Range Rover Classic

Before SUVs became obsessed with touchscreens, mood lighting and telling you to keep your eyes on the road while hiding the heater controls in a menu, there was the Range Rover Classic.

And frankly, they got the look fairly spot on the first time.

Equally at home outside a country house or parked halfway up a muddy field, the Classic has a charm that very few modern cars can match. You don’t need an estate to own one, but you may find yourself referring to the back garden as “the grounds”.

Our low-mileage example has the proper soundtrack too, courtesy of its 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8. A lovely engine that suits the car perfectly, with plenty of lazy pulling power and a burble that makes turning down the radio entirely worthwhile.

It has benefited from significant recent expenditure on the electrics and electronic fuel injection system, along with a full service. Money spent on getting the important bits working as they should, and it shows in the way it drives.

Out on the road, it’s an absolute pleasure. Smooth, relaxed and full of character, with that lovely commanding view that makes you wonder why everyone else is sitting on the floor.

A straight, honest Range Rover Classic with low mileage, substantial recent mechanical attention and no known issues to report. The sort of car you can enjoy taking out simply because you fancy driving it.

Wellies optional. V8 essential.