1985 Land Rover 90 V8 4x4 Utility
Registration no. C625 HHK
Chassis no. SALLDVAV7AA241787

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, while the use of existing components kept production costs down and cut development time. In the course of more than 60 years in production the supremely versatile Land Rover would prove itself adaptable to innumerable civilian and military roles.

Following the launch of the extensively revamped Land Rover 110 in 1983, a similar short-wheelbase version was added to the line-up the following year. Nominally of 90" wheelbase (actually 92.9") the newcomer incorporated all the improvements pioneered on the 'One-Ten', including coil-sprung suspension, one-piece windscreen, five-speed gearboxes and a revised interior, while adding a refinement of its own - wind-up windows - that subsequently featured on the larger model. Engine options were a 2.25-litre petrol four, 2.5-litre diesel four, and the 3.5-litre petrol V8. The latter endowed the 90 with decent performance by Land Rover standards, Motor magazine recording a 0-60mph time of 14.7 seconds and a top speed of 90mph; it was just what the emerging off-road leisure market wanted.

First registered on 30th September 1985, this 90 V8 was acquired by the late Paul Jennings in July 1995. The vehicle has had one former keeper, who purchased it new. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; various invoices for servicing, etc; a quantity of expired MoTs; and a replacement service book recording services in 2007, 2009, and 2011.