A Modern Icon - The Kilvington Classic Range Rover Launch
Ad. PR event.
It was an absolute honour to be present for the launch of a new modern classic.
Al and I arrived at The Good Times House, Cheltenham’s newest Private Members’ Club, at the kind invitation of Kilvington co-founders, Paul Kilvington and Rich Tan.
The turn out was unsurprisingly good, as the crowd enjoyed a glass of Champagne, waiting for the ‘project zero’ prototype to be unveiled. And it when it was, it did not disappoint; re-built from the inside out, and finished in a beautiful shade of green (approved), the Kilvington Classic Range Rover has all the class of the original, but with modern touches that enable a comfortable daily drive, should you be so lucky.
Paul had been part of the team that launched Range Rover into the US market, back in the nineties. These are his words:
“I sense that the time for a re-imagined Range Rover Classic is now. The iconic, handsome shape. The concept of a go anywhere, do anything vehicle, just as at home doing the chores on a country estate as transport to a night at the opera. The only car ever to be exhibited at the Louvre. Of course the current model is a beautiful and very capable vehicle, but does it have quite the same character and style? Is it as engaging? Is it a true reflection of you? Is it as cool?This venture combines 25 years developing and building brands with a love of classic cars. Recently I have been creating re-engineered Defenders, for US clients, each bespoke to individual requirements. The Kilvington Classic Range Rover will be equally exclusive, available on a first come, first served basis with limited numbers built each year. It has been created to represent the perfect itineration of the icon, informed by an innate understanding of what the vehicle represents.Each is hand built with passion in the heart of the Cotswolds, using local businesses and products wherever possible. Form follows function. The DNA and character remain present, without the limitations of 30 year old technology. Attributes are enhanced and issues addressed."
Being the home of the little green Defender, I fully approved the choice of colour for the launch model; the Range Rover displayed is ‘Kilvington Green’. It’s close to the original Range Rover ‘Balmoral Green’, but with a little twist. Nearby, Paul had parked his Series Land Rover, which was in my eyes, just as cool - painted in heritage ‘Keswick Green’ - or at least, a very similar shade. His children and grandchildren were in attendance, and the little ones were happily playing in the Series for most of the evening, which added a relaxed family vibe to the event. Things like this need not be stuffy.
It was so interesting to hear about the journey so far, and to meet Stuart, who has poured hours of passion and knowledge into the build of ‘zero’. Al particularly enjoyed hearing about the process and details.
The order book is now open, limited to just 200 vehicles, and although Al and I are sadly not currently in a position to own one of these works of art, we will be watching the Kilvington Classic Range Rover story with interest.
Thank you to Paul, Rich, and the team of The Good Times House, for a wonderful evening.
If you see a gap in your collection, or would like to understand more about the process, you can find details on the Kilvington Classic Range Rover website.
Amelia x
Outfit notes:
Dress, Holland Cooper
Bag, Fairfax & Favor