Description
We are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally rare 1981 Range Rover “In Vogue” — an original Irish-market example and one of the earliest factory special edition Range Rovers ever produced.
The “In Vogue” occupies a unique place in Range Rover history. Introduced in February 1981 as a collaboration between Range Rover and Vogue magazine, it became the first factory-produced limited edition Range Rover and laid the foundations for the Vogue nameplate which continues through the Range Rover range to this day.
Finished to a distinctive specification, the In Vogue models featured unique coachwork detailing atop Vogue denim blue, upgraded interior trim, wooden door cappings, air conditioning and a level of luxury specification that was virtually unheard of in an early Range Rover. A matching picnic hamper was also available as an option, reinforcing the vehicle’s blend of luxury and utility which would go on to define the Range Rover brand.
The vehicle offered here is an original Irish-supplied example, delivered new to British Leyland Ireland in June 1981. It retains its original Irish registration number — “1KZU” — having remained in Ireland it's entire life. We will be happy to delivery worldwide and facilitate registration in your country of choice.
The current owner discovered 1KZU in barn-find condition. Recognising the rarity of the vehicle, he acquired it with the intention of carrying out a full restoration. In 2020, Maxwell Automotive were commissioned to undertake a complete nut-and-bolt restoration of the vehicle.
A 900- hour complete bare metal restoration was complemented by by significant effort to source rare and period-correct components in order to return the vehicle to its original specification and presentation.
While maintaining a highly original appearance, the vehicle benefits from several subtle and sympathetic upgrades designed to improve drivability and usability. These include the installation of a late model heated windscreen and also a later R380 five-speed gearbox, carefully integrated using the original lever positions to preserve the authentic interior appearance.
A period-style Blaupunkt stereo has also been fitted, discreetly incorporating modern Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free telephone use while remaining visually faithful to the era of the vehicle.
Opportunities to acquire an original “In Vogue” are exceptionally rare, particularly an Irish-market example restored to this standard and retaining its original registration and provenance. This superb restoration by Maxwell Automotive represents not only a beautifully restored Range Rover Classic, but an important piece of Range Rover history.
