What's all this about?

Does sir or madam find the modern iteration of the Range Rover just a bit too large? A touch vulgar? Perhaps sir or madam feels that it's all a bit nouveau, rather than old money? Well, sir or madam has a new and rather wonderful option - it's called the Kingsley Re-Engineered KSR...

Who or what, precisely, is Kingsley?

Kingsley is a Land Rover specialist engineering and restoration company, tucked away in the Oxfordshire countryside, and since 2001 it's been creating beautifully restored and upgraded versions of classic Range Rovers. Now, though, Kingsley is launching its ultimate Range Rover upgrade - the KSR.

The KSR is based on a pre-1993 Range Rover, and you can have your choice of two- or four-door bodies if you're ordering one. Kingsley has been updating and improving the original Range Rover V8 engine (which dates back to the 1960s Rover-Buick 3.5-litre V8) for some time now, but its piece de resistance is this, a 4.6-litre version of the classic engine, producing 270hp (up from 222hp in the 1990s) and 420Nm of torque. That gives this classic-style Rangie a boost in performance, allowing it to hit 62mph in less than ten seconds, and heading on to a top speed of 120mph.

That performance is reined in by a 'big brake' upgrade, and the fitting of TracTive adaptive suspension. If that's not enough power, then Kingsley can optionally fit a more modern Chevrolet LS3/LT1 V8 engine, which comes with a six-speed automatic instead of the 4.6-litre engine's four-speed gearbox.

And how about the interior?

Inside, the most critical part of the upgrade is the least visible - it's a much-improved air conditioning system, which comes with a much wider windscreen vent for better demisting. That's controlled by a bespoke new panel of switches fitted to a modified centre console, which also features a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Kingsley has even gone to the bother of creating a new instrument panel, with lovely analogue gauges separated by a new digital screen. Original switchgear has been recreated in modern form, improving on quality, while Kingsley has actually moved some of those switches around to make them more ergonomically sensible. There are even USB sockets.

The KSR Range Rover's cabin is then trimmed in high-quality leather and tweed cloth, all to the owner's specification of course.

Any words from the team behind this reimagined machine?

John Sawbridge, managing director of Kingsley Re-Engineered, said: "Since 2001, Kingsley and Range Rover Classics have been an iconic duo, setting unmatched standards in the world of the beloved British marque. The KSR represents a monumental leap forward, harnessing the unparalleled expertise of our extraordinarily talented 21-strong team and collaborating with the industry's top-tier supply partners, all while answering our customers' wishes and requests.

"The KSR is the ultimate embodiment of our groundbreaking vision for the future. We've completely modernising the Range Rover Classic without compromising an ounce of the timeless charm or beauty of this iconic car. Stepping inside the KSR reveals an extraordinary experience, distinctly unlike any vehicle we've ever created. And, when you drive it, you realise it's a step above any Range Rover Classic - becoming the most superior Kingsley ever built.

"We firmly believe this to be the best and most thoughtfully re-engineered Range Rover Classic in the world. This is a true statement of intent from us for future builds, and it shows our dedication to creating vehicles that honour the past while embracing the future, ensuring each new model is even better than the last."

Fancy one? Well, the bad news - sir or madam - is that £220,000 is the starting price.

Neil Briscoe - 10 Oct 2024