This unique six-wheeled Range Rover was one of only 400 produced by Carmichael Ltd in the 1970s. It might be yours at the Aguttes’ Aumale Rally Official Sale on April 3rd.
The ‘classic’ Range Rover has made its imprint in all the stylish neighborhoods, from the western suburbs of Paris to the most luxurious ski resorts, and it is making a big comeback these days. According to Gautier Rossignol, Director of Aguttes On Wheels Department, “The classic Range Rover, launched in 1970, has become one of the most iconic cars in the world due to its great looks, comfort, and practicality.” It has thus become the epitome of the elegant and elite automobile.”
Still, we discovered fans who would not be pleased with a conventional Range Rover. For them, this six-wheeled, four-wheel drive Range Rover sold by the Parisian auction house Aguttes this weekend might be their car of choice, prompting Gautier Rossignol to smile: “You actually don’t need to pay 600,000 euros to drive a six-wheeler and have the pleasure of parking in front of the Ritz in Paris!”
This six-wheeled Range Rover has a unique history, particularly in continental Europe and when driven in left-hand drive. In reality, the base will be recognizable to British drivers, as it was manufactured by Carmichael Ltd, a business that began converting Range Rovers into six-wheel drive vehicles in 1971. Carmichael Ltd then focused on commercial applications with fire and rescue tender vehicles. The long-wheelbase Range Rover proved to be a suitable vehicle, with increased carrying capacity and space for rescue supplies. A total of 400 units were constructed, with the bulk intended for commercial use and a minor percentage for individual use. This Range Rover is consequently a true rarity.
Augustin Delalande, one of Aguttes On Wheels’ automotive specialists, recalls its history: “The owner of this very special car, Mr D, is a Parisian antique dealer and a huge fan of long-distance adventures.” He became acquainted with the world of Range Rovers through a close friend who happens to be one of the most qualified Range Rover specialists in France.
In the early 2000s, they decided to enter a trans-African race in a Carmichael Range Rover. Unfortunately, an accident in the African desert, in which the automobile toppled over, shattered their hopes of finishing and ended the car’s life. When they returned to France, the two searched for a second Carmichael. Mr D, who still fantasized about crossing Africa, relished the thought of driving a six-wheel Range Rover through Paris to convey his numerous art items.
In 2008, Mr D’s knowledgeable acquaintance found him a white 1976 Carmichael ltd six-wheel Range Rover in the UK, which is reported to be an ex-BBC car and potentially a car built to order for the Pope’s visit to the UK before it was cancelled. Mr. D. bought the automobile on the spot and drove it back from the UK to France, which was quite an adventure, as he recounts, “I was driving on my own, I had to get out of the car at every French highway tollbooth to pay, which earned me a volley of horns every time!”
The original idea was to drive this automobile on a daily basis in Paris, however due to dependability and corrosion concerns, it was decided to completely repair it in 2012. And Mr D decided to do it right: the old exhausted body was removed and replaced with an LHD P38 stretched body created by Christian de Leotard, the French expert on things with six wheels. If de Leotard is well-known for his LWB six-wheeled Range Rovers, he is also famous for designing a one-of-a-kind R5 Turbo with six wheels!
The 3.4l V8 engine was replaced with the more powerful Range Rover 3.9l V8. According to Augustin Delalande, “Overall, this car combines the best of both worlds: a Carmichael Ltd chassis with the elegant de Leotard body.” Let me add that this car is now a 6X4, as the previous owner removed the driveshaft between the two rear axles. It is, of course, feasible to revert it to a 6X6 configuration by installing an additional new driveshaft.”
