Vinile, based in Maranello Italy, specialises in remastering automotive and aerospace icons and its latest project is an older Range Rover, the first of which is finished in metallic green with a gloss black roof and a starting price of €310,000, which amounts to about $550,000 AUD.
While the classic Rangie remains faithful to the model launched in 1970, every surface has been reimagined and reworked. Body panels have been hand hammered to reduce gaps and seams; the bumpers have been slimmed and flush cut; and bonnet and doors have been smoothed and perfectly aligned.
The front grille is now three dimensional, LED headlights retain the original design, while round fog lights, redesigned mirrors and a thin gloss black strip with yellow accents introduce the brand’s new identity.
At the rear, a new diffuser, LED tail-lights, mudflaps, spoiler and a white poplar burl insert visually connects the exterior and interior.
Inside, everything is designed to create a special atmosphere.
The seats, dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, and wheel arches are upholstered in Baxter leather.
The classic Rangie uses 45m² of leather in Bo.Hemian Choco, Bo.Hemian Savana and Kashmir Menthe shades, paired with solid white poplar burl, sculpted from a single block and festooned to the door trims, centre tunnel and dashboard support.
The aim was not to recreate a classic interior, but to imagine a contemporary lounge on four wheels.
While the Rangie is decades old, it uses up-to-date tech with a 10.1-inch HD infotainment touchscreen in the centre dash, giving access to navigation, audio and cameras, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An aluminium touch encoder on the centre tunnel, controls on-board functions, including ambient lighting.
The overhead console, inspired by that of a business jet, houses aeronautical switches for a unique tactile feel. All four doors project, via puddle lights, the outline of the car’s front end on to the ground. One bold touch: The owner’s wristwatch can be mounted at the centre of the dashboard, becoming the car’s own clock.
The in-house developed audio system includes an integrated DAB radio and providing crystal-clear sound are three Rockford amps, a Mosconi processor, ten Focal speakers and two subwoofers.
The original V8 engines, either 3.5, 3.9 or 4.3-litre versions are fully overhauled and upgraded to deliver around 200 hp, up from the original 167.
The suspension has been reworked for a neutral stance, eliminating the stock rear squat and while the wheels retain the original 16-inch diameter, they feature deeper, more concave rims, with wider tyres improving stability, grip and road presence.
The first five-door example is just the beginning.
The second three-door Range Rover Classic by Vinile is already in production, while three more vehicles (LWB) are ready to enter the line, out of the planned 15.
Each one will be different from the others and fully customisable according to the client’s requests.