1994 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC 4.2 LSE (VANDEN PLAS)

This Range Rover Classic LSE is a well-documented, unrestored example of a true British icon, which has been well cared-for over the last two years by renowned specialist Kingsley Cars. Its engine is a 4.2-litre V8, channelling its power through a four-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive. The odometer indicates 80,679 miles from new.

First registered on 1 December 1994, this Range Rover was delivered new to Japan, where it was badged ‘Vanden Plas’ rather than the ‘LSE’ nameplate given to UK-supplied cars. It was then reimported back to the UK in 2015 by Specialist Cars York, having covered an indicated 75,185 miles (121,000 km). The km/h speedometer was switched to mph, with the car UK registered in August 2015. The current vendor has enjoyed and maintained this capable and comfortable 4x4 for two-and-a-half years.

With smart Beluga Black paintwork, which is believed to be original, this Range Rover demonstrates impressive kerb appeal. There is a stone chip on the leading edge of the bonnet, and scuffs apparent on the corners of the front and rear bumpers. Chipping is also present in the paintwork of both passenger-side doors, and there is a small dent in the roof on the driver’s side.

Despite this, the paintwork demonstrates an alluring shine and the body retain its crisp lines – suggesting that this car retains its original panelling throughout. The seller does note that there is slight fading to the paint on the driver’s side of the rear panel, which is only really noticeable upon close inspection. The headlight and tail light lenses are in good condition, with the front headlights equipped with daytime running light functionality to lend a modern touch to the exterior.

The Brooklands body kit, including sills and front and rear bumpers, has been painted in anthracite grey, with the 16-inch Land Rover alloy wheels also painted to match. These are in excellent order, with no kerbing or corrosion visible.

Moving inside, this elegant 4x4 shows only signs of very light usage and has the classic ‘soft’ dashboard. Cracking is apparent on the leather upholstery of the front seats, though there are no tears. Some of the switchgear shows wear in the finish, such as the rear window switches, while the wood veneer is also cracked on the centre console and gear lever.

An aftermarket Pioneer fold-out stereo head unit has been installed, featuring a reversing camera. There is also an aftermarket central locking system with an immobiliser. The vendor notes that the plastic screws for the boot interior and interior handle cover for the tailgate door were removed during the recent service, and will be refitted in time for sale. The cruise control is currently not operational, so the wiring for this functionality requires some attention.

In preparation for its next owner, the car was last serviced in August 2020 at 80,563 miles by well-known marque specialist Kingsley Cars. This entailed replacement spark plugs, spark plug leads, replacement of a worn distributor and resetting of the engine timing. In addition, the air flow meter, ignition coil pack and amplifier and ECU were all checked, among other minor work. This programme of work has all followed a full inspection by Kingsley, which highlighted areas requiring attention, and which the seller has subsequently addressed.

A prior service was carried out in late 2019 by Kingsley Cars, where the V8 had its timing adjusted and a new Bosch Silver S4 battery was installed. The water pump and timing belt were also replaced at this time, as well as the front ride height sensors. The only refurbishment recommended by Kingsley that has not been carried out is a full respray, which the seller has resisted on account of not wishing to replace the current finish that he believes is original.

In July 2018, all brake pipes, pads and discs were replaced with genuine Land Rover parts, while in August 2018 the fuel pump, air filter and locks and seals were replaced by Buchanan Motors. During the previous owner’s tenure, the old air suspension was upgraded to Bilstein air suspension all round, and the seat electrics, wiring, air-conditioning system, and the heater and defroster systems were all checked and serviced where needed.

The most recent MOT test was on 12 April 2019 at 79,944 miles. This resulted in a clean pass with no advisories, with the next MOT not due until 11 October 2020 due to the COVID-19 MOT extension scheme.

Wearing Toyo Open Country A/T tyres all round, these were fitted in November 2019 and have covered less than 700 miles in that time. They are in as-new condition with ample tread remaining.

This Range Rover is offered for sale with its original handbook, Japanese service logbook recording various maintenance visits back to around 20,000km, and UK service history from the current owner. In addition, the original factory spare wheel and tool kit will be provided.

With an iconic silhouette and solid maintenance history, this Range Rover Classic 4.2 Vanden Plas – known as the LSE in the UK – is an appealing example of the beloved 4x4, with a number of unique and modern touches. A head-turning luxury vehicle, it would be just as home on the open moors as it would be pottering around a town centre in the care of its next enthusiast owner.

Summary of service history:

• Dec 1995 – 21,945 km (13,635 miles)             
• Dec 1999 – Mileage not recorded
• Apr 2002 – 86,741 km (53,898 miles)
• Apr 2004 – 90,587 km (56,288 miles)
• Nov 2007 – 99,299 km (61,701 miles)
• Jun 2009 – 109,950 km (68,320 miles)
• Jul 2018 – 78,069 miles (Buchanan Motors)
• Nov 2019 – 80,152 miles (Kingsley Cars)
• Aug 2020 – 80,563 miles (Kingsley Cars)

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.