The Range Rover Classic occupies a special place in automotive history. Launched in 1970, it pioneered the luxury SUV segment long before such a category existed. Now, a team of Italian craftsmen believes this icon deserves more than restoration, it demands reinterpretation.
Vinile’s approach diverges from the typical restomod. Rather than transplanting modern mechanicals into vintage bodywork, the company embraces what it calls “remastering”, a philosophy borrowed from the music industry. Just as audio engineers enhance classic recordings without losing their soul, Vinile preserves the Range Rover’s DNA while elevating every aspect of the ownership experience.
The first example, recently completed at Vinile’s Maranello facility, embodies this philosophy. Fifteen examples will follow, each tailored to individual client specifications.
Reimagining an Icon
The exterior is a study in Italian attention to detail. Hand-hammered body panels eliminate the gaps and inconsistencies typical of 1970s British manufacturing. The bumpers have become sleeker, whilst retaining that authentic look and every surface has been scrutinised and refined, preserving the Classic’s honest proportions.
The debut model wears metallic green with a gloss black roof and three-dimensional front grilles replace the original flat items, while LED headlights retain the familiar circular motif. Redesigned mirrors, fog lights, and subtle yellow accent striping establish Vinile’s visual signature without overwhelming the Classic’s dignity. At the rear, a new diffuser and LED tail lights modernise the look, while white poplar burr inserts link exterior and interior design.
A Cabin of Distinction
Inside, Baxter leather sourced from one of Italy’s most respected suppliers covers every conceivable surface. Forty-five square metres of hide in Bo.Hemian Choco, Bo.Hemian Savana, and Kashmir Menthe shades create an environment that rivals the finest luxury salons.
Single-block white poplar burr adorns door trims, centre tunnel, and dashboard elements. The choice honours automotive tradition while introducing contemporary luxury, creating a modern design inhabiting a vintage shell.
The overhead console borrows inspiration from business aviation, featuring aeronautical switches that provide tactile satisfaction missing from modern touchscreen interfaces.
Refined Performance
Modern convenience arrives through a 10.1-inch Sony-derived touchscreen that manages navigation, audio, and camera systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity ensures seamless smartphone integration. A knurled aluminium encoder controls various functions, including ambient lighting customisation.
A roof-mounted fin antenna channels DAB radio through three Rockford amplifiers, a Mosconi processor, ten Focal speakers, and twin subwoofers, with Thender performance wiring ensuring flawless signal integrity. Owners may also install a personal timepiece at the dashboard centre, transforming it into the vehicle’s primary clock, creating a subtle touch of bespoke luxury.
Engineering with Finesse
The original V8 engine receives comprehensive overhaul and enhancement, increasing output from 167 to approximately 200 horsepower across the available 3.5, 3.9, and 4.3-litre variants. Suspension geometry receives attention to eliminate the original’s notorious rear squat while maintaining the Classic’s characteristic ride quality.
Sixteen-inch wheels preserve authentic proportions while adopting deeper, more concave profiles. Wider tyres improve stability and grip without compromising the vehicle’s fundamental character. These mechanical improvements enhance rather than transform the driving experience.
Limited Edition Legacy
Production will encompass fifteen examples, each individually specified according to client preferences. The second vehicle, a three-door variant, has entered production, while three long-wheelbase examples await their turn. Base pricing begins at €310,000, positioning Vinile firmly within the luxury restomod segment alongside Singer, Eagle, and other premium practitioners.
The company’s ambitions extend beyond automotive applications. Projects involving yachting, aerospace, product design, and music production are already underway.
The Range Rover Classic by Vinile will make its public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025, an appropriate venue for a product that bridges automotive heritage with contemporary luxury lifestyle aspirations.