A V8 Classic Range Rover That’s ULEZ Compliant

A Classic V8 Range Rover that meets low emissions ULEZ zones. Sounds great, so what’s the catch?

Well, it would seem there isn’t really a catch. Except that the classic Range Rover has been modified, reborn in Kingsley speak, albeit rather tastefully. Kingsley Cars, a Range Rover specialist has developed a couple of different versions, each one based on an original Range Rover.

With the advancement of low emission zones all over the world, and specifically in the UK, Kingsley Cars decided to take action.

However, any historic car or motorcycle can have a ULEZ exemption as it is over 40 years old, so what’s in this Range Rover and why does it matter.

You can have the ULEZ Reborn Range Rover as either a two or four-door and each car is built to the new owner’s specification. they haven’t just been re-engineered with London driving in mind, but also long distances.

Any pre 1981 Range Rover is currently ULEZ compliant, each year will bring newer ones into line as they attain classic status.

Each of the Range Rovers are stripped to a bare shell and re-engineered with the aim of future proofing with no electric motor in sight. Well, except maybe for the windows.

Seamless welding techniques are used to perform repairs and help with much of the rust traps as each joint is protected with seam sealer and rubberised coating underneath and high quality paint on the top. Each car has a three year against corrosion.

Under the bonnet there are two options, a 4.0 litre fuel injected 220 bhp V8 as standard, or the optional 4.6 V8 with 270 bhp. Both come fitted with an uprated ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox and fully rebuilt Borg Warner transfer box. Either option can return up to 25 mpg, which is pretty good for one of these, whilst being amusingly emissions zone compliant.

Kingsley Cars have restored over 400 Range Rover Classics and so far quite a few of the Reborn Range Rover Classic models.

Their famous fast road suspension kit is available, with the uprated anti-roll bars and the Kingsley Big Brake kit with 6 pot billet front and four pot billet rear calipers and larger discs.

Forged aluminium wheels are also available to help reduce unsprung mass and look great too.

Technology has been introduced to the Classic Rangey, several options are available to modernise the car and aid drivability. Front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. Switchable variable assistance power steering, LED headlamps with integrated washers.

Inside the JL Audio 700 Watt audio system with seen speakers is a massive upgrade to what was fitted from new and includes DAB. Rear iPad integration and Apply CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging integrated into the cabin. And the current trend of ambient lighting is a nice touch.

With over 20 years’ experience in restoring classic Range Rovers for clients all over the world, Kingsley Cars specialises in giving a new lease of life to pre-loved Range Rovers, now with a modern twist. The UK-based company has a dedicated workshop specifically for both Range Rover and Land Rover models, including paint, parts, trim and welding departments where the team is able to work on up to seven vehicles at one time, and with over 400 vehicles restored to-date it’s no wonder Kingsley Cars has such a loyal customer base.

Damon Oorloff, Founder of Kingsley Cars said:

“Having been around classic Range Rovers for most of my life and after building a business around these vehicles, it was crucial for the company to come up with a way to not only continue to restore classic Range Rovers and Land Rovers but to enhance them for modern use. And so, our classic Range Rover Reborn series was created. Designed for fans and enthusiasts of the classic model, it ensures that when driving in London, road users will not be hit by the ULEZ charge following its expansion to both the North and South Circular roads.”

“It’s so important for businesses like ours [Kingsley Cars] to keep classic cars on the roads, they are real head turners on the commute. As a team we want to establish our vehicles as the alternative to modern Range Rovers and SUVs, by offering our customers modern technology that fits seamlessly into their everyday lives and enhances the usability of our cars, while retaining the vintage look and charm that comes with owning a classic.”

If you want one of the new Reborn Range Rovers they start at £125,000, which might seem expensive, but Land Rover will restore one to original specification for a similar amount. So, it is purely down to personal choice. Originality or modern concessions. With many genuine parts used too it’s not like you aren’t getting the real thing and with the build taking between six and eight months the timescales aren’t much different to a restoration either.

It’s whether they have spoilt the experience or not and I get the feeling they haven’t. Of course, I would be willing to subject myself to extensive test driving for research.

Send your enquiry to [email protected] to find out more.