Half-mil special edition Range Rover is inspired by shotguns

There is no shortage of collaborations between carmakers and lifestyle brands, but can you name one involving a firearms manufacturer? We certainly couldn’t.

Revealed today and screened weeks ago in private, the near £500,000 Overfinch ‘Holland & Holland Edition’ is based on the Range Rover SV model – effectively elevating the top spec variant of an already high-end car. It builds on a long-running partnership with Range Rover at large, the most recent collab coming in 2016 with the L405 model, the L322 in 2009 and the P38 in 2000.

This is a little different in that the deal is with Overfinch specifically, not JLR, and H&H general manager John Henderson notes that “this latest iteration sets a new benchmark for excellence.”

The model on display at the H&H Shooting Grounds in leafy Buckinghamshire this Autumn came in a deep green over tan, an objectively timeless combination that feels fitting for two quintessentially British names. If that is not to your taste, there are other options available, either as a complete vehicle ready to drive away, or commissioned as a one-off.

Holland & Holland, owned at one point by Chanel and more recently by Beretta Holding Group since 2023, has been making shotguns and rifles since 1835 and for much of its tenure has been considered one of the best in the business. 

To put things in context, one of its most popular shotguns, the Royal, retails for about the same as a two-year old Range Rover SV. And like Range Rover itself, H&H shotguns have had to contend with their fair share of would-be challengers. “It’s the most imitated design of a shotgun, but it’s never been bettered,” says Henderson.

With an already strong foundation on which to build, much of the design story comes down to CMF inside and out. Cues are taken directly from the Holland & Holland universe, with fine hardwoods, often intricately engraved, paired with real metals and leather.

The interior reeks of craftsmanship and attention to detail. A-surfaces are stitched, embossed, laser cut or polished, and wood is left ‘flat’ rather than given a shiny lacquer. In fact, there is almost no glean to the interior aside from the digital display, a pleasant surprise for something that could feasibly glitter like a crystal chandelier. 

Lashings of French walnut in open pore veneer can be found throughout the cabin, with stainless steel inlays on the door cards. A brass gear shifter and knurled armrest adjustment knob bring added tactility. Overfinch lead designer Gregory Shilton says that inspiration came from various avenues, including his past work in private jet interiors. “It’s about getting the most out of the materials that are there,” he tells CDN. “There are all sorts of details that bring added depth.” 

‘Harris Green’ leather comes from Bridge of Weir, and the headrests feature embroidered game birds that took eight days to create. “It’s not subtle, but there is real effort that’s gone into crafting that,” says Shilton. At the rear, a bespoke gunbox and luggage rack is in the boot and comes fully stocked with all the shooting essentials: fine whiskey, champagne and fancy nibbles. 

Guns, cars and alcohol – who could think of a better pairing? Although this was not included during our shooting session later in the day. Probably wise. Overfinch CEO Kevin Sloane tells CDN that “it was very important [for us] to focus on craftsmanship and be sympathetic,” for this project but affirms that “it is the most luxurious Range Rover to be built to date.”

From the outside, the brass detailing on the grille and bodysides is in fact machined aluminium and from a distance appears to be a solid colour. Get closer, and you realise that these trim pieces sport a three-dimensional triangular ‘jewel finish’ pattern that draws inspiration from the stock of a Holland & Holland shotgun. “It's like a fine watch,” adds Shilton, “where you have different finishes on different surfaces.” 

The forged 23-inch wheels feature a floating centre cap, and in this specification come wrapped in 285/40/23 Pirelli all season tyres. Black and gold Brembo-branded callipers peek through the rims and round out the look nicely.

It feels odd to say, but the car is relatively understated for a limited edition Overfinch Range Rover. Onlookers may not even notice the difference from a distance. There is no extroverted bumper styling or garish headlamp redesign. It is not a Liberty Walk or Kahn situation. This is by design. “You've got the Range Rover, which is a very clean statement, as a canvas. But there are lots of opportunities to do different things,” says Shilton. “The key is to not go too over the top: Holland & Holland is such an established luxury product that it would be wrong to just chuck everything at the car. You want some subtlety to it.” 

We discuss this idea in more depth. Shilton describes the car as “not flashy, nor ostentatious” but accepts our suggestion that there must be some garishness for a vehicle of this exclusivity and, frankly, price range. There is plenty of glamour on offer and, certainly on paper, it would seem very in your face. 

But Shilton says the core of the project is around “the principles of traditional British luxury and craftsmanship” which are a little more reserved. “I don't think that aggressive carbonfibre look fits in this case. It's not Holland & Holland’s style, so why try and force that into the design? It would become a faceless brand collaboration that has no depth.” 

For such a substantial piece of engineering and design — an extremely expensive luxury SUV — it is odd that something as unassuming as the doorhandle should stand out. Having just spent an hour handling Holland & Holland shotguns, which have a special weight and feel to them, there is a familiar sensation when pulling the door shut. 

The grab handle is solid, neither warm nor cold to the touch, and even looks like the stock of a shotgun. “Obviously it's not exactly the same as the shotgun – you could argue the shape is more pistol-like – but it has that feeling of a firearm where the stock flows down to the butt of the gun at the back. That’s a key influence for sure,” explains Shilton. “It’s a major touch point, just like the steering wheel or gear selector.”

At the car’s private reveal a few weeks ago, we were told that 12 of the 25 have already been sold. Although this world is largely alien to this writer, it is easy to see why those with the funds would buy in – literally and metaphorically – to the romanticism of two luxury British brands joining forces. Whether the final product is to our taste is frankly irrelevant, but we would recommend viewing in person before passing judgement.

(Ed's note: Do you own one of these? We would love to know how far it has ventured off road)