Imagine taking a Range Rover from the beginning of the millennium – the one that is already the king of luxury SUVs – and spinning it back to a time when cars still had souls, not just screens and sensors. Velvet Motorworks, the Estonian wizards behind the wheel, are doing just that: they've taken the third-generation (L322) and transformed it into something that breathes nostalgia but roars with modern power. The Range Rover Reimagined isn't just a restoration, it's a rebirth - with a bit of irony, because who would have thought that "old" would become the new trend? But hey, in a world where new SUVs are more like smartphones on wheels, that analog feel is a real treat. Get ready for a ride that will take you through the mud and down the highway without sacrificing style.
The third generation Range Rover, known as the L322, was produced between 2001 and 2012, with model years from 2002 to 2012. It was the first Range Rover to feature a unibody, no longer on a frame, which brought better driving dynamics and less weight – thanks to BMW’s influence on the development at the time. It was later fitted with Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, which added just the right amount of power for a luxury SUV. Velvet Motorworks sees this model as the ideal canvas for a model – Range Rover Reimagined:: modern enough not to need a complete reconstruction, but nostalgic enough to be able to apply the aesthetics of its older brothers from the 70s.
But why bother with that? Because modern SUVs, while packed with technology, often lose out on those tactile, analog feel – a click of a button that feels like a fingertip, not just a tap on a screen. Velvet Motorworks brings it back, with a bit of cynicism: “Why buy a new Range Rover when you can have an old one that’s better than new?” And indeed, the L322 was groundbreaking: sharing a platform with the BMW X5 and 5/7 Series, which gave it better handling but retained its off-road capabilities. It’s not just a car, it’s a piece of automotive heritage worth preserving – and improving. Ironic, isn’t it? At a time when cars have become more reliable but less emotional, this project is bringing back the soul. For more on the model’s history, see Range Rover (L322) Wikipedia.
If you are interested in similar models, check out our article about 2025 Range Rover Sport SV Park City Edition.
Velvet Motorworks Vision: Backdating as an Art
Velvet Motorworks isn't just a garage for restaurants; they do backdating – they take a more modern model and make it look older, with all the modern goodies. The Reimagined project focuses on the L322, which they transform into a “reverse restomod” – instead of making the old modern, they make the modern classic. Each car is one-off, custom-made for the customer, with handwork and details that you don't get in mass production.
They're working with designer Nils Piirma, who created the 3D renderings, and production will take place in Estonia. The timeline? Q3 2025 will see the completion of designs and 3D concepts, Q2 2026 will bring the first prototype, and Q4 will see the start of limited production. It's not mass-produced - each one is unique, like a work of art on four wheels. And if you think this is just an aesthetic toy, you're wrong; they're keeping the Range Rover DNA: luxury, power and off-road capability. Mihkel Külaots, the founder, says the L322 is from his teenage years, and now he's giving it a new lease of life - with a little extra character.
Design: The past in a new guise
The exterior is where the magic happens. Velvet Motorworks adds round LED headlights with daytime running lights reminiscent of classic 70s models, vertical slats in the grille instead of horizontal ones, and subtle changes to the bodywork to give the car a flatter and more robust look. The front bumper is redesigned with a higher position for a better approach angle, the profile is slightly raised, and the wheels are fitted with off-road tires such as BFGoodrich All-Terrain - all this gives that classic, "old school" look, but with modern precision. The rear has a redesigned bumper for a better departure angle, and the whole looks like a mix of 1970s and today's off-roader.
The interior? A mix of old and new: premium materials, handcrafted details, Apple CarPlay, advanced safety systems (ADAS) and modern electronics that don't ruin the analog charm. Imagine leather that feels like you're in an old club, with a screen that plays your favorite playlist. Ironic, right? In an era when cars are more computers, they bring back the feeling of driving something alive. And yes, they retain that legendary comfort of the L322, which was always more luxurious than an SUV.
Range Rover Reimagined Performance and Engineering: A Heart That Beats Stronger
Under the hood remains a supercharged V8 petrol engine, based on Jaguar's 4.2-litre or 5.0-litre, with original power output ranging from 294 kW (395 hp) to 375 kW (503 hp) and torque up to 625 Nm (461 lb-ft). Velvet fine-tunes it with air, supercharger and software improvements for around 373 kW (500 hp), better response and engaging driving – unfortunately, specific new figures have not yet been revealed, but expect improvements over the original. An optional active exhaust system has been added: quiet for elegant cruising or loud for that V8 roar that gets your heart rate up.
The chassis is modernly tuned for a smooth ride and confident handling, without sacrificing off-road ability - the Range Rover remains the king of the terrain. Revised air suspension, electrics for better reliability, rustproofing against rust - all this solves the typical problems of older L322s, such as brittle plastic parts and rust. The original acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) was around 6.5 seconds for the supercharged V8, and the top speed is up to 209 km/h (130 mph, limited) - with upgrades this will be even better, without losing that analogue feel. And cynicism? In a world of electric cars, where everything is silent and soulless, this V8 is like an old rocker who still knows how to entertain. Positive: Finally someone who understands that power is not just in numbers, but in feeling.
Challenges and Drawbacks: Not all that glitters is gold
Of course, it's not without its challenges. Backdating means integrating modern technology into old structures, which can bring reliability and maintenance issues. Purists may grumble that it's not "classic enough" - some criticize the new front grille as awkward, saying that the original L322 design didn't need any changes. The cost? Astronomical, because everything is custom - a basic L322 costs $25,000-40,000, a restomod is likely to cost six figures. Plus regulations: homologation, emissions, safety - all country-specific. But for those who can afford it, it's worth it: a unique car with a story. And on the plus side: It's a way to preserve the L322, which has always been underrated for its unreliability, but is an icon.
Conclusion: Range Rover Reimagined
Velvet Motorworks didn't just restore a car with the Range Rover Reimagined - it created a bridge between the past and the future. With its retro 70s design, a supercharged V8 engine with around 373 kW (500 hp), modern extras like Apple CarPlay and ADAS, and preserved off-road capabilities, this L322 is like an old friend who's come back stronger and smarter. We hear the same thing from multiple sources: it's a revival of a modern classic that blends nostalgic charm with modern performance without losing its soul.
Personally? As a car enthusiast who has driven everything from vintage Land Rovers to the latest electric monsters, I find this project refreshing. A little cynical: in an age where cars are more gadgets than vehicles, that analog feel is like a warm hug. But on the positive side – every Range Rover has its own soul, and this one has double the soul. Price? Not yet revealed, but expect six figures, a worthy investment for those who appreciate the story – and maybe these cars will become the new classics that your grandchildren will restore. If you like luxury with character, register your interest at Velvet Motorworks website – you might be among the first to ride this legend. And who knows, maybe it will become the new “gentleman's farmer's dream”, as some say. Share your thoughts in the comments: would you own one? Is backdating the future or just a fad?
