Kingsley Re-Engineered brings the Range Rover Classic into the modern era with the new KSR
A sophisticated retromod transforms the iconic original Range Rover into a thoroughly stylish and modern luxury SUV
The art of the restomod is taken up a notch by Kingsley Re-Engineered’s new KSR. As the specialist manufacturer behind this new iteration of the Range Rover Classic, Kingsley has gone further than ever before, adding new interior and suspension options, among other things.
The first generation Range Rover had a long and fruitful life. As one of the instigators of the luxury SUV market it was enthusiastically taken up from everyone from urban pioneers to the original green welly brigade – hence the bucolic neo-Sloane imagery shown here.
The four door version, shown here, was visually beefed up and enhanced over the original two-door design, helping give the model its long shelf life and setting the template for Range Rover to remain JLR’s flagship brand.
Kingsley Re-Engineered was established in 2001 and has since completed around 500 bespoke Range Rover Classics and original Land Rovers, each built to a unique specification. For the KSR, the Oxfordshire-based company has done much more than simple restore an original model.
For a start, there’s a new dashboard design that brings better ventilation and upgraded air conditioning, along with higher quality switchgear and an all-new instrument panel and centre console. Instruments are now digital (the first time in a Kingsley model), allowing Apple CarPlay to be integrated.
Under the bonnet is a 4.6-litre High Torque V8, delivering 270 bhp and a top speed of over 120 mph+, as well as a sub-10 second 60mph sprint. Those in search of more power can specify a Chevrolet V8 engine, with a choice of automatic or six-speed gearboxes. Another innovation is the inclusion of TracTive adaptive suspension, specially optimised for the Range Rover Classic.
In addition to the new dashboard, the interior is re-trimmed in the material of your choice, whether leather or cloth like the rather fetching Black Watch tartan shown here, with high grade wood veneer on the dashboard and console. You’ll also find cup holders and charging ports, practical everyday objects that were alien to the Range Rover Classic generation. These KSR model enhancements can be applied to either original two- or four-door cars and the company has a worldwide customer base.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Range Rover Classic KSR by Kingsley Re-Engineered, from £220,000 plus VAT, KingsleyCars.co.uk, @KingsleyCars
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Three new coffee makers for a contemporary brew, from a casual cup to a full-on branded espresso
Three new coffee makers, from AeroPress, Jura and Porsche x La Marzocco, range from the defiantly manual to the bells and whistles of a traditional countertop espresso machine
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Don't miss Luxembourg's retro-futuristic lab pavilion in Venice
As the Venice Biennale enters its last few weeks, catch 'A Comparative Dialogue Act' at the Luxembourg Pavilion
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
A Berlin park atop an office building offers a new model of urban landscaping
A Berlin park and office space by Grüntuch Ernst Architeken offer a symbiotic relationship between urban design and green living materials
By Michael Webb Published
-
New 2022 Range Rover is an architectural powerhouse
Tough but refined, the 2022 Range Rover cloaks its athletic abilities and off-road agility beneath a sharp suit informed by a modernist approach
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Hit the road: Land Rover Discovery Sport loves both mud and tarmac
By Nargess Banks Last updated
-
Range Rover Evoque returns as a progressive competitor in the sports-utilities market
By Nargess Banks Published
-
The new Range Rover Evoque has been developed for electrification
By Nargess Banks Published
-
Range Rover PHEV drives luxury into the electric hybrid market
By Nargess Banks Published
-
Range Rover Velar has the aesthetic sensibility of a luxury smartphone
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The Range Rover Velar exudes quiet confidence in a slick package
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Mighty machines: Range Rover launches Sport SVR and Hybrid models
By Jonathan Bell Published