In 2025, the Range Rover Register celebrates four decades of dedication to an automotive legend and its members. As specialists in classic Range Rover insurance, ClassicLine Insurance has been a supporter of the club for a number of years, and we are excited to reflect on the history of the club and share how they will be celebrating this milestone.
When the first Range Rover rolled off the production line 55 years ago, few could have predicted the icon it would go on to become. Developed by Land Rover to bridge the gap between utility and comfort, the Range Rover set the benchmark for an entirely new class of vehicle. The model has evolved through the decades, gaining new features and pushing the boundaries of design and capability.
Established to serve enthusiasts and owners, the Range Rover Register formed in 1985, headed by the late Bill King, and quickly became the cornerstone of the classic Range Rover community. Over the past 40 years, the club has grown to include hundreds of members across the UK and abroad – united by a shared love for the models that defined the marque.
In an update to our previous Club Spotlight feature with the Range Rover Register, Geoffrey Miller, club treasurer, tells us how the club will be celebrating this ruby anniversary.
How has the club evolved over the last 40 years?
The club originally formed with the aim to keep track of the early prototype cars. It has since expanded to encompass all the various models within the Range Rover family, and membership is open to anyone who is an enthusiast – even if they don’t yet own a car.
In the early days members used their cars much in the way in which they were intended, with green lane driving, off-roading and social rallies. Now that the classic models have become so valuable, they are treated with the respect that their age deserves, and the newer examples are also too valuable to risk unnecessary damage. This means that we now meet mainly at shows and area social events. Of course, help and advice with maintenance and fixes is always available. We have an enthusiastic group of members who act as marshals at national rally events too.
The club caters for a wide age range of vehicles; how do you balance the activities for those with earlier models to those members with later models?
It is a little disappointing to see that the ownership of the newer models tends to reflect fashion trends rather than true enthusiasm. With their high cost, many of them are lease cars with relatively short-term ownership, so we have relatively few members with the very latest examples. Nevertheless, we welcome them to come and join us and share the excitement of Range Rover ownership.
It’s 55 years since the Range Rover was launched. Why do you think the model has remained so popular?
The Range Rover still holds its place as the ultimate SUV and is a car to whose ownership many people aspire. It looks good, drives beautifully and is a head-turner!
It is also 20 years since the launch of the Range Rover Sport. The first edition (L320) was a completely new concept in the SUV market and opened a new segment of ownership. Now in its third iteration, the model has proved immensely popular.
I first encountered the L320 Sport at the time of its launch in 2005 and fell in love with it immediately. I am now lucky enough to be the fourth owner of a MY10 facelift example. I really think this is the last model which still looks like a proper Range Rover, but I am sure others will disagree!
I am also very lucky to have owned my 1985 4-door Classic from new, so it has to be my all-time favourite. It and I shall both be turning historic in the coming year!
What are your favourite moments since being involved with the club?
I have been privileged to see the club develop to include everyone who loves a Range Rover, regardless of what they own or not. One of the great highlights was the acquisition of one of the original three factory built driveable chassis made in 1969 as demonstrators for the press launch. It is an absolute magnet for visitors when we display it at shows, and it can still be driven!
How is the club celebrating the 40th anniversary?
We began celebrating 40 years of the RRR and 55 years of Range Rover at our Easter Rally in April and will be continuing throughout the year at the shows which we shall be attending. You can see the calendar on our website, https://www.rrr.co.uk which is updated regularly as new events are announced.
We have commissioned some commemorative items for our members who join us on these occasions and are grateful to a number of sponsors who have supported us with this.
What do the next few years have in store for the club?
We hope to continue to provide our members with comradeship, support and the chance to share the enjoyment of the Range Rover with everyone we encounter.
What does the future have in store for Range Rover?
All the omens are encouraging. Classic car ownership is growing, and the Range Rover in all its variations continues to be a much sought after car. As for JLR, I believe that the future for Land Rover is assured, but if the recent publicity is to be believed, it seems that Jaguar has rather lost its way.
As the Range Rover Register looks ahead to its next chapter, the future of the Range Rover looks just as bright. Thank you, Geoffrey, for updating us on the celebrations. Here’s to the next 40 years and to many more miles ahead!
ClassicLine Insurance offers members of the Range Rover Register a 15% discount on their Range Rover insurance. Find the details in the club magazine and on the Members page of the Range Rover Register website.
