some important updates that should have been done, and the labels that would indicate the updates are not there. An experienced Land Rover tech would know what to look for, and should be consulted if a party is interested.
Needs underside pictures, have to be careful there. The removal of the air suspension negates most of what this truck is known for – and it is indeed a truck, despite other comments to the contrary – even more especially now with the suspension mods. The ABS deactivation is also a detraction, obviously nobody knew how to fix it.