Range Rover SUVs: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Range Rover Specification Guide - First Generation Models, 1970-1996

This book provides detailed guidance on the original factory specifications of first-generation Range Rovers produced between 1970 and 1996. Commonly referred to as Range Rover Classics - though this term strictly applies to models built after autumn 1994 - these vehicles established the foundation for later generations of Land Rover's renowned Range Rover series.

Over time, many of these early models suffered significant alterations, often modified as off-road vehicles or neglected by successive owners. However, with growing interest in restoring them to their original condition more than 25 years after production ceased, accurate reference material has become increasingly important.

Author James Taylor has meticulously reviewed original documents and examined surviving vehicles to compile a comprehensive resource on the authentic specifications of these iconic models. This guide is an essential reference for anyone restoring or maintaining these classic vehicles, which hold a pivotal place in Land Rover's history.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	160 pages, 12 x 8.9 x 0.63 in (30.5 x 22.5 x 1.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2024)
ISBN:	9780719843822

Making the Range Rover Legend: The 1971-72 British Trans-Americas Expedition

In 1971/72, a British Army team embarked on a challenging journey to drive the entire Pan-American Highway, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. A key obstacle was the Darién Gap, a 200-mile stretch of dense jungle in Panama and Colombia, where no road existed. The British Trans-America Expedition took nearly 100 days to navigate this terrain, using two Range Rovers to drive, winch, and float across the wilderness.

Although previous expeditions in 1960 and 1961 had crossed the Darién Gap using different vehicles, the British team was the first to complete the full journey from Alaska to Argentina. Their success cemented the Range Rover's reputation as a capable and durable SUV, just a year after its launch.

This book explores the history of the Darién region and the early expeditions that paved the way for the 1971/72 challenge. It includes first-hand accounts from the team - six soldiers and two Rover engineers - along with rare photographs, maps, and commemorative materials.

Product details

Author:	John Carroll
Details:	128 pages, 9 x 6.7 x 0.35 in (24 x 17 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	170 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781913870300

Range Rover

When the Range Rover was introduced in 1970, it quickly gained attention. Its combination of elegant design, excellent off-road capability, and comfort on paved roads created a new driving experience. The Louvre Museum in Paris even displayed it as an example of industrial design. Today, fifty years later, the Range Rover remains highly sought after.

In this detailed book, Rover expert James Taylor explores all Range Rover models, from the original 1970s classic to the latest fifth-generation version. He highlights Land Rover's engineering achievements in creating a vehicle equally suited for rough terrain and city streets. The book also traces how the Range Rover evolved into a luxury status symbol.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	96 pages, 0.2 x 0.2 in (0.5 x 0.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781398113770

Police Range Rovers - A Fifty Year Story

This book presents the complete history of the Range Rover in UK police service from 1971 to today, making it one of the longest-serving police vehicles.

It details the introduction of the Range Rover into law enforcement, the competition from other vehicles, its markings, and its various roles over the past 50 years. The book also highlights specific models used by different UK police forces.

Additionally, it features preserved ex-police Range Rovers that are now considered historic vehicles. With over 300 photographs, many published for the first time, this book provides a unique insight into the Range Rover's role in policing.

Product details

Author:	Peter Hall
Details:	262 pages, 12 x 5.9 x 1.18 in (30.5 x 15 x 3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300+ photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781839752711

The Range Rover Story

The original Range Rover, introduced in 1970, pioneered the luxury SUV market. Designed with limited resources, it was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to offer both off-road capability and on-road comfort, setting a new standard in automotive design.

"The Range Rover Story" provides a clear and concise account of the vehicle's history, highlighting its development and impact. It traces the journey from the early ideas of a small team of engineers to the global success of the Range Rover.

Product details

Author:	Giles Chapman
Details:	128 pages, 5.1 x 7.5 x 0.51 in (13 x 19 x 1.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	100 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9780750989237

Range Rover First Generation - All models (1970-1996) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Looking for a good Range Rover? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, is full of practical advice for buying the first generation Range Rover.

Production years: 1970-1996.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the first generation Range Rover helps you find a suitable car at the right price and answers the following questions:

• Stay or walk away? First evaluation of a Range Rover.
• What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
• How to check authenticity?
• Which models are most suitable?
• What are known defects?
• What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
• What are the maintenance costs?

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.83 in (19.5 x 14 x 2.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781787112223

Range Rover First Generation - The Complete Story

The Range Rover was originally designed as a more comfortable and road-friendly version of the Land Rover. However, customers quickly recognized its greater potential.
During the 1970s, while its practicality and performance were widely acknowledged, the Range Rover also became a symbol of prestige. It transformed the Land Rover brand forever.

"Range Rover First Generation - The Complete Story" explores the true history of this vehicle, detailing the many changes made during its 26 years of production. The book covers its development, special modifications, utility versions, models built for the U.S. market, overseas production, and full technical specifications.
If any vehicle deserves to be called "iconic, " it is the first-generation Range Rover.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	240 pages, 10.6 x 8.9 x 0.94 in (27 x 22.5 x 2.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	97 b&w and 223 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2018)
Series:	The Complete Story
ISBN:	9781785004117

Original Range Rover - The Restorer's Guide to All Carburettor Models 1970-1986

The Range Rover is a significant vehicle in automotive history, influencing modern four-wheel-drive SUVs. Early models are now considered classics, and interest among enthusiasts continues to grow.

This book, based on factory records, details the original specifications of carburettor models produced between 1970 and 1986. It includes 240 specially commissioned color photographs of well-preserved vehicles, showcasing every variation in great detail.
In addition to standard models, the book also features rare versions such as the Monteverdi four-door, In Vogue Special Editions, and emergency service vehicles used by police, fire, and ambulance departments.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	128 pages, 11.6 x 8.9 in (29.5 x 22.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	240 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2014)
Series:	Original Restorer's Guide
ISBN:	9781906133559

Range Rover - The Creators of an Icon - Origins and History of the Marque, Design & Development of Early Models

This book is a personal memoir by Graham Bannock, reflecting on his time at the Rover Company in the late 1950s and 1960s, during the development of the Range Rover.

Contents:
- Introduction
- The Pearl in the Oyster: Origins of the Range Rover
- Earlier History
- How it Was: Solihull in the 1960s
- Across Africa: Travels in Sudan and Ethiopia
- Journeys in North America, Europe, and Africa
- Renaissance
Appendices:
- Rover's Finances (by Graham Bannock and Alan Doran)
- Rover Gas Turbines (by Graham Bannock and James Taylor)
- Internal Memoranda
- Bibliography

Product details

Author:	Graham Bannock
Details:	104 pages, 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.28 in (23 x 15 x 0.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	60 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2014)
ISBN:	9781783180288

Range Rover The First Fifty: Prototypes, YVBs and NXCs - The Story of the Early Range Rovers

The Range Rover has become a legend. Its original design remained in production for over 25 years, followed by the second generation in 1994, the third in 2001, and the fourth in 2012. Collectors and enthusiasts value the early models, which set the standard for many later vehicles.

This book focuses on the very first Range Rovers, documenting their history and significance. It covers three key groups: the seven Engineering Prototypes, the 28 Pre-Production Vehicles (mostly registered in the YVB-H series), and the 20 Press Launch Vehicles (all registered in the NXC-H series). In total, these early models number just over 50.

Product details

Author:	Roger Crathorne, Geof Miller
Details:	160 pages, 11 x 8.25 x 0.43 in (28 x 21 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	160 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2013)
ISBN:	9781783180028

You & Your Range Rover - Buying, enjoying, maintaining, modifying

From a high-end Land Rover to an art exhibit in the Louvre, from a rugged off-roader to a luxury vehicle, the Range Rover has excelled in every role. It set the standard for a new generation of leisure vehicles, combining on-road comfort with off-road capability.

The first-generation Range Rover (Series 1) remained in production for 26 years before being replaced by the more refined Series 2. In 2002, the Series 3 took the model fully into the luxury car market.

This fully illustrated book is ideal for Range Rover owners and enthusiasts. It includes a detailed model history, guidance on buying, maintenance, and modifications, as well as specifications, model updates, and production figures.

Product details

Author:	Dave Pollard
Details:	160 pages, 10.8 x 8.25 x 0.75 in (27.5 x 21 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	160 color photos
Language:	English (technical dictionaries in 19 languages are available for free download here)
Publisher:	Haynes Publishing (GB, 2004)
ISBN:	9781859606179

Range Rover (1970-1985) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Range Rover 4x4 models from the years 1970-1985. Describes the Range Rover V8, 4-door, Schuler, Automatic, Vogue and Janspeed.

• The 50 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	172 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in (27 x 20 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	400 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1995)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855203143

Range Rover (1985-1995) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Range Rover 4x4 models from the years 1985-1995. Describes the Range Rover Vogue, Vogue Automatic, Janspeed, Turbo Diesel, Highline, Vogue SE, 3.9, RoverCraft 4.5, CSK, County SE, Vogue LSE, LWB and Tdi.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	172 pages, 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.47 in (26.5 x 20 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	400 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1995)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855203204

La dynastie Range Rover

The Range Rover, often called the "Rolls" of off-road vehicles, has enjoyed continuous success since its launch in June 1970. However, its development was lengthy. As early as 1952, Maurice Wilks, head of Rover, considered transforming the Land Rover into a more luxurious vehicle.

The first attempt used a modified Rover P4 chassis with a 60-horsepower Land Rover engine but was abandoned. At the time, British vehicles remained specialized: the Land Rover for the countryside, the limousine for the city.

In the 1950s, the leisure vehicle market grew in the United States, reigniting Rover's interest in a high-end 4x4. There, the brand found its ideal engine: an all-aluminum V8. The project took shape in 1966. Unlike American SUVs, the Range Rover embraced British elegance. Initially called "Road Rover, " it was soon renamed "Range Rover."

Today, despite strong competition, it remains an off-road icon, synonymous with quality and an exclusive automotive lifestyle - far beyond just city driving.

This richly illustrated French book describes the history of the Range Rover. It covers the development and construction of the different models since 1970. Includes many illustrations, mostly in color.

Product details

Author:	Stéphane Ferrard
Details:	192 pages, 12.2 x 9.25 in (31 x 23.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	400 color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2004)
ISBN:	9782726893975