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.
In 1992 Range Rover got yet another upgrade. Swept-volume capacity of V8 engine was enhanced to 4.2 litres, vehicle got electronic traction control and, most notably, air suspension. Prior to that, suspension which supports the load on air-filled rubber bags, rather than steel springs was used only on buses, auto trucks and few luxury cars. This upgrade turned Range Rover into not only most comfortable, but most complex and technologically advanced SUV of its time.