Range Rover Camper

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In true Land Rover tradition, they rather stumbled across the brilliant Range Rover. Initially concieved as a slightly upmarket vehicle for the farming community, they had no idea that it would become the chosen vehicle for Heads of State around the world and create a whole new motoring genre.

Designed by Spen King, it’s airy, minimalist yet perfectly proportioned form still looks fresh 44 years on. All versions are hugely capable machines that are equally at home on the motorway, the school run, or clambering to the top of a mountain. They can also legally tow 3.5 tonnes which has always put them one step ahead of what little competition they had.

Built on a substantial box-section ladder-type chassis, much like the contemporary Land Rover, the Range Rover had more sophisticated all-independent coil spring suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and disc brakes all round. Power came from Rover’s light-weight all-alloy 3.5-litre V8 engine, detuned to 135bhp which could propel it to over 96mph in standard trim. They soon found favour with the emergency services, outside specialists offering a wide range of equipment from six-wheel fire tenders to rapid-response ambulances.

This 1976 model started life as an ambulance and at some time has been converted into a practical and comfortable camper. The spacious fibreglass body is of course free of rust, the vendor advising us that the chassis appears in solid condition and the engine runs sweetly.

Unused for some years, it will need some light recommissioning before use. It will then make the ideal tow vehicle to take to shows, keeping accommodation costs to a minimum, or would make a great tool with which to explore the wilder parts of the world. Early Range Rovers are definitely flavour of the month at the moment, this unusual and useful variant looking like a most interesting proposition that might just change your life. Sod the job, Botswana here I come...