Overfinch History

Many companies claim to be the originators of the performance Range Rover but only Overfinch have the providence to show that right from the beginning they were working on upgrades specifically for the Range Rover. This timeline will give you an indication of some of the milestones that Overfinch and Schuler achieved over the last 3 decades.

Key Milestones

1975

Under the umbrella of Schuler Ltd the performance Range Rover is born. Development commences to improve Range Rover performance using 4 Dellorto carburetors and other external modifications.

 

1980

Land Rover Ltd commission Schuler to produce 25 Range Rovers with Schuler/FF chain drive transfer case and Chrysler Torqueflite automatic for sale through dealers to test market acceptance of automatic Range Rover.

 

1981

Paris-Dakar Rally win. A Range Rover entered by Land Rover France equipped with the Schuler/FF gearbox and using components developed in conjunction with Schuler won this famously gruelling event in the face of strong competition.

 

1982

Introduction of first Chevrolet engined production vehicles. The 570 T (Torque) with GM400 automatic gearbox combines performance, refinement and longevity with ease of installation.

 

1985

Schuler hand over control of the Range Rover division to their UK Managing Director, who changes the name to Overfinch. Critical acclaim of 570 T model by Motoring Press.

 

1988

Launch of OVERFINCH 500 E; 500 S. Cost effective 5.0 litre models achieved by retaining standard gearbox.

 

1991

First Discovery V8 converted to full OVERFINCH 500 i specification plus automatic transmission. The new Quick-Ratio Steering option revolutionises Range Rover driving characteristics with new standards of responsiveness.

 

1993

The limited edition 10th ANNIVERSARY 500 i and 570Ti models celebrate 10 years of GM engined Range Rover production. New Ride and Handling Suspension package announced for air sprung Classic Range Rovers.

 

1996

Initial range of upgrades for new Range Rover launched, including unique 7 Seater Conversion.

 

1999

The Overfinch 570 HSE is available as a complete brand new car option for the first time (RHD or LHD).

 

2000

New 630R Anniversary model of the second generation Range Rover celebrates the company's 25th year, in style.

 

2001

Advanced new Active Ride Technology suspension system (A.R.T.) redefines Range Rover chassis dynamics. BBC Top Gear successfully slalom test the car at 50mph, with the standard car unable to complete the course!

 

2002

Initial work on the Third Generation Range Rover begins in earnest.

 

2003

Launch of the 580 S - the first non GM based (i.e. small block Chevrolet powered) Overfinch flagship model in fully 20 years.

 

2004

Launch of new Tiger 22 inch wheels plus further developments of product range for BMW engineered Range Rover.

 

2005

Overfinch are winners of the Ford 'Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Design' award at the SEMA show, Las Vegas, for the Super Sport styling package.