Happy bday, Rangie! Range Rover celebrates 50 years of innovation and all-terrain capability

• Range Rover celebrates 50 years on 17 June 2020

• Only 1970 models to be produced, globally

• Range Rover pioneered many firsts in its 50-year existence

Today, 50 years ago, the first Range Rover went on sale.

17 June 1970 will forever be remembered as a landmark-date in Land Rover's history, as it was the beginning of pioneering innovation, exceptional refinement and all-terrain capability.

This landmark achievement is celebrated with the new Range Rover Fifty.

The Range Rover Fifty Special Edition is available to order in South Africa now.

Range Rover Fifty. Image: MotorPress

Five decades of firsts

Over its 50-year lifespan, the Range Rover has achieved many world firsts and completed numerous impressive feats. It was the first SUV to feature a permanent 4WD system when it was launched, and in 1989 was the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes. Later, in 1992, it became the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC) and automatic electronic air suspension.

In 2012, the latest generation Range Rover became the world's first SUV to feature an all-aluminium lightweight construction, making it lighter, stronger and more efficient.

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In an ode to 50 years of Range Rover, the limited-run Range Rover Fifty will be restricted to just 1970 vehicles globally, in recognition of the year the original Range Rover was launched.

Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Land Rover chief creative officer, said: "In the world of luxury vehicles, the Range Rover has always stood apart as peerless and enduring.  Its unique and pioneering sensibilities together with an unrivalled engineering approach have been the intrinsic values which our customers have admired since the first of the breed was revealed in 1970."