1988 – Land Rover Range Rover V8 3.5L préparé Rallye-Raid

French circulation permit Chassis n°SALLHABV8EA339037 - Iconic 4x4 and first Paris-Dakar winner - 2-door version with just 120,100 original kms - 3rd hand since 2007 and interesting file - High-quality special Rallye-Raid preparation Location: Lyon region The model presented here is a Range Rover V8 3.5L with carburettors (SU) and 5-speed mechanical gearbox, in two-door bodywork, put on the road on November 17, 1988, having been prepared for the Rallye-Raid. This preparation was carried out at the request of its current owner in 2008, by a specialist tuner, according to the specifications of the Transafricaine Classic, organized by Patrick Zaniroli; a rally in which this Range was entered in 2009, but was unable to take part following the cancellation of the event that year. Aesthetically, the preparation consisted of a white monochrome "VSD" style decoration, respecting the original color and inspired by René Metge's Range Rover V8, winner of the "Paris-Alger-Dakar" in 1981. Mechanically, the shock absorbers have been replaced by Bilstein competition ones, a snorkel has been fitted with a competition conical air filter, an additional radiator fan has been fitted and a dual ignition coil has been pre-mounted. In terms of equipment, things have been taken a step further, with the addition of two pairs of long-range headlamps on the outside, as well as the hitch, an engine protection ski plus front axle and underbody and rocker panel armouring, and the fitting of BFGoodrich All Terrain 4x4 tires, which are new from 2022. In the cockpit, Oreca bucket seats with 5-point FIA competition harnesses, a 6-point LMT bolt-on roll bar, stamped aluminum pedals, co-driver footrest and floorboards, plus an additional 170-liter ATL fuel tank (FIA homologation) have been installed; The trunk has also been fitted with compartments containing two sand removal plates, a Hi-Lift jack and 2 strapped BFGoodrich All Terrain spare wheels. The on-board instrumentation has also been enhanced, with a radiator water temperature gauge, engine block water temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge and ammeter. The electrical system has also been reinforced in terms of fuses to improve reliability, and a general circuit-breaker has been added in the passenger compartment. This Range also benefits from Terratrip navigation, a CB radio and pre-wiring for an E-Track beacon. Prepared in this way, and with its fantastic permanent all-wheel drive with reduction gear and central differential lock, this Range is cut out to cope with extreme conditions. In fact, it is used for raids. Nevertheless, it's in appreciable condition, with 120,100 original kms and a clear history (3 owners). In the same hands for 17 years, it is well maintained and has an interesting file, including invoices for the preparation (for around €15,000) with homologation certificates for its equipment, as well as its original Range Rover logbook. This is a well-prepared, tried-and-tested, reliable example, ready for adventure! In the 1950s, Land Rover enjoyed great success with its rustic Series III, but was keen to expand its range with a vehicle offering the same off-road capability as a British off-roader, but with the comfort and superior roadholding of a Rover saloon. After two prototypes, finally abandoned in 1956 and 1959, the project resurfaced in 1966, in the form of a study of a "100-inch wheelbase station wagon" by Charles Spencer King, then chief engineer of new vehicles for the entire British Leyland Motor Corporation group, often referred to as the "father" of the Range Rover. This prototype, christened "Velar", led to the launch of the Range Rover in 1970, immediately after its official presentation to the press on June 17 of that year. From then on, the "Range" was an exceptionally versatile vehicle, blazing a new trail in the luxury 4x4 category. The first generation, known as the "classic", was equipped with an aluminum V8 engine that had to be mated to a manual gearbox until 1982, permanent all-wheel drive, 4-wheel disc brakes and, a major innovation for off-road vehicles at the time, suspension.