Bottom Line Up Front
In 1981 Autocar’s own team drove a factory‑owned Range Rover into the grueling Dakar Rally, proving the ruggedness of the classic 4×4 long before the modern Defender’s official debut.
Factory Range Rover’s ‘Demonic’ Dakar Adventure – The Untold 1981 Story
Image: Factory Range Rover’s ‘Demonic’ Dakar Adventure – The Untold 1981 Story – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The 1981 Mk 1 Range Rover was almost stock – a boxy steel body, round headlamps and the signature grille that still turns heads today. Autocar’s crew added only what the desert demanded: stronger suspension links, an extra fuel tank tucked behind the rear seats, extra off‑road lights, and a few reinforced brackets. The result looked like a normal Range Rover, but it could survive dunes, rocks and endless sandstorms.
Performance & Mileage
Powered by a 3.5‑liter V8 delivering about 150 hp, the rover could cruise at 70 mph on desert tracks, but the true test was endurance. Over 6 200 miles, the duo faced punctured tyres, lost spares, a 15‑hour penalty and even a bolt‑failure that took an hour to fix. They still finished 27th overall and fourth in the “standard four‑wheel‑drive” class. In normal use the old engine gave roughly 12 mpg (US), enough to reach the next fuel point on the rally’s long stretches.
Price & Rivals
When British Leyland supplied the vehicle, the cost to Autocar’s team was mostly covered by the factory, but the crew raised additional money for spares and logistics – roughly £12 000 in 1981, the price of a new Range Rover. Compared with rivals like the Peugeot 504 (the car that famously got Mark Thatcher stuck) or the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Range Rover offered more luxury but required heavier preparation for desert use.
Key Specs
| Engine | Mileage | Price (1981) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L V8 | ≈12 mpg (US) | £12,000 |
|
FAQ
- What engine did the 1981 Range Rover use in the Dakar? It ran a 3.5‑liter V8 that produced about 150 horsepower.
- How many miles could the rally‑spec Range Rover travel on a tank? The added fuel tank gave roughly 600 km (≈370 miles) before needing to refuel.
- Is the 1981 Range Rover still a good off‑road vehicle today? Its simple mechanical design and strong chassis make it a solid choice for classic off‑road builds, though modern electronics are missing.
What do you think?
Share your thoughts on the “demonic” Dakar adventure in the comments – would you take a classic Range Rover into the desert today?
Source: Read Official News
