In the 1960s the demand for the four-wheel drive vehicles significantly increased and Land Rover was at the forefront of new emerging market segment. The company decided to develop a new vehicle that would combine comfort and driving characteristics of a family car with the off-road capabilities Land Rover. The result of their work was Range Rover that was launched into production in 1970, and immediately caused a general admiration. This car was a real breakthrough.
In March 16, 1987 Range Rover become available to American market. Standard configuration included air conditioner, cruise control, ZF 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as electric moon roof. One could order optional crystal wine glass set and wooden picnic trays for all three passengers and waterproof cover for expensive leather backseat.
Between 1980 and 2000, The Camel Trophy – annual vehicle-oriented competition was held. It was best known for its use of Land Rover vehicles over challenging terrain. Those motorsport events have been called “the Olympics of 4×4”, and were all about adventure and exploration. Throughout 20 years, courageous explorers visited Amazon, Sumatra, Zaire, Brazil, Borneo, Australia, Madagascar and more. Those dangerous expeditions through difficult terrain put human and vehicle endurance to real test. Over the course of the twenty years, all of the Land Rover vehicle range were used, including Range Rover, Series III, Defender, Discovery and Freelander.