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.
Modest Exterior Changes Hide A Nifty Interior
Vinile will be modifying only first-generation Range Rovers, and the changes on the outside aren’t particularly obvious. The company says it will focus mainly on making everything fit better, straightening and tightening gaps and seals. So odds are, the result will be a Range Rover constructed far better than it was when new. The few exterior changes include trimmed bumpers, new side mirrors, a leveling kit at the rear, painted door handles, and larger tires on wheels with more offset that help fill out the wheel wells. The company will also fit round LED head and fog lights to maintain the classic look. The most bold additions are the black and yellow stripes. Even the engine will still be a Land Rover V8, just rebuilt and tuned up to around 200 horsepower.
Inside is where Vinile lets loose and applies some cool ideas. The window switches are moved to an overhead console for an aircraft-style feel. And to enhance that feeling, it also placed one of the start buttons up there. Yes, there are multiple start buttons. Just because Vinile thought it would be fun, it set up a whole ignition sequence to start the Range Rover. You turn the key, press the “Engage” button on the ceiling-mounted binnacle, and then finally hit the “Start” button on the center console. Sure it’s silly, but it also sounds fun, and what’s the point of something like this if it isn’t fun? Speaking of which, another novel feature of the Vinile Range Rover is the dedicated watch mount. The idea is that, instead of a dash clock, the owner can place their watch in the center console, either temporarily or long-term.
Vinile doesn’t skimp on the traditional restomod upgrades, either. Just about every surface imaginable in the interior is covered in Baxter leather. It claims it uses 484 square feet of the stuff. What isn’t covered in leather, features burled poplar. The company also installs 3 Rockford Fosgate amplifiers and 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers from Focal. They’re connected to a 10.1-inch Sony infotainment system with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While having modern features is good, we wish the screen was a little better integrated into the Range Rover’s design.
An Expensive, Limited Edition
Vinile is only building 15 Range Rovers. It’s nearly finished with its first example, which will be revealed on April 11. It’s also working on its second one. It will be taking orders for additional units, which can be customized by buyers. Those buyers will have to have some impressive bankrolls, as each Vinile Range Rover will cost €280,000 before any custom options. That comes to $307,126.
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