1991 RCM Labrador
In 1991, RCM facelifted their Labrador family of full size pickup trucks and SUVs to better keep up with the times. These were still solid steel, boxy, body on frame, V8 or I6 powered beasts that could go anywhere, but they got some updated technology to bring them into a new decade.
Labrador Expedition
Popular since being introduced with the current generation, the Labrador Expedition was a model that prioritised off-roading for the whole family. The comfortable and well-appointed interior featured seating for five (with optional third row to bring seating up to eight) with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic with overdrive.
Other features of the Labrador Expedition were chromed steel wheels, a manual locker, running boards, roof rack, and a rear mounted spare to improve ground clearance.
Under the hood was the same 5.4L V8 but updated with MPFI to deliver 256 hp and 301 lb-ft. Paired with the automatic transmission, the Labrador Expedition returned an average 13 MPG and could accelerated to 100 km/h in 9.1s.
Labrador Premier
New for 1991 was the Labrador Premier, RCM’s first true luxury SUV. With the high flying economy in the 1980s, private ownership of large utilitarian trucks and SUVs went up as people needed to haul boats, large travel trailers, and trailers carrying various toys. For this, the Labrador Premier was marketed as being the capable luxury car that could haul those things, allowing those who could afford it to ride in comfort to wherever they needed to go.
The luxurious features of the Labrador Premier included self levelling air suspension, 17" chromed alloy wheels, a leather interior with seating for five (with optional third row to bring seating up to eight), a high end sound system, electronic climate control, sunroof, and various painted and chromed exterior design elements.
Under the hood sat a unique version of RCM’s 5.6L V8-M. This version of the engine featured MPFI and a twin exhaust system while delivering 275 hp and 318 lb-ft. With the 4-speed automatic in the Premier, it returned a nearly 12 MPG average and could bring the 2.1 ton SUV to 100 km/h in 8.9s.