Range Rover Goodwood Convertible: rare and one of a kind (13 photos)

Luxury SUVs have become commonplace these days, but some 40 years ago, the only more or less decent choice was a classic Range Rover. The most interesting is the only one in 1976 Range Rover Goodwood Convertible by Wood & Pickett





Naturally, there were always customers who needed more more exclusivity and luxury. A prototype was created in 1980 ultra-luxury Range Rover, which was loaned to Vogue magazine as props for a photo shoot of Jaeger clothes and Lancome perfumes. Automobile aroused great interest among the target audience and soon Range Rover Vogue was released in 1000 copies.

The prototype was created by the London company Wood & Pickett, founded twenty years earlier by former coachbuilders Hooper. W & P (as well as a number of other workshops) actively traded upgraded Range Rover, starting with versions for safari and picnics, ending with limousines and armored cars. Why go far: "factory" five-door Range Rover (introduced in 1981) began to be developed, when the Swiss Peter Monteverdi was already trading in such conversions with might and main. IN in general, the mass of people used the financial position of the Range Rover, not allowing the British to invest in their own development!

Wood & Pickett conversions were among the highest quality and advanced, and the head of the company was so eloquent that could sell sand to the Arabs. Arabs are mentioned for a reason, instead of sand Wood & Pickett took great pleasure in supplying them with convertibles. Range Rover!

The history of this car is mostly lost, and how in this way, he "moved" from the Middle East to a decrepit residential complex in Poland does not know ... The body still carried the remains of the original paint "Masai Red", but the torn roof did not protect the interior from atmospheric phenomena and that's all from the seats to the wooden inserts rotted. 3.5 liter carburetor the motor was replaced with a more modern injection, which, however, worked intermittently. Rare Range Rover had every chance just about go to ferrous metal, but was discovered by an interested enthusiast!

Unfortunately, the owner "suspected" that the car was unique and demanded 6,000 euros. Even considering that at one time, only converting a car into a convertible cost about twice as much, the deal was not very profitable. But the car had to be saved!

After the purchase, the car was sent to Germany, where it disassembled to the screw. The recovery process was extremely difficult task - it took eight (!) years plus a four-door donor. But the effort has clearly paid off! Restoration done very well quality, and the interior trim is simply impeccable.

During the work, the engine was replaced with a fresher one with a volume of 3.9 liters. Power has increased from the original 167 horsepower to just a little more exciting 215 horses. The cabin is equipped with a powerful audio system, and in general, the car has become more adapted to operation in modern conditions. But the main thing is that the car is not disappeared in the vastness of Eastern Europe, and shines even brighter than in the 1970s!