TODAY it scarcely seems possible, but in late 1990, when the model was launched, hardly anyone wanted to buy a Range Rover CSK. What wasn’t to like? A limited-edition, individually numbered two-door Range Rover finished in seductive Beluga Black with a bespoke interior trimmed in American walnut and soft, perforated Sorrell leather that echoed the Palomino trim of the first Velars, built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Range Rover.
Then there was the bored-out and very sporty 3.9-litre version of the glorious V8 engine, as well as anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, sports dampers, and ABS brakes to steady the undercarriage. There were chrome bumpers too, not seen on a Range Rover since 1969, when they were trialled on at least one of the seven engineering prototypes but did not go into production.
And a wooden presentation box with a numbered plaque on the front, containing a set of brochures and a certificate signed by Charles Spencer ‘Spen’ King. He was the engineer who led Rover’s New Vehicle Projects team that was responsible for creating a more comfortable and driver-friendly version of the Land Rover, using the long-travel coil suspension from the Rover 2000 saloon. Initially known as the 100in
