The Range Rover is one of the most iconic premium SUVs around the world. You could say it’s the Willys Jeep or the Toyota Hilux for those who prefer luxury while traversing rough terrain. Today marks exactly five decades since the first one was launched and there’s a new special edition model to mark the occasion.
The first-gen Range Rover debuted in 1970 as a two-door SUV with permanent 4WD and a V8 under the hood. It has undergone many evolutions since often leading the way when it comes to incorporating new technologies in the SUV space. The Range Rover is currently in its fourth generation, first launched in 2014 and heavily updated since. Today it is offered in a plethora of specifications, each suited to a certain need. It has gotten a lot bigger over the years with more models under the Range Rover badge, which is probably why there isn’t a two-door version of the current, best-you-can-get Range Rover SUV.
Land Rover will be offering the Range Rover Fifty in many forms, based on the well-equipped Autobiography spec. That includes both normal and extended wheelbase versions. The Fifty will also be available with a choice of petrol, diesel and even the new plug-in hybrid powertrain. Perhaps the best version of the Range Rover Fifty would be one based on the current top-end SVAutobiography version. Not only is it the most luxurious version of the current Range Rover, but it also features an all-aluminium, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 churning out 557bhp and 700Nm of torque. “Oh, my!” is the right reaction for those who can actually get their hands on one of these since the Range Rover Fifty special edition is limited to just 1,970 units.
Land Rover has launched the special edition Range Rover in the same launch colour as the original – Tuscan Blue. The other colour options for the 50 Limited Edition Range Rover include more iconic shades from the car’s history like Bahama Gold and Davos White. Other special edition touches include new 22-inch 5-spoke wheels that pay tribute to the first-gen wheels. There’s also special a ‘Fifty’ insignia that will be featured on the door sills, the headrest upholstery and the side accents behind the front wheels. The most special ‘Fifty’ will be on a plaque in the central console tunnel, below the rotary gear selector, that also states that it is a 1 of 1970 Range Rover.
It’s a shame the Range Rover’s 50th birthday came during a global pandemic with many countries in lockdown. But I’m certain that Land Rover or simply avid fans of the Range Rover would celebrate this milestone more emphatically when conditions allow.
Do you have any special memories or stories with a Range Rover that you’d like to share? If yes, do let me know in the comments below along with thoughts on the Range Rover Fifty special edition. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Auto Loons for more cool updates from the car world.
The Auto Loons 
the old range rover looks so small
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