Kingsley Cars launches ULEZ-exempt Range Rover Classic

Kingsley Cars, the UK-based Range Rover specialist, has launched a modernised version of the Range Rover Classic that is exempt from the newly expanded ULEZ charge. Called the ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic series, prices for the refreshed off-road icon start from £125,000.

The company offers its restomod Range Rovers with a choice of two fuel-injected V8 engines to replace the car’s original Rover V8. There’s either a 220bhp 4.0-litre unit or a 270bhp 4.6-litre option, both of which are mated to an uprated ZF automatic gearbox.

Kingsley Cars’ updates also extend to a rebuilt Borg Warner transfer box, while the company says both new engines can return up to 25mpg.

From Monday 25th October, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has expanded to cover the entire area of London within the North Circular and South Circular roads, with drivers needing to pay a daily charge of £12.50 to drive their cars within the zone if they don’t meet standards set out by Transport for London. The charge is separate to the toll for the Congestion Charge zone in central London.

The ULEZ charge only applies to petrol vehicles that were built prior to 2006 (pre-Euro 4 regulations) and diesel vehicles made before 2016 (pre-Euro 6 regulations). However, Kingsley Cars’ new model circumvents ULEZ rules thanks to a clause that sees cars built before a 40-year rolling exemption not subject to the charge.

This means vehicles originally registered before 1981 do not have to comply with the standards set out for the expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone thanks to their status as historical vehicles.

All of Kingsley Cars’ projects start with a back-to-bare-metal stripdown and treatment process that removes any rust and prevents it from returning in the future (at least in the short-term).

Any holes in the Range Rover’s frame and body shell are welded, and then they’re finished in a seam sealer, a rubberised coating and high-quality paint. The company is so confident in its work, that it offers a three-year guarantee against corrosion – which is a lot on an old British classic.

The chassis can also be specified with a broad range of upgrades, such as improved anti-roll bars, lightweight forged aluminium wheels and a big brake kit that features larger discs and billet calipers, with six-pot units on the front axle and four-pot items at the rear.

Inside, Kingsley Cars has tried to retain period details that make the Range Rover Classic so charming while adding a few modern conveniences. Standard equipment includes heated seats, electric windows, electric mirrors and extra sound deadening for the body shell and doors.

There’s a host of optional extras available to buyers, such as LED headlights with washers, electric power steering, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The cabin can also be specified with a 700-watt sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, ambient lighting and Apple CarPlay.

Need something a little more eco-friendly? Click here to read about Lunaz’s all-electric version of the original Range Rover…