Range Rover’s Most Refined SUV Is Even Better as an Old-School 4×4

Turns out, the brand’s range-topping SV Ultra trim makes for an especially choice look on its boxy ’90s Classic.

Silver SUV with rear hatch and tailgate open, showing beige interior seats and spare tire inside.

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The Range Rover portfolio spans many luxurious and well-equipped packages and trims, but it’s the SV Ultra that rules the proverbial roost.

It’s the most premium, most refined Rangie of the whole lot, an option that’s available by invitation only and priced well into the six figures. In other words, it brings true VIP status to an already highly exclusive SUV.

Two silver Range Rover SUVs, one classic model on the left and a modern model on the right, on a white reflective floor. — The Range Rover Classic dons the same paint and interior dressings as its descendant, proving that it can still hang with the kids.

Still, that hasn’t stopped Range Rover from spreading some SV Ultra love to a new classic restoration. While it’s a different direction for the badge, I’d argue that what results makes for an even better application.

A stunning renewal

Just look at the thing. In addition to being the product of a comprehensive 2,000-hour restoration, this 1993 Range Rover Classic has been done up in the style of its modern SV Ultra descendant.

Light gray fabric front seats and armrests inside a vehicle with a black and white dashboard and steering wheel. — The interior makes for the most marked transformation, but the cabin takes to the new Ultrafabrics surprisingly well.

It’s a treatment that translates well, even in light of (or, rather because of) the juxtaposition with the Classic’s utility. Around the outside, for instance, the Range Rover now wears the same Titan Silver. It incorporates a fine aluminum flake for an iridescent, liquid-metal finish.

However, you’ll find the most impactful changes take shape throughout the cabin. In place of the original leather upholstery, Range Rover has fitted Ultrafabrics in Orchid White and Cinder Grey.

Silver classic Range Rover SUV with black trim and white interior seats on a white reflective surface. — That Titan Silver paint incorporates real aluminum flake for that liquid-metal look.

Similarly, the seats also sport a laser-etched, perforated mosaic pattern, and Range Rover has bequeathed the cabin with a generous amount of brushed aluminum accents in door handles, speaker covers and finishers.

Rolling on some 16‑inch three‑spoke wheels finished in Satin Platinum Atlas with diamond-turned contrast rims, the cherry on top comes in the form of some modern hood ornamentation. Along with a more modern look, it brings elevated SV Ultra-exclusive finishes.

Close-up of silver Range Rover front left wheel, headlight, and black bumper on a gray floor. — The tri-spoke wheels don a Satin Platinum Atlas finish with diamond-turned rims for contrast.

Mechanical authenticity

Pop the hood, however, and you’ll find that this Classic is as, well, classic as they come.

Range Rover didn’t hold back when it came to the visuals of this 1993 model, but the brand took a far more restrained approach to the powertrain in the pursuit of mechanical authenticity.

Silver classic Range Rover SUV side view with black trim and white interior seats visible through windows — I’ll take the sharp edges of the Classic any day.

Accordingly, the Classic Works team carefully restored and refined every detail to preserve the original character and integrity while also improving reliability. From the engine and transmission to the suspension, steering and braking, they went over everything with a fine-tooth comb.

As befits its original County Edition spec, then, it still retains its factory-fitted 3.9-liter V8 and four-speed automatic gearbox. Given the refresh, it’s safe to assume it’s once again good for all of its 182 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.

While this means that it’s underpowered compared to today’s SV Ultra, that’s not to say that the Classic is lacking in refinement. In fact, being a 1993 Range Rover County, it was among the first short-wheelbase models to feature electronic air suspension (EAS).

Silver SUV rear side with open tailgate and tailgate-mounted metal tray on a plain background. — That tailgate is just one of the many advanced touches that even the 1993 model brings to the table.

Besides, what the Classic doesn’t have in power or state-of-the-art tech, it more than makes up for when it comes to things like old-school and mechanical simplicity. I know which I’d have.

Availability and pricing

If you’re smitten with this Range Rover Matched Pair and you’re prepared to spend, you’re in luck. As part of Monterey Car Week next month, Range Rover will sell both vehicles during a live auction. The sale is set for August 14th.

Silver classic Range Rover SUV with black trim and white interior seats on a white reflective floor.

1993 Range Rover Classic SV Ultra

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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