Range Rover 1981

Part from the BL Ltd's Press Release from October 1980, below:

Range Rover

A number of detail changes have been made to the Range Rover since the last show (NEC, Birmingham - Oct 1978). These include revised seat facings, head restraints and lower door trim pads.

In June 1980, air conditioning was made available as a factory option for the first time.

Making its first Show appearance will be the Range Rover Monteverdi, a 4 door conversion of the Range Rover which also features air conditioning. This vehicle will be on display on the BL Cars Stand (number 185).

BL Limited's Press Release prior to the NEC, Birmingham Motor Show - Oct. 1980

BUSIEST YEAR EVER FOR BL CARS

1979 and 1980 have been busy years for BL Cars with a large number of new and improved models being introduced.

The following notes summarise the main product action since the last Birmingham International Motor Show in 1978.

Metro

Making its public debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show is the most eagerly awaited car ever to emerge from the British motor industry, the mini Metro. This will be the Austin Morris entrant in the vitally important supermin sector of the car market.

Designed around seven basic criteria - interior space, low cost of ownership, comfort, quality and reliability, fuel economy, safety, style - its sets new standards for small cars in each of these areas.

Although sales of the Metro after the Motor Show will be true gauge of the model's potential, initial customer interest, even before the cars announcement, has been outstanding.

Mini

Still going strong in its 21st year, the Mini continues to provide a unique form of motoring.

Despite its age, Mini development has continued, with the introduction of the Mini City, an economy version which is selling well. 1979 saw the 20th birthday celebrations for the Mini and this was marked by the introduction of the Mini 1100 Special, a lavishly equipped limited edition model.

Most recent developments include the announcement of the 'Quiet Mini' equipped with a specially developed acoustic pack bringing significant reduction of the noise levels.

New at the Show will be the latest range of Minis. These vehicles feature a much improved specification but retain the 'old' prices. The range is designed to compliment the mini Metro in providing personal transport.

Allegro

The front wheel drive Allegro range continues to offer the answer to many family motorist's needs.

In September 1979, the range was completely updated with the announcement of the Allegro 3. This involved styling changes as well as the introduction of a wider choice of derivatives and a general upgrading of specification. February 1980 saw the further extention of the range with the announcement of a 1.1 litre 4 door version, designed to cope with the modern need for economical motoring.

Maxi 2

The Maxi 2 range continues to offer a great package for family motoring at the 1980 Show.

Announced in August 1980, the Maxi 2 range features three models, L, HL, HLS, all using the 1750 'E' Series engine. Maxi 2's are equipped with the award-winning Triplex 10-20 laminated windscreen and a push button LW/MW radio as standard.

Ital

Introduced in July 1980, the Morris Ital range makes its first Show appearance at Birmingham this year.

Developed from the highly successful Marina concept, the Ital features redesigned bodywork, the 'A' Plus engine in 1300cc models and a large number of detailed changes throughout the car. This, together with a general uplifting of specifications, makes the Ital an attractive proposition for both fleet customers and family motorists alike.

Making its public debut at the Show will be the 2 litre automatic version of the Morris Ital, introduced to offer even more choice in the vitally important front engined rear wheel drive market.

Princess

Continuing to offer great value in the business car market at the 1980 Show is the Austin Princess range.

A programme of continuous development has led to a number of changes since the 1978 Show. These include larger facia warning light, an extra switch to operate the rear fog lamps and re-styled reflector bodies for the headlamps.

To further enhance the already comfortable Princess range, Unipart LW/MW push-button radios and cropped nylon fabric saet facings have been made standard across the range.

Rover

The well-known range of Rover saloons has been completely utdated (September 1980) and the new range makes its Motor Show debut this year.

Wider choice was one objective of introducing the new model range and this has certainly been achieved: the range now consists of the 2300 Saloon, 2300S, 2600S, 3500SE and Rover Vanden Plas.

Major improvements in levels of specification are a significant feature of the new Rovers and the top-of-the-range Vanden Plas features leather upholstery, electrically operated sunroof and door mirrors with integral demisting (the first time these have ever been fitted to a British car).

Other improvements have also been made. These include redesigned rear seats, additional soundproofing and a higher ratio 5th rear (where fitted) to give even better fuel economy.

Triumph Dolomite and MGB

The exciting 16 valve Dolomite Sprint will be on display at the Show. Featuring tinted glass, radio and overdrive as standard, this model continues to provide fast and reliable motoring for the executive market.

Also on display will be the legendary MGB range. In its 1981 specification it offers sport car motoring in both GT and roadster forms.

TR7

The introduction of the TR7 Drophead in March 1980, is the most significant development affecting this best-selling range of sports cars. This introduces open-top motoring at a price at least £2.000 cheaper than its nearest competitor.

Land Rover

Making its first Show appearance will be the Land Rover V8. launched in August 1980, the vehicles use the V8 3.5 litre engine, as used in the Rover saloons, modified to suit the special needs of Land Rover owners.

A number of exterior changes have been made to accommodate the V8 engine installation which give the vehicle a 'beefier' appearance. Land Rover V8's are also equipped with rear mud flaps, lifting/towing rings and an oil pressure gauge as standard.

Range Rover

A number of detail changes have been made to the Range Rover since the last show (NEC, Birmingham - Oct 1978). These include revised seat facings, head restraints and lower door trim pads.

In June 1980, air conditioning was made available as a factory option for the first time.

Jaguar

Since the 1978 Show the Series III range of Jaguars has been launched (March 1979). This involved design changes to give the Jaguar a more 'modern' look while retaining the distinctive Jaguar style. A number of new options were introduced at this time, these include headlamp wash/wipe and cruise control.

Various Jaguar innovations will be on display for the first time at this year's Show, these include a new base 3.4 model and a number of developments to the silky smooth V12 engine which will provide greater power together with better fuel economy.

Austin Morris Vans and light Commercial Vehicles

Austin Morris continue to privide the transport backbone to any business with their range of light commercial vehicles.

New at the Show will be a 2 litre petrol engined version of the Sherpa Van. This enging will now become optional throughout the range. In addition to this front disc brakes now become standard fitment throughout the Sherpa range.

Morris and Mini Van and Pick-ups have been subject to a programme of gradual development which resulted in, among other things, the interior trim from the Mini City being fitted to the Mini Van 95 'L'.

Read press release of Land Rover Ltd: 1978MY Range Rover

Read a detailed presentation of the: 1980MY Range Rover

Read a detailed presentation of the: 1982MY Range Rover

Read a detailed presentation of the: 1983MY Range Rover

Read a detailed presentation of the: 1985MY Range Rover

Read a detailed presentation of the: 1986MY Range Rover

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