The most luxurious and personalized Range Rovers have been sold for 21 years under the Autobiography designation, which this year enters its third decade of existence.
The first Range Rover Autobiography model was announced at the London motor show in late 1993 and introduced to customers the following year. The earliest Autobiography Range Rovers were completely bespoke, offering customers limitless varieties of paintwork colors and interior finishes.
When Land Rover saw that demand was very high, it decided to adopt Autobiography as a limited edition version of the Range Rover, featuring the larger engine from the long-wheelbase LSE models as well as distinctive interior and exterior appointments. There were just 25 Autobiography models built, making them very exclusive.
Land Rover also fitted the cars with technology features, such as the fax machine that could be accommodated in the rear console of the first model. Range Rover Autobiography models have since adopted satellite navigation, television and video systems from as early as 1997.
With the third-generation Range Rover from 2002, Land Rover introduced concert hall-quality audio packages and a multi-play DVD system. The level of personalization increased, with customers able to specify various details, from the color of the sheepskin rugs to the type of wood used for cabin trims.
2011 brought the most expensive Range Rover yet, the 500 Autobiography, which had a starting price of £120,000. The model targeted the chauffeur-driven market and preceded the current-generation Range Rover.
The current Range Rover Autobiography Black, prepared by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, is the ultimate in Range Rover luxury, thanks to features such as a full-length panoramic roof, seats with integrated climate control and massage functions, as well as the option of an executive twin rear-seat design that features an extended center console housing USB connection, a sophisticated entertainment system with independent 10.2-inch screens and electrically deploying leather-finished tables.
The Special Vehicle Operations team will build current and upcoming Autobiography models in a new technical center that will include a customer commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalization, flexible workshops and a fully automated paint facility.
PHOTOS
