The number of companies restomodding old Land Rovers is dizzying. They tend to follow pretty familiar patterns, too. They add nicer upholstery, a V8 engine swap (probably a GM LS engine), and some other light upgrades. So it's refreshing to hear from a company that's implementing some playful features to help set their restomod apart. That vehicle is the Land Rover Range Rover Classic By Vinile. The Italian start-up, which is literally named "vinyl" in Italian and says it wants to "remaster" vehicles, will fully reveal its first example on April 11 and is giving the world a sneak peek with these renders and details.
Subtle External Adjustments Conceal a Clever Inside
Vinyle plans to modify exclusively first-generation Range Rovers, and these alterations won’t be very noticeable from the outside. According to them, their main objective is ensuring all parts align perfectly, correcting misalignments, and enhancing seal integrity. As such, expect an end product superior to what it originally was right off the assembly line. Externally, you'll see adjustments like reshaped bumpers, updated side mirrors, a height adjustment for the back of the vehicle, repainted door handles, along with bigger tires fitted onto rims with increased offset to better fill the wheel arches. To preserve the vintage aesthetics, they’ll install circular LED headlights and fog lamps as well. Amongst the bolder modifications will be the addition of black and yellow striping details. Under the hood, however, remains the original Land Rover V8 engine; although now refurbished and fine-tuned to produce approximately 200 horsepower.
Within, Vinile gets experimental with innovative concepts. It relocates the window controls to an overhead console, giving it an airplane-like ambiance. To further accentuate this theme, they positioned one of the startup buttons atop this console as well. Indeed, there are several starting points. Since Vinile found it amusing, they devised a complete ignition procedure to activate the Range Rover. First, you twist the key, next press the “Activate” button located on the overhead panel, and lastly tap the “Begin” button situated on the central control area. While somewhat whimsical, it certainly seems entertaining; after all, what’s the use of such features if not for enjoyment? In addition, the Vinile Range Rover boasts a distinctive watch holder within the cabin. This allows owners to display their timepiece inside the car—either momentarily or permanently—in lieu of having a dashboard clock.
Vinyle does not cut corners when it comes to classic restomod enhancements. Nearly every conceivable surface inside the cabin is adorned with Baxter leather, claiming an impressive use of 484 square feet of it. Areas not upholstered in leather showcase burled poplar woodwork. Additionally, the firm equips the vehicle with three Rockford Fosgate amplifiers along with ten Focal speakers and two subwoofers. These audio components connect seamlessly to a 10.1-inch Sony touchscreen infotainment system featuring built-in navigation as well as wireless compatibility for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although these contemporary amenities are appreciated, we feel they could have been more thoughtfully incorporated into the overall aesthetic of the Land Rover’s interior design.
An Expensive, Limited Edition
Vinile is manufacturing just 15 Range Rovers. The production of its inaugural model is almost complete and will make its debut on April 11. They are simultaneously progressing with their second unit. Orders for more vehicles will be accepted, allowing customers to personalize them according to their preferences. However, potential purchasers should be prepared to spend significantly since each Vinile Range Rover has an initial price tag of €280,000, equivalent to approximately $307,126 without considering customization choices.