The RRC was first launched to production in 1970, which had been imagined as a cheap, simple and suitable vehicle. The original RRC was designed with the U.S. market in mind when first produced, with a planned launch in 1971, but it didn’t take place with lack of finances and production capacity. It was labeled “A Car for All Reasons” and offered top speeds in excess 100 mph along with 3.5 tons of towing capacity. Most of the RRC’s original bodywork was constructed from lightweight aluminum except for the two-section rear tailgate and the bonnet on all but the earliest models. 

According to Lloyd Allison, one of the first significant changes came in 1981 with the introduction of the four-door body. Until then, only the 2-door model had been in production. The first big push to buy an RRC was in the 1984 model year when they offered the automatic transmission and the leather trim. The U.S. started selling RRC’s in 1987 as a grey market vehicle. According to Wikipedia, “the U.S. started selling RRC’s in 1987 as a grey market vehicle. A grey market vehicle is a new or used vehicle legally imported from another country through channels other than the maker’s official distribution system.”  

The last significant change to the interior took place in 1994 when the RRC was re-designated “Classic” upon the arrival of the replacement version. The car gained a ‘soft feel’ safety dashboard with new switches and instruments. The later version of the RRC is popularly called “soft dash” models by the motor trade and by enthusiasts to distinguish them from other members of the RRC series.

With the replacement of the classic RRC with the newer modern versions, E.C.D. now offers three versions of the RRC; Retro, Pinnacle, and Pursuit. Each version is designed to be versatile with an eye-catching purposeful design for the drivers daily driving needs. “We’ve made it look and feel much more premium by focusing on some key design elements. For example, we kept the original seats, but completely rebuilt them with premium leather, stitching and trim appointments” said Elliot Humble Co-Owner of E.C.D.