1989 Range Rover Classic LS3 6.3L Restmod
Chassis: SALHV1245KA395552
Engine: LS3 6.3L
Odometer: 509 miles
Color: Cypress Green Metallic
Year: 1989
VEHICLE BACKGROUND
This 1989 Range Rover Classic Vogue was built in May 1989 to North American Specification (NAS) and delivered new to Range Rover Hendrick Imports in Charlotte, North Carolina. First registered on 21 August 1989, it remains an exceptionally well-documented example with strong provenance from new.
The vehicle is accompanied by its original factory window sticker, clearly outlining the factory specification and optional equipment as delivered. Finished from new in Cypress Green Metallic over Brown Velour upholstery, this high-spec Vogue featured the 3.9-litre EFI Rover V8, automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, electric and heated front seats, electric sunroof, cruise control, power steering, ABS braking, and Michelin reinforced tyres, among other NAS-specific features.
Further enhancing its provenance, the vehicle retains its original Land Rover grey leather-bound document wallet, complete with the warranty card, service book, and original owner’s manuals. These period-correct materials provide rare insight into the vehicle’s early life and underscore the completeness and care that have followed this Range Rover since new.
This documented history provided an ideal foundation for the bespoke LS3-powered restomod it has since become, preserving the identity and elegance of the Classic Range Rover while elevating performance, reliability, and usability to a thoroughly modern standard.
EXTERIOR & BODY
This Range Rover Classic represents a carefully executed restomod, blending the timeless design and commanding road presence of the original with modern engineering and refinement. Built as a bespoke commission, the vehicle was fully disassembled, restored, and re-engineered, with longevity and correctness at the forefront.
The body was stripped to allow inspection and correction of all known corrosion points. Panels were repaired where necessary and refinished individually before reassembly. The underbody and interior floors were treated with a protective liner, with all seams sealed for durability.
Paintwork is finished in matching Cypress Green, professionally applied and protected with a Graphene ceramic coating (MUC 6634). Structural items including the rear crossmember and twin battery trays were replaced new. All steel and aluminium components were correctly isolated during reassembly to prevent bi-metallic corrosion.
Exterior specification includes:
New rear window with frame, quarter window seals, sunroof inner and outer seals
New door window felt channels and inner/outer frame seals
Window frames, door handles, and internal mechanisms powder coated
A, B & C pillars, tailgate aperture, rear wheel arches, and engine bay finished in satin black 2K
D pillars vinyl wrapped
New Pilkington heated windscreen
New tail light lenses, front indicators, fog lights, and side indicators
Truck-Lite 7” full LED headlights, ECE & ROHS compliant
New powder-coated front and rear bumpers and bumper ends
New front grille, front spoiler, bonnet locks, release mechanism, and hardware
Rear tailgate hinges, straps, striker pins, and hardware replaced new
Side mirrors repainted, side skirts refinished
All body seals replaced, including bulkhead, pedal box, door straps, rear floor, and body-to-frame seals
New bulkhead decals and rear mudflaps
The result is a visually correct yet exceptionally robust exterior, capable of long-term use in a wide range of climates.
INTERIOR & CABIN
The interior has been comprehensively reimagined while remaining faithful to the original Range Rover Classic design language. Finished in a bespoke two-tone Cinnamon leather interior, the cabin features genuine Alcantara centre sections, creating a warm, period-appropriate yet elevated atmosphere.
Italian-made, hand-crafted carpets run front to rear, complemented by leather-trimmed mats. Extensive vibro insulation has been applied to the roof, floors, side panels, and doors, while the firewall and transmission tunnel have been heat and sound insulated—significantly reducing NVH.
Interior specification includes:
Refurbished walnut veneer trim with new lacquer
Refurbished black headliner
Leather-trimmed sun visors and grab handles
New door hardware, lock pins, switches, and fittings
Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, custom stamped
Leather-wrapped dashboard, grab handle, and steering column trim
Custom-designed housing for Classic Instruments gauge cluster
Leather-trimmed transfer shifter and knob
Wrapped centre console with suede lining and magnetic catch
USB and Bluetooth audio system with full speaker wiring (four door speakers, two rear speakers)
Refurbished original jack, tools, and spare wheel
Throughout the interior, WÜRTH and OE fasteners were used to ensure factory-level assembly quality.
POWERTRAIN
Engine
At the heart of the build sits a Chevrolet LS3 6.3-litre V8, comprehensively refurbished with new oil pump, timing chain, sump, ancillaries, sensors, seals, and gaskets. Producing approximately 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, the LS3 delivers effortless performance, modern reliability, and exceptional drivability.
The engine installation includes:
LS wiring harness by Hotwire
GM E38 ECM with custom calibration and full OBD2 functionality
Custom stainless steel exhaust system with stainless headers
SPAL electric cooling fans
New alternator, starter motor, A/C compressor, and power steering pump
Custom carbon fibre engine covers finished in body colour
Custom air intake with HKS air filter
New cooling radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump
Transmission & Drivetrain
Power is delivered via a refurbished 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission, paired with a refurbished LT230 transfer box with centre locking differential, preserving the Range Rover’s all-terrain capability.
Additional drivetrain upgrades include:
RW Engineering transfer box adapter kit and engine mounting system
New engine and transmission mounts
Heavy-duty front and rear prop shafts with HD joints
Transmission oil cooler with AN braided lines
Fully renewed fuel system including pump, sender, metal fuel lines, FPR, and AN braided fittings
New transfer case linkages and reverse light CAN module
CHASSIS, SUSPENSION & BRAKES
The chassis and running gear were fully refurbished with a focus on strength, reliability, and correct geometry.
Suspension and steering specification includes:
Standard-height HD springs and shocks
New steering damper
New PU and rubber suspension bushings
New steering rods, tie rods, ball joints, steering shaft, and steering box
Front and rear anti-roll bars with PU bushings
Powder-coated suspension arms
Refurbished rear suspension levelling system
Both axles were comprehensively rebuilt:
Front axle: swivel housings, hubs, bearings, shims, seals, and hardware refurbished and powder coated
Rear axle: hubs, bearings, seals, and hardware refurbished and powder coated
Refurbished and powder-coated handbrake assembly
Braking system:
Refurbished, powder-coated brake calipers
New brake discs, pads, hoses, hard lines, hardware, and master cylinder
As with the rest of the vehicle, WÜRTH and OE fasteners were used throughout.
WHEELS & TYRES
The vehicle retains its original Range Rover Classic wheels, finished in matching body colour, powder coated with 2K-painted centre pieces.
They are fitted with five new Toyo Open Country A/T tyres (255/70 R16), providing a balanced blend of on-road refinement and all-terrain capability.