Rare Range Rover features in Shannons auction

Reflecting the growing popularity of classic four-wheel drives amongst collectors, more than half a dozen examples featured in Shannons Spring Timed Online Auction this past November 8-15, including one very rare Range Rover with a local V8 upgrade.

While the original Range Rover was only ever offered with a V8 from the factory, that engine, a 3.5-litre unit based on a Buick design, lacked power for some, leading the aftermarket to offer upgrades. Similarly, the lack of an automatic transmission option until more than a decade into the Range Rover’s production life also spurred the aftermarket into action.

Leading the way on both fronts was Schuler Presses Ltd, a British company with German origins that began offering transmission conversions for Range Rovers in the form of either a Chrysler Torqueflite 3-speed automatic or Leyland 5-speed manual, matched to a Ferguson Formula centre differential with viscous coupling. The ‘Schuler FF’ combined improved driving characteristics with ease of use and was so well engineered that Rover covered the auto conversion under warranty before introducing their own self-shifter.

The second string in Schuler’s bow was an engine upgrade, with a tuned version of the factory 3.5 V8 offered, as well as a 5.7-litre (350ci) Chevrolet V8 replacement. These options increased power by around 30 per cent and 50 per cent respectively, with the 5.7 significantly increasing torque, too.

Schuler transmission conversions and engine updates were predominantly a UK market thing, but they came to the attention of Melbourne-based engineer and industrial designer John Hoerner in the late 1970s, who decided to see the Schuler operation for himself on a trip to the UK in 1981. What came out of that visit was a deal where Hoerner would become the Australian distributor for Schuler products, sold through his 'Quadramotive' business.

Hoerner recognised the value of the auto conversion and centre diff upgrade, but reportedly felt the 5.7 Chev was less suited to local conditions, so turned to Peter Brock’s HDT Special Vehicles to supply HDT-tuned 5.0-litre V8s.

Built to Group 3 spec, the HDT V8 produced around 179kW, which was an 85 per cent increase on the factory V8’s power and around 40kW more than the 5.7 V8, too.

Combined with the Schuler-Voith Ferguson Formula centre diff that biased front:rear drive at 37:63 compared to the factory 50:50 split, the V8 conversion provided the Range Rover with impressive acceleration, while being somewhat lighter and more fuel efficient, too.

Hoerner would test and refine the conversion before finally offering it to the Aussie market in 1985 under the space-age name of ‘Schuler FFRR 5000’.

Available for new and second-hand Range Rovers, the FFRR 5000 conversion didn’t come cheap, adding around 50 per cent to a new vehicle's cost, with options like suspension upgrades and cosmetic additions increasing the price even further.

The high price meant few of these vehicles were converted, with suggestions that only 25 got the HDT V8 and related gear before Hoerner moved on to other enterprises. Of those, less than ten are thought to have been treated to additional upgrades, like improved interior trim.

The unit offered at Shannons’ Spring Timed Online Auction is one of the estimated 25 and is the second such vehicle to be auctioned by Shannons in little more than a year. At their Winter Timed Online Auction in 2021, a Schuler FFRR 5000 built off a 1986 Range Rover sold for $47,000.

That example was fully-equipped and exceptionally well presented, with aftermarket wheels, improved suspension and upgraded interior appointments, but the Schuler 5.0 V8 offered in the spring auction was an unrestored survivor, needing work inside and out.

Based on a 1983 model and located in Brisbane, this Schuler FFRR 5000 showed evidence of a hard life, with dents, peeling clearcoat on the metallic gold paint, rust in the tailgate and a 96,198km odometer reading that Shannons believed was on its second lap of the clock.

Despite this, and interior flaws that included a sagging headliner and worn cloth upholstery, the vehicle was complete and running, with Shannons stating it could be used as is or treated to a restoration.

The real attraction with this Aussie-spec Schuler V8 Range Rover was its rarity and the HDT engine conversion, which saw Shannons attach a pre-auction estimate of $25,000 - $35,000. At the end of the timed online auction, the vehicle sold for $21,000, which was still a good price given its condition.

For more details, go to: shannons.com.au