1981 Range Rover “In Vogue”
We are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally rare 1981 Range Rover “In Vogue” — an original Irish-market example and one of the earliest factory special edition Range Rovers ever produced. The “In Vogue” occupies a unique place in Range Rover history. Introduced in February 1981 as a collaboration between Range Rover and Vogue magazine, it became the first factory-produced limited edition Range Rover and laid the foundations for the Vogue nameplate which continues through the Range Rover range to this day.
Finished to a distinctive specification, the In Vogue models featured unique coachwork detailing Vogue denim blue, upgraded interior trim, wooden door cappings, air conditioning and a level of luxury specification that was virtually unheard of in an early Range Rover. A matching picnic hamper was also available as an option, reinforcing the vehicle’s blend of luxury and utility which would go on to define the Range Rover brand. The Vogue name became synonymous with Range Rover and this first example from the original Vogue Magazine ad campaign will be turning heads for years to come.
The vehicle offered here is an original Irish-supplied example, delivered new to British Leyland Ireland in June 1981. It still retains its original Irish registration number “1KZU” having remained in Ireland it's entire life.
This Classic was discovered in barn-find condition. Recognising the rarity of the vehicle the current owner acquired it with the intention of carrying out a full restoration. In 2021, Maxwell Automotive were commissioned to undertake a complete nut-and-bolt restoration of the vehicle.
900 hours of restoration and significant effort invested in sourcing rare and period-correct components in order to return the vehicle to its original factory specification and presentation it offers a new owner the experience of one of the most original Range Rovers of its period.
While maintaining a highly original appearance, the vehicle benefits from several subtle and sympathetic upgrades designed to improve drivability for daily use. These include the installation of a late model heated windscreen and also a later R380 five-speed gearbox, carefully integrated using the original lever positions to preserve the authentic interior appearance.
A period-style Blaupunkt stereo has also been fitted, discreetly incorporating modern Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free telephone use while remaining visually faithful to the era of the vehicle.
Opportunities to acquire an original “In Vogue” are exceptionally rare, particularly an Irish-market example restored to this standard and retaining its original registration and provenance. 1KZU represents not only a beautifully restored Range Rover Classic, but an important piece of Range Rover history
