Exactly 45 years ago today, the first Range Rover was revealed to world media, paving the way to what is now probably the world’s most successful luxury all-terrain vehicle.

To mark the event, Land Rover brought together four generations of Range Rover for a special photoshoot, allowing us to see the evolution of the vehicle over 45 years.

The story began in the 1960s as Land Rover looked to revolutionize the growing 4×4 leisure market. Production of the first prototype began in 1966 and the finished car was launched in Cornwall in 1970.

First Generation – Classic (1970 – 1994)
Known as the Classic and originally only available as a two-door, the first generation Range Rover went on sale in 1970 featuring a lightweight aluminum V8 engine, full-time four-wheel drive and all-round disc brakes. It was the longest-running generation (25 years), gaining numerous variants and upgrades including the addition of a four-door model in 1981 and an automatic gearbox in 1982.

The first diesel Range Rover was introduced in 1986, while in 1989 the model became the world’s first 4×4 to feature anti-lock brakes (ABS). Another SUV first was celebrated in 1992 with the introduction of Electronic Traction Control and automatic electronic air suspension.

Second Generation – P38a (1994 – 2001)
The second-generation Range Rover was also known as P38a, because it was developed in building 38A in the Solihull factory. Launched in 1994, the model brought a more luxurious interior, greater on-road ability and off-road capability.

Technological highlights included the addition of height adjustable suspension and an enhanced engine line-up, with a 2.5-liter diesel and 3.9- and 4.6-liter V8 petrol units. 1999 brought the most luxurious Range Rover yet, the Linley special edition.

Inspired by furniture designer Lord Linley, only 10 examples of the £100,000 model were produced. All featured black paintwork with matching black leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets and piano black interior trim. It was one of the first luxury vehicles to feature satellite navigation and even included a television.

Third Generation – L322 (2001-2012)
The third generation Range Rover came with significant improvements over its predecessor in all departments. Bigger and more spacious than the P38a, the interior was inspired by high-end yacht designs, fine furniture and first-class airline seating.

Technological breakthroughs included the addition of “virtual” instruments in 2010, as well as the “dual-view” infotainment display. The third-generation Range Rover offered modern engines like the 4.2-liter V8 Supercharged petrol unit introduced in 2005, the TDV8 diesel engine in 2006, followed by all-new 5.0-liter V8 petrol engines three years later.

Fourth Generation (2012-present)
The current Range Rover arrived in 2012 with a lightweight all-aluminum body, bringing enhanced efficiency and dynamics to the range. The model is offered with petrol, diesel and Hybrid powertrains including a 510PS 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 petrol, 258PS 3.0-liter TDV6 and 339PS 4.4-liter SDV8 diesels and 340PS 3.0-liter SDV6-Hybrid. To mark Range Rover’s 45th anniversary, the automaker introduced the SVAutobiography model this year, the most luxurious and powerful (550PS) series production Range Rover ever.

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