2018-07-01 Classic Land Rover

SPECIAL ISSUE LAND ROVER'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY 1948-2018
CAMPING IN STYLE
History of the
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FROM THE EDITOR
JULY 2018
FIRST AND LAST

T “this magazine
he first Land Rover was made in 1948 To celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary
and started a journey for the new - thanks to the generous support of Jaguar
was able to get
marque that criss-crossed the globe all Land Rover - this magazine was able to
the way to 2016. This was when the last Land get these two most historic HUE-registered the two most
Rover Defender - as we currently know it - Land Rovers together at the Packington historic HUE-
rolled out of the Solihull factory. Estate where some of Land Rover’s testing registered Land
The first Land Rover was a utility 4x4 took place in the early days. To add to the
aimed at farmers and the like and it is no celebration, we were joined by two HUE- Rovers together
coincidence that, despite the fact that 68 registered Heritage 90s, modern classics in at the Packington
years had passed, the last Defender bore a their own right. I have been to plenty of Land Estate”
startling resemblance to that 1948 vehicle. Rover photoshoots over the years but this was
While its pale green hue, basic steel wheels one of the best. Our exclusive feature starts
and canvas tilt can be considered simple on page eight, I hope you enjoy it.
aesthetics, the 2016 model’s boxy shape hints
at a shared DNA. This is because from 1948
to 2016, there is an unbroken line in the
history of the light, utility 4x4 through the
EDITOR JOHN CARROLL
various Series One wheelbases to the Series john.carroll@keypublishing.com
II/IIA and III models and the evolving coil-
sprung models that reached the end of the PS - Don't forget to look at CLR's classified ads
production line on January 29, 2016. online at www.classiclandrover.com
John Carroll Garry Stuart Martin Port Kate Russell

Editor John has owned leaf- Photographer Garry Stuart has Regular contributor Martin Kate, who now owns a 109in
sprung Land Rovers since 1985 been photographing Land Rovers, Port is the art editor of Classic Series IIA camper, does the sub-
and now maintains his small fleet and plenty of other things with and Sports Car magazine and editing and a lot of the behind-
that covers Series One, IIA and engines, for decades and is the owner of a former Trans-Africa the-scenes work on Classic Land
III models owner of a Series III 88in expedition Series II 88in Rover magazine
Steve Donovan Emrys Kirby Louise Limb Ros Woodham

Art editor Steve is deeply Knowledgeable contributor Emrys Louise is well known around Contributor Ros now has two
immersed in all things fifties so has his own collection of Land the club scene as an illustrator, Land Rover Santana classics,
needed little encouragement to Rovers and is immersed in the club photographer and writer enjoys overland travel and takes
work on CLR beyond a sunny scene which makes him an ideal and you'll frequently see her great pictures, so she's most
greenlaning weekend in Wales member of the team scribbling away at events definitely one of us
Tom Lunn Clare Westbrook Vicky Turner Ian Clegg

Tom is the new Advertising Writer Clare has been using Vicky Turner, the magazine's Photographer and designer Ian
Manager and is keen to deal with Nellie, her Series IIA 88in with a Editorial Assistant is the owner Clegg iowns a classic 90CSW and
our advertisers and their specific 200Tdi engine, as daily transport of a 88in IIA Searle Safari now contributes regularly to the
needs on an individual basis for the past decade and has now Sleeper and is blessed with magazine
bought two classic Range Rovers boundless enthusiasm
Copies of Classic Land Rover can be obtained Classic Land Rover (ISSN 2052 2258) is
each month by placing a standing order with published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
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www.classiclandrover.com JULY 2018 3

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Rover today. See pages 52-53 for all special offers.

6x6 Series III
Wood Chipper
Being Scilly restored
Banksy
LAND ROVERS
Camel Museum
109in Carawagon
Islands’ Fire Engine Project RR to Italy
Patinated 109in Series One June 2018
TMake the £4.50
Classic Camper Restored Series III Dormobile Ü

JOURNEYS
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Family’s Series III 109in in Africa

70th celebrations down under
Land Rover trialler
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American Made Repro centresteer May 2018
prototype Ü £4.50
TECH AND TOOLBOX
8 MY FIRST, MY LAST, MY EVERYTHING

Series Speedometer Overhaul
Range Rover Classic Restoration JAN 2017 £4.40
Using a NATO Hitch safely
HUEs of green - a momentous reunion documented
44 MANY HAPPY RETURNS 64

JLR’s Classic Works in Coventry played host to
Land Rover’s 70th birthday party, dubbing it
World Land Rover Day
54 SUNNY SIDE UP
These two brightly coloured Series Ones are
often seen together at Land Rover Series One
Club events
60 OUR FRIENDS IN FRANCE 32

Team CLR recently spent a weekend with French
Land Rover owners and had a wonderful time
64 HAPPY CAMPERS
R J Searle Ltd set Carawagon Land Rovers on the
road to adventures all over the globe during the
sixties and seventies
74 GROWING UP
Getting the low-down on the Project Jay
preservation group’s pre-production five-door Discovery
E
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92
JOURNEYS
92 DAY TRIPPER
Josh Cowling drives the Fawcett Track in Western
Australia in his Series II
TECH AND TOOLBOX

80 TO MOT OR NOT TO MOT? 84
Jim Willett looks at MoT history, and
explains some of the new rule changes
84 A FRESH APPROACH
Vorsprung durch Technik meets Leaf
Sprung done Rusting
86 SITTING COMFORTABLY
Replacing the front seats in a Carawagon
- will a week be long enough?
80
4 JULY 2018 www.classiclandrover.com
WWW.CLASSICLANDROVER.COM
CONTENTS
REGULARS
24 NEWS AND VIEWS
Lots of letters this month, some exciting show updates and
we’ve some products and services to tell you about
30 MUSEUM OF THE MONTH 30

The British Motor Museum at Gaydon - a true treasure trove
33 EVENT LISTINGS 48 BEHIND THE WHEEL

Kev Mills has known and loved many Land Rovers, he
Summer is in full swing, tilts are off and there are many
explains why this is ‘The One’
days out planned, here is our look ahead
37 EVENT REVIEWS 50 CENTRESPREAD

1969: This press photo celebrates that the Land Rover was
From Series Ones at Bolton Abbey Station, through classic
21 and the Series IIA was in production
Land Rovers at Jorvik Garrison to exploring the Adventure
Overland Show, Gaydon’s spectacular show and scaling new 98 LOOKING BACK
heights with the Challenge4Change in Manchester 1943-1956 the Work of John Toft-Bate

70 YEARS OF LAND ROVER
My first,
my last,
WORDS MARTIN PORT

PICTURES NICK DIMBLEBY, ROGER CRATHORNE, MICHAEL BISHOP, JLR

my everything
Four HUEs of green were present at an exclusive Land Rover
reunion that included the first 80in and the last Defender 90
This is the first time that all four of these Land

Rovers have gathered in the same place since
the last day of Defender production in 2016

L
egend. Icon. Unique. National treasure.
Just a handful of words which have
been used in conjunction with the
marketeers’ favourite Land Rover, HUE 166,
or ‘Huey’ as it has become affectionately
Introduction
known since the Rover company re-acquired are those that truly capture the initial purity Defender before dismantling of the line
the 80in back in the mid-1950s. and ethos intended by its creators. More to began - all of which were produced on the
It is fair to say that for a generation of the point, the first is usually the concept final day and all of which were registered
younger Land Rover enthusiasts, or those that spawns its successors and in this case with those famed three letters in the mix.
who arrived into ownership within the last that amounts to a bloodline that is now, With the 70th anniversary of that initial
20 years, HUE 166 may well have been remarkably, in its 70th year. famed appearance at the Amsterdam Motor
their first introduction into the brand; its The pre-production Land Rovers gave Show of what would become known as
presence at the forefront of contemporary way to the production examples, starting the Series One taking place on April 30,
model launches, photocalls, museum with recently exhumed chassis 860001; Jaguar Land Rover held the first of several
exhibitions and the show circuit a constant the Series One evolved into the II, then IIA, celebrations at its Classic Works facility in
backbone and often public face of a III, 90 and 110 before finally settling on the Ryton-on-Dunsmore. Unsurprisingly, HUE
company’s historical achievements. Defender moniker. 166 was the centrepiece and like a film
So just why is this particular Land Rover Crowding around Huey on the immaculate star was swamped by those
so special? The first of anything is always a lawn of Packington Hall, Warwickshire, wanting to get up close, grab
bit special; let’s be honest - sometimes it’s are H166 HUE, the last Defender off the a selfie and inhale the aura of
a rough diamond that hasn’t been polished production line; KP16 HUE, the fourth to Land Rover 01, so it seems like
and perfected, but arguably the first attempts last example and R90 HUE, the eleventh the perfect place to start...
‘Huey didn’t stay away for long however, and was

bought back by the factory in July 1954’

The first celebration for Land Rover–10 years.
Note the oil drip pads on top of the cake!
As well as being used in its own right to celebrate Land Rover’s

achievements, HUE 166 has routinely been wheeled out over
the years to help launch its successors. With Huey still relatively
sprightly, it featured with this launch year 1971 88in Series III
(above). At 40, it was a poster pin-up back-to-back with the 1988
County (left) and 1992 saw it celebrate the County edition of the
four-door Range Rover in suitably patriotic surroundings against
the white cliffs of Dover (below).

Being pre-production vehicle number one, HUE

166 features lights behind the grille - a feature
that continued with early production models
HUE 166
L
Possibly the most famous registration number et’s not beat about the bush: the keen to point out a particular anomaly still
in the Land Rover world days of HUE 166 - the first of the visible on the bulkhead of 01: “See that
pre-production examples, offering large hole there, in front of the gear lever?”
the chance for the Land Rover passionista he asks. “Well it was originally intended
to pore over every dent and scar on its to be the positioning of a large push start
bodywork and ‘taste’ the aroma of a worked button - activated by a ring on the rear of
and worn interior are long gone following the gear lever which made contact when
several restorations and renovations over pushed forward.”
the years, but there is still a magic that Speculation also exists that 01 was crucial
exudes and attracts. in the evolution of the front differential,
Pre-production 01 was despatched to the as Michael Bishop discovered after talking
Rover Experimental Department on March to Arthur Goddard some years ago. Arthur
11, 1948; headed up by engineer-in-charge, revealed that using the rear differential
Arthur Goddard. With the ‘centre-steer’ from a Rover P2 car up front in the
examples all but a distant memory thanks earliest pre-production vehicles created oil
to the speed of development, it was the role starvation to the centre bearings thanks to
of these first recognisable Land Rovers to it spinning the opposite way at speed. This
evolve, fine-tune and develop the vehicle resulted in the Land Rover’s front axles
into something ready for market. seizing up every 10 miles or so and it took
HUE 166 was one of 48 pre-production the engineers to cut holes in the casing into
examples (it was originally intended that which they let Perspex windows to see how
50 be made), but nevertheless it played the oil was flowing!
a crucial role. Regrettably, detailed Michael subsequently confirmed that HUE
records weren’t kept with regards specific 166 is fitted with an early production front
developmental work being carried out on differential and that the entire front axle
which vehicle, but from early photographs had been changed early on in 01’s life -
we can glean that 01 was certainly used for could it be that at one point this, the most
bodywork testing. famous pre-production Land Rover was
Some visuals depict the as-yet running around the Solihull site with small
unregistered 01 with an unpainted rear tub - windows cut into its axle?
certainly its second, while closer inspection Not until January 17, 1949 though,
of period photographs show that areas of did Land Rover 01 gain its now famous
the previous painted tub have been cut registration, HUE 166 and was placed with
away, presumably to facilitate inspection a new keeper: William Adcock who farmed
and confirm that certain areas were not out of Ashow near Maurice Wilks’ home
making contact under load with regards in Warwickshire.
moving parts and propshaft angles. Huey didn’t stay away for long however,
Roger Crathorne - a name familiar to and was bought back by the factory in
Along with the registration, this diminutive ID
Land Rover enthusiasts the world over - is July 1954 before being loaned to the
plate needs no explanation

Birmingham Museum of Science and The cab-only tilt produced by Undercover Covers
Industry in 1956. Quite what work was is a replica of the type originally available
done in those intervening two years isn’t
recorded, but it is quite probable that it
was treated to some level of renovation
in anticipation of the production of the
100,000th model in August 1954, and most
certainly photographs of HUE 166 as well
as footage shot for the 10-year anniversary
(and launch of the Series II) in 1958 show
the vehicle in fine-fettle and clearly having
had some restorative work - probably at the
hands of some Lode Lane apprentices.
It is possible that some confusion as to
, such as the
ld help date this photo
Subtle differences cou ks to be a painted chassis
and what loo
lack of trafficators
‘it is truly impossible to ignore the enigma

that is Huey and that alone makes for a
unique and almost humbling experience ‘
HUE 166 has been well looked after and is

therefore an absolute joy to drive - particularly
in such glorious weather!

The clean lines that went right through Series

One production are obvious here with the
windscreen folded flat
1,595cc engine provides more than enough

power and delivers torque in a fashion that
helped make the Land Rover so successful
Roger Crathorne shares his extensive

knowledge about all things Land Rover
HUE’s credentials crept in at this point, until becoming part of the Leyland Historic
and it was often referred to as the first Vehicles’ Collection in the 1970s, by which
production example (now known to be point it was also observed as having a
JUE 477, chassis 860001). This may have later seat box, steering wheel bracket and a
been responsible for several pre-production painted galvanised chassis.
details being replaced with production- In 1993, Huey finally found a new home
specification alternatives such as the fitment with the opening of what is now the British
of a bolt-on front bumper. Alternatively of Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire
course, this could have been down to the and has arguably been one of the facility’s
unavailability of those rare early parts that best-loved attractions for the past 25 years.
never made it into production and therefore Today though, HUE 166 once again gets
certainly would not have been on offer to to experience the warmth of the summer
those in charge of refreshing the vehicle. sun on its paintwork as it is unloaded
Over the years that followed, HUE 166 from the transporter onto the driveway of
was brought out for special occasions, Packington Hall.
birthday celebrations, filming duties and Despite every one of those in attendance
‘Organ-style’ pedals rising from the floor offer a various shows, but remained for the most having had various experiences of 01 over
unique patina in an otherwise restored vehicle part at the Birmingham Science Museum the years, there is more than just a frisson

‘Some visuals depict the as-yet engine. After nudging third to facilitate a
smooth entry into first gear with a positive
unregistered 01 with an unpainted rear tub’ ‘clunk’, the world behind almost falls away
as the warm air rushes over the folded
‘screen; I’m suddenly in charge of one of
of excitement as it freewheels to a natural the world’s most legendary and important
halt once free of the ramps. Land Rovers.
That excitement has certainly been Of course, being at the helm of HUE
building for days, perhaps weeks for 166 doesn’t really feel any different to
this journalist fortunate enough to get piloting any other early Series One - not
behind the wheel, and as the photographer from a practical point of view, but it is
discusses the first shot of the day, I will truly impossible to ignore the enigma
admit to finding it difficult to suppress a that is Huey and that alone makes for a
smile as I turn the key, press the starter and unique and almost humbling experience.
massage the throttle to smooth out the cold Satisfaction achieved.
ly visible, Johnny
ed rear tub clear
With the unpaint dd ard display Huey’s
and Arthur Go
Cullen (driving)
lookers
capability to on
The large hole on the left was intended to hold
a larger starter button, activated by pushing
the gear lever forward
Another offering from Undercover Covers is

this pre-production replica tilt
The view from the driver’s seat is familiar

Series One territory, but with added history,
impossible to ignore

KP16 HUE
until the final day - I was
honoured, to be honest, so of
course I said yes.”
It was while giving journalist,
presenter and racing driver,
Vicki Butler-Henderson, a tour
of the line on January 27, that
Kim first glimpsed his 90 in
the metal, and two days later,
it rolled off the line at 9.04am
- fourth from last.
But what about the
registration number? “I
was looking for something
with HUE in it, for obvious
The proud owner; Kim was honoured to discover his Heritage
reasons,” says Kim, “and I
edition would be built on the final day of production saw KP16 which, naturally,
I thought was perfect.” As
with the initial Land Rover
K
P16 HUE belongs to Kim Palmer, order though, Kim had second thoughts
Public Relations Manager for about spending the money on a registration
Land Rover UK and when it was number and so left it. When he went back
announced at the start of 2015 that a series onto the website, it was no longer listed
of Defender ‘specials’ were going to be but try as he might, he couldn’t locate it as
built, he was one of many who decided having been allocated to another vehicle. Kim Palmer’s Heritage edition 90 Station Wagon is
to register their interest. “I was preparing “Then I had a huge stroke of luck,” much-loved and the result of some tough decisions!
press releases and publicity material,” says
Kim, “and when I saw the Heritage model, Heritage edition features colour-coded light
I thought that it looked like a very honest panels and unique grille
‘look back’ over the Defender years - a
fitting homage if you like.”
The press release went live at 12.01am
and Kim was on the telephone to his local
dealer, Guy Salmon in Coventry when they
opened later that morning.
“I was so quick off the mark that they
hadn’t even had their dealer allocation
issued at that point,” smiles Kim, “but later
in the day they called me back and I put a
deposit down on a 90 Station Wagon.”
Four months later however and Kim admits
to having had a slight crisis of confidence:
“It felt like a reasonable amount of money to
be spending, and so I called the dealer with
the intention of cancelling the order.”
With hindsight, he was then very glad
when they told him that they would give
a two week cooling-off period before
cancelling the order - just in case he
changed his mind. That was enough time to
speak to friends at Bowler, Roger Crathorne
and Nick Rogers, executive director of
product engineering at Jaguar Land Rover -
all of whom convinced Kim that he should
follow through with the order.
“The advice was simple,” says Kim, “get it
‘over the line’ and you won’t lose out - even
if you decide to sell afterwards. Put simply,
it was just too good to miss out.”
The body for Kim’s 90 was painted in
Grasmere Green on December 12, 2015, but
with the team planning for the final day of
production, they decided that it would be
nice to have one of each model coming off
the line on that last day.
“They asked if I would mind if they
delayed assembly of my example

The 2,198cc engine is a Ford unit and has been
a fitment under the bonnet of the Defender
range for some years
‘They asked if
I would mind if they delayed assembly Kim specified his 90 to include full Alpine
of my example until the final day’ sound system… including sub-woofer!
The sort of book a future owner will cherish. The Station Wagon features twin folding seats
Kim logs every journey taken in the 90 in the rear, turning it into an airy four-seater
smiles Kim. “A chap came in to borrow So is this particular Land Rover enthusiast
a Range Rover for a photo shoot and pleased that he was talked into buying
I happened to mention it to him. He his Heritage edition 90? “I’m so happy,”
had links to the DVLA and offered to beams Kim, “I’ll admit to running it
investigate.” It transpired that the ‘plate ‘sympathetically’ you might say - mainly
had gone into a ‘pool’ of numbers ready dry use where possible and I’ve taken to
to be issued to dealers and so with a little logging every journey for future reference,
organisation it was retrieved and put up but you get children pointing at it, people
KP16 may not be used as a workhorse, but as
for sale again, ready for Kim to grab his smiling at it, and more importantly, it makes
far as Kim is concerned it will never leave his
perfect registration. me smile when I get behind the wheel.”
side and will be with him “until the end”!

for Cyprus and followed the designated

specification available for that export route.
Naturally, Roger realised that this might be
his opportunity and so duly ordered a truck
cab model from the Land Rover main dealer
and ticked all the options.
Once in the system, Roger went and saw
the national sales company at Gaydon and
asked if they could turn his truck cab 90
into ‘Cyprus spec’. “No problem” was their
reply; after all, you don’t devote almost
your entire working life to a company
without knowing just how the systems
work, and who was going to refuse
‘Mr Land Rover’ the chance to get his
ideal Defender?
Canvas roof instead of plastic and white
steel wheels were just two other changes
Roger made to his unique example,
while it’s fair to say that the workers on
the production line may have ensured
that his build was befitting someone as
The addition of the 90 to Roger’s fleet means
that along with his 80in, he owns something This particular 90 boasts leather steering
from both ends of this historical journeyv wheel and cubby box
R90 HUE
F
or many, the owner of this
particular Land Rover will most
certainly be familiar. Roger
Crathorne was born in Lode Lane the
same year as the concept for the Land
Rover was first sketched in the sand and
so in some way it was probably destiny
that in 1963 he would begin working for
the company as an apprentice. Although
now officially retired, his vast knowledge
and experience - having been a leading
figure in the development of new vehicles
and projects, an off-road expert and a
dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast means that
he can still be found at Land Rover events
all around the globe.
Although perhaps most at home at the
wheel of his 1951 80in, LAC 699, when
Roger heard about Defender production
coming to an end, he decided that he
wanted one of the last to be made.
“Ideally I wanted it to be made in the
last week, or even on the last day of
production,” he explains, “but I also wanted
it to be built to the closest contemporary
specification that there was to HUE 166.”
But there Roger hit upon a slight problem.
Land Rover weren’t offering a civilian full-
tilt 90 for the UK, and hadn’t done since
1984 so he asked John Edwards, managing
director of Special Vehicle Operations if
they would consider converting a truck
cab, should Roger order that instead.
John said yes, but the administrative
quarter suggested that it would be far too
complicated to go through with and another
hurdle was put in Roger’s way.
It was then while in the factory, that he
spotted a right-hand-drive full-tilt version
wending its way down the production line.
Investigation revealed that it was bound

Roger uses his Defender extensively, including towing
his Series One to events where driving isn’t practical
‘I use it to regularly tow my 80in

around the country using an A-frame setup’
Green, and you can tell that although he’s
proud to own it, like anyone who has been
around Land Rovers for as long as he has,
Roger is adamant that it needs to still do
what it was designed to do.
“I’ve done around 18,000 miles in it
so far,” he explains, “including a trip to
Dusseldorf, plus I use it to regularly tow my
80in around the country using an A-frame
Leather door grabs match the other upgraded setup.” Well, if anyone is going to use a
interior features Land Rover properly, it’s Mr Crathorne!
Roger Crathorne’s 90 was built to Cyprus spec

to achieve RHD and soft-top fitment
White painted steel wheels are fitted to Roger’s
90 and contrast nicely with the bodywork
Roger asked the production team to fit an

interior light into his full-tilt version
well-respected as Roger: “I seem to have

ended up with a leather-clad steering
wheel and cubby box,” he smiles with a
hint of embarrassment, “as well as some
spare carpets!”
Roger’s 90 eventually went down the line
11 before the end, resplendent in Keswick

H166 HUE
A
s with the first of something, the
last too will usually also command
a place in history and with H166
HUE, Land Rover themselves knew that it
was a vehicle that would be a celebration of
all that had gone before it.
There was talk of the last Defender off the
production line being a Station Wagon in
order to recognise the model trend at that
time, but in the end it was a 90, finished in
Grasmere Green and fitted with a full tilt - a
specification which, like Roger’s 90 also
pays its respects to HUE 166.
More than 700 guests witnessed H166 HUE
come off the assembly line and there was
without doubt a tear in the eye for many
who had been involved with the assembly
of, or had owned or relied upon an example
from the Defender or Series range over the
years - something that Land Rover CEO,
Dr Ralph Speth was keen to acknowledge:
“The Series Land Rover, now Defender, is
the origin of our legendary capability,” he There can only be one ‘last’, and here it is,
announced at the historic event. “There will pausing outside Packington Hall - scene of Land
Rover adventures back to the days of HUE 166
‘The last-of-line Defender offers a

drive that has been massaged, evolved
and improved over the past 70 years’
Heritage interior will be familiar to Defender

owners, but almond seats and colour-coded
dash panel add a certain something
H166 HUE is the 2,016,933rd vehicle produced

in the Series and Defender bloodline
always be a special place in our hearts for evolved and improved over the past 70
Defender among our employees… we have a years. Air-conditioning, power steering,
glorious past to champion, and a wonderful high-backed seats and a sound-system that
future to look forward to.” can be heard even at speed all make for a
This particular Defender was the truly different experience.
2,016,933rd to be produced and, like those This particular Defender was always
of Kim and Roger, is powered by a 2.2-litre, going to be retained by the company and
four-cylinder, diesel engine as fitted to the can often be seen on display at the British
Defender range since 2012. Motor Museum along with its earliest
Of course there is no getting away from counterpart, but who knows? Maybe before
the fact that compared to the raw and too long the pair will be joined by another
sometimes harsh experience of piloting an ‘first’, as the next chapter in the range is
early Series One, the last-of-line Defender written. Maybe it too will have those same Another familiar registration number paying
offers a drive that has been massaged, three letters on the numberplate? homage to the earliest vehicle in the group

HUE 166 with big brother watching on
Side decals on the wings and sewn details on

the seats nod back to ‘Huey’
Cue jokes about a one owner, low mileage

Defender...
Roger Crathorne at the wheel of ‘Huey Twoey’

- H166 HUE

In Conclusion
T
here is no denying that in this, the had never been before and crucially it has
70th anniversary year of Land Rover continued to do all of the aforementioned
production, the word celebration is right up to the present day.
key. So what are we celebrating? Not just a Yet there can still only be one first of
single car that is for sure. As loved as the breed; one sire from which an entire family
original Huey is, Land Rover was, and is, and countless generations extends from
much more than that. It inspired a post- and that is HUE 166. Along with its pre-
war world to expand horizons; this time in production siblings it shaped something
search of adventure rather than enforced unique and lit a torch that would be passed
by conflict. It dictated to those considering with pride from generation to generation -
taking risks that this was the vehicle, not just of vehicles, but of owners, workers
companion and friend that would make and families.
those risks calculated instead of careless. Happy birthday HUE 166 - you deserve to
It gave the confidence to go where you be very proud of what you started. a
Defender
Heritage/90
Production: 1990-2016 Series One
Body: Two-door full-tilt/three-door Production: 1948-1958
station wagon (featured here)
Body: Two-door full tilt (featured here)
Engine: 2,198cc Ford
Duratorq turbodiesel Engine: 1,595cc four-cylinder petrol
Power: 119bhp Power: 50bhp
Top speed: 90mph Top speed: 61mph (theoretical)
0-60mph: 14.7secs 0-60mph: 87.1secs (theoretical)
Transmission: Six-speed manual Transmission: Four-speed manual, two-
speed transfer box
Wheelbase: 92.9in (2,360mm)
Wheelbase: 80in (2,032mm)
Length: 153in (3,886mm)
Length: 132in (3,353mm)
Width: 70in (1,778mm)
Width: 61in (1,549mm)
Height: 80in (2,032mm)
Height: 73.5in (1,867mm)
The grounds of Packington Hall are the

perfect backdrop for this reunion

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NEWS & VIEWS
Top-notch training
With more than 16 years in the concerned that their children

off-road driver training industry, qualify as new drivers in small
ukLANDROVERevents has just hatchbacks, only to then want to
launched an on-road training ser- drive the larger more powerful
vice to bring its coaching expertise family 4x4, which requires quite a
to drivers who want to achieve a different attitude and skill set in
more advanced level of road driving. order to stay safe on the roads.”
Clients of the off-road specialist Clients will be able to choose
have prompted this expansion of from courses covering a range of
training services, with many of topics, but each session will be
them asking about the possibility completely bespoke allowing the
of road-based training for them- content to be tailored to suit the
selves, their partners or their children driver concerned after they’ve
after undertaking a 4x4 course or completed a specially designed
driving experience with the firm, practical driving assessment.
which is based in North Yorkshire. As well as undertaking training
Colin Bell, founder of ukLAN- in their own vehicles, clients can
DROVERevents, says: “Some cli- opt to use one of a range of Land
Open Day Drive

ents want to address a particular Rover vehicles, and drivers who
driving issue they struggle with, have had their licence less than
others want to learn advanced two years can even obtain a Pass
driving skills to improve their Plus certificate and potential
safety, and some are simply keen insurance discounts after com- To mark the 70th Anniversary of Land Rover, Land Rover Experience
drivers who are seeking enjoy- pleting a ‘Newly Qualified Driver Scotland is running an Open Day Drive on June 23 at their centres
ment or a personal challenge. Safety’ course. at Butterstone Loch and Dunkeld Park in Perthshire.
Parents in particular have been www.onroadtraining.co.uk Guests will bring their own Land Rover and choose from various
specially-designed off-road driving routes in the surrounding hills
and forests, to suit different ability/experience levels.
Heritage Certificate There will be a range of other activities to enjoy throughout the
day, including displays and Land Rover club stands, fun driving
Order BMM-8478
competitions such as vehicle tennis and a chance for drivers to
challenge themselves on the off-road obstacle course.
It will be a day packed with Land Rover activities, focussing on
I am a fan of your magazine and the British Motor Museum do not the off-road drive but with something for everyone to enjoy, so
have been reading it while I was have any records of CKD vehicles. drivers are encouraged to bring family and friends with them to
deployed in Kenya. I am writing From my own research using enjoy the fun. Land Rover enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their
to ask for your help. Range-Rover-Classic.com I believe own vehicle along for
I am trying to register my mostly the vehicle was built in 1978 with what promises to be a
restored Range Rover Classic that the following numbers: wonderful day of driving
was exported in CKD form back in VIN: 357 42352 F delights, celebrating the
1978. It was assembled and first Engine: 355 32636 birthday of the iconic
registered in 1979 in East Africa. I am trying to contact the Land Rover brand.
The same person in Kenya owned Range Rover Register to get their The cost for the day is
it until I bought it in August 2017. opinion but after a few emails £75 per car, and places
I have restored it in Kenya then and phone calls I cannot reach can be booked at www.
put it on an MOD ship back to anybody. Do you know if they highlandoffroad.co.uk/
the UK. It is now at Paul Light are active or do you know of an activities/4x4-adven-
Land Rovers where it is currently organisation that may be able to ture-trek-days or by
going through its MOT. JLR and assist? Tom Seccombe calling 01350 727720.
24 JULY 2018
NEWS & VIEWS
Museums Land Rover Dog of the

Month
and Books More applications for one of the most enthusiastic
motoring clubs….
To enter please send photographs of your pets and classic
I tend to scout out bookshops when in Sydney Land Rovers, and a few words about both, to vicky.turner@
and the surrounding area. I really enjoyed keypublishing.com
John’s recent article listing interesting books
This feature proves ever popular, if you have already sent in
with a Land Rover theme and thought you photos, don’t worry, we will put them in this section as soon
might find my latest find of interest. If you as we can, we work through the submissions in the order
Google ‘Mal Leyland’ you will discover a pair that we receive them.
of brothers who, through their expeditions
and TV series, brought the outback into
people’s homes.
Mal Leyland ‘Still Traveling - My Life as a Leyland Brother and Beyond’
ISBN 987-1-74331-871-3 is available on Amazon for less than £20.
My wife and I have just returned from visiting our daughter and
her family in Sydney. We try to have a ‘transport adventure’ and
this trip was no exception. I’d read about a car museum that had
opened in Gosford in 2016, so persuaded my
wife that she might like to accompany me on
the train. Gosford is an easy trip from Syd-
ney on the Newcastle line and takes about
90 minutes. From the station it’s a short bus
journey followed by a five-minute walk to the
museum, which is well signed
with familiar brown/white
signs but you could drive if Riley Viego and Greiffin
you wish. Ten- month-old Riley, a red My lovely dogs, Viego and
Here are pictures of some of and white border collie, taking Grieffin, always watching
the Land Rovers on display -it
pride of place on top of Granda’s what I’m up to
is worth the visit.
Series II Land Rover aka Syg Aviata, Andreas Ari,
www.gosfordclassiccar
museum.com.au.
Abbie Foster Jakarta-Indonesia
Ian Jones
Six degrees
of separation
Flynn and Whistler Pumpkin
We are, finally, but I blame the people who rebuilt it finally.
Flynn, a great dane and Three-year-old chocolate
bad winter weather - poised to John Bowden, Sussex
take the head off a certain Gipsy. Whistler an Italian spinone, labrador Pumpkin in the back
It might amuse you to see the enjoying a ride in the back of of my new-to-me 1989 Land
attached with the CLR Light- my Series II 1961 Land Rover Rover 90
weight and the Hi-Cap which named Natty Anna Xenakis,
you featured a while back as a Peter Richardson the Wye Valley
good basic practical rebuild.
We had them both here before
you became interested in the
Lightweight. I sold the Hi-Cap to
Hugh Williams in Wales who then
part-exed it for a 101 with the
Please send in your news and letters for inclusion on

these pages. It may be a new product you’re retailing Dougie and George
for the first time; a show you’re organizing; a piece of George is hanging out of the
research you’re aware of; a special Land Rover you own window of my 1954 86in in
or know of; in fact, anything at all you feel may be of sunny Sydney. His brother
interest to our readers.
Dougie is checking that the
brake lights are working
Please email vicky.turner@keypublishing.comv.turner@
Andy Cornes, Australia

NEWS & VIEWS
Land Rover Legends

Three historic ‘firsts’ in the Range paint was stripped off, obliterating After the mo-
Rover’s evolution appeared exclu- any tell-tale allusions to the cars tor show, L03
sively at the recent Land Rover history. The finish is attempted to successfully
Legends show in Bicester. A 1981 replicate the condition of the RAF made the jour-
Range Rover two-door ‘In Vogue’ – vehicle as a glider tow vehicle and ney home to London and soon after
the first to actively take the marque not intended to be in a concours its return was fitted with a new
into the worlds of fashion and luxu- condition. Work includes removing gearbox – no 11. Later in May, L03
ry, a 1990 Range Rover CSK Limited the rear body section, cleaning was registered to the Rover Compa-
Edition – the first conscious attempt and preparation of running gear ny Ltd in Solihull as a demonstra-
to introduce a ‘sporty’ Range Rover with overhaul where necessary and tor, and in June was despatched
and finally, a 2000 Range Rover finishing of the chassis. to Vallvidrera Hills in Barcelona for
Linley, the first Range Rover to be Also among the show’s star the global press launch of the Land
known for being the most exclusive vehicles was L03 one of the three Rover. It also made an appearance
and expensively built. Land Rover prototype vehicles at the 1948 Barcelona Internation-
A unique 1952 former Royal which was driven from London to al Trade Fair, before returning to
Air Force Land Rover Series One Amsterdam in 1948 by a young the UK, being converted to right a couple of times before being
also went on display for the first Ernie Bacon (whose father was the hand drive and then used by Rover bought in 1974 by the current
time since its recent discovery in then manager of Rover Company’s Company Director, R L Wilks – owner. Lovingly maintained and
a Gloucestershire barn, where it London depot at Seagrave Road in nephew of Maurice Wilks – Land restored, the vehicle has partici-
had lain since 1979. The vehicle Fulham) to join the Rover Compa- Rover’s founding father. pated in every major Land Rover
is subject to a ‘rolling’ restoration ny showcase, launching what was L03 is clearly steeped in Land milestone since – with a number
and work remains in progress to become among the most loved Rover history, and through the of television appearances under
as much of the vehicle’s original automotive brands in the world. 1950s and 60s changed hands its belt over the decades.
Keep track Coleman Tent Reviewed

Having never used an ‘inflatable’ tent before, pitching this Coleman
In addition to their own three-wire, stalled more FastPitch™ Air Valdes 4 at midnight, after 14 hours driving, with just
self-install Classic Tracker solu- than a million head torches for light, was a little daunting: but it needn’t have been.
tion, TRACKER UK offer a range of devices, has the only system with Two French ‘Landists’ came to help and the tent was up in minutes; it
Thatcham-accredited devices. Dur- GPS/GSM anti-jamming measures takes very little inflation and really is easy, especially considering its
ing June it is offering 10% off all and has returned £494m of stolen size. It has two double sleeping areas, an internal communal space
TRACKER UK products. All quoted vehicles to their rightful owners and a large open porch with enough room for four of us and a sizea-
prices include installation fee. Buy from their store using the ble table. We could all stand up over most of its footprint too.
The company offers a market discount code TRACKER10 when The sleeping areas are well blacked-out, but if you’re looking for
leading stolen vehicle• recovery checking out. Upon receipt of order fully separate, private spaces, then this isn’t the tent for you: the
service, operated over the last 20 an installation date will be organ- ‘bedrooms’ are divided by a removable mesh barrier which isn’t
years with a unique relationship ised directly with TRACKER UK sewn-in to the tent around its edges.
with all UK police forces. It has in- https://classic-tracker.com/store We stayed completely dry, despite torrential rain and thunderstorms,
and with a generous bag the tent was remarkably easy to deflate and
pack away: all-in-all, a very comfortable home for the weekend.
Ramblings...
Features:
• Capacity: Four person
• Groundsheet: PE, welded, fully integrated
• Outer fabric: Polyester PU coated/ Fire retardant
I have just been reading my Classic Land Rover magazine. I fully agree • Inner fabric: Breathable Polyester Polyester PU coated No-see-um mesh
with Roger Fell and his article on trials for the ordinary lad on the street • Seams: Taped seams
with his only Land Rover that he uses every day. While I like to see ex- • Pack size: 78 x 58 x 38cm
treme Land Rovering and comp safaris, l still think it’s time for some of • Weight: 20.8kg
the clubs to revert back to the old system of trialling where all the fam- • Water column: 4500mm
ily can go and enjoy the weekends in safety. Sure, things can go wrong • Sleeping 5.9m2
in any motor sport, and we now have the ‘Elf n Safety’ to contend with • Living 4.5m2
as well as the litigation brigade but surely as Roger says, it could and • Porch 5.4m2 Plenty of space and finally the sun came out!
should be toned down for the enjoyment of all as most of the younger
end can’t afford hi-spec triallers and the costs of entering.
Speech House
In the early 1960s when Rodger was running the Proteus trial
against the army lads we used to drive over from Manchester, take
the hardtop off and change the wheels from our road tyres to Regent
Vintage Show
Newcraft then enter for a good days trialling.
l remember a very young Dennis Wright turning up to his first trial
with Pauline and wonder what he would have thought if it had been
like it is today. So yes! Let’s get back to the grass-root trials and Entry forms have been published and are
really enjoy the sport in all its forms. I have laid out hundreds of good available at www.fvvmc.co.uk
trials and so has Roger all with very little damage or injury to anyone. Entries are trickling in with plenty of
As for doing a few annual shows, I fully agree with Roger, these shows Series Ones and IIs booked, but there is
can raise much needed funds for the clubs and the scene in general. still lots of room for later vehicles. The organisers say that they will
Bring back the 60s and 70s format; brilliant times when everyone felt try to squeeze in everything but are trying to exhibit a Land Rover for
included and welcome including spectators and Joe public alike. every year that they have been in production, 1948-2018, as a way of
Enough of my ramblings. celebrating the 70th Birthday of the marque.
Barry Clark

P.A BLANCHARD & CO.
EX MILITARY LANDROVER SPECIALISTS, CLAY LANE, SHIPTONTHORPE, YORK, UK YO43 3PU
TEL: +44 (0)1430 872765 | FAX: +44 (0)1430 872777

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NEWS & VIEWS
Book Review Get the T-shirt

A Girl and Her Land Rover - a little more
An Auto- Biography by TeriAnn comfort, Retroeighty Is a company located in rural Shropshire
Wakeman. Review by Toby Savage firstly with run by Dan, a graphic designer with more than 20
TeriAnn Wakeman’s account of her a full length years experience and a lifetime’s experience of Land
four decades of living with, and in, hardtop Rovers. He has been drawing Land Rovers forever
an old Land Rover will remind us all with ‘Tropical’ roof to its current and is now selling artwork. Find his prints and new
of the joys and frustrations of own- configuration as a Dormobile. After T-shirt designs at www.retroeighty.co.uk
ership. TeriAnn lives in Arizona and a few years planning how to convert
picked up her 1960 109in in 1978 the LWB Land Rover into something
as a wreck parked on a Californian she could sleep in she found a
Arise Sir Mzee Kobe

driveway. It had clearly once been genuine Martin Walker Dormobile
a hard working pick-up in the hands roof and interior from a scrap 109in
of the current owners but this chap over in Washington. Although dam-
knew little of the intricacies of aged it was not beyond repair and Yesterday the postman delivered Issue
running old cars and had abused it TeriAnn soon realised that at $1000 61 of Classic Land Rover Magazine -
until it finally gave in. The rear diff it would be superior to anything it`s a great honour to see our Land Rov-
was smashed, but he kept using it she could fabricate herself and er in your magazine, so I posted the
in front-wheel drive until the transfer considerably cheaper than buying a news to the family, my sister happened
box fell apart then parked it in front new conversion. to be at the railway station in Munich
of his house at the mercy of the Her book is written in an easy style and she managed to get a copy at the
elements for three years. and chronicles many of the skinned international bookstore; amazing. Now
TeriAnn already owned a 1968 knuckle moments familiar to all of it has become a sport, finding Classic
88in, but was finding it too small us. Starting out as a young woman Land Rover Magazine - my brother sees if he can find a copy some-
for her lifestyle which, at the time, with a passion for travel and a rusty where in Oslo, Norway, and my sister will see if Classic Land Rover is to
included a flock of dairy goats and Land Rover she learns on the job with be found as far as Harare, Zimbabwe.
the call of the wild at weekends. She help from a local Land Rover me- The family communication over iCloud was as if we were going for a
could justify the longer wheelbase chanic Jim ‘Scotty’ Howet who took world record at the Olympic games for marathon Internet communica-
and took the brave decision to res- her under his wing and guided her tion. I went to bed with vivid memories and suddenly remembered that
urrect it herself on a limited budget. through the process of restoration Mzee Kobe had actually met Queen Elizabeth when she visited Tanza-
Her book, A Girl and Her Land Rover and rebuilding. Fortunately TeriAnn nia in July 1979. We were on the way to Kilimanjaro Airport to pick up
- An Auto - Biography details how had grown up among an engineering a visitor when suddenly policemen on motorcycles pulled us aside. We
she went about learning how to fix family and was not afraid to get her were the only car on the road in the middle of nowhere in the Maasai
her ‘auto’ and gradually altering its hands dirty, but the knowledge of steppe, snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro towering high over the savannah.
layout to suit her changing lifestyle. our Solihull products had to be learnt First, a dark-glassed Mercedes Benz passed by, followed by a grand
Back in the late 1970s she was quite the hard way if she was to pursue black limousine with Queen Elizabeth and President Julius Nyerere
happy to sling her camping gear in this bohemian outdoor lifestyle with inside. We kids jumped up and down and waved our hands of course
the back of the pick-up and head for confidence. A goal she has achieved and The Queen waved back. It seemed to me that her attention was
the hills to escape the city and enjoy and enjoyed for 40 years. also drawn to Mzee, a member of the British Empire. I will call Mzee
the great outdoors she loved. A Girl and Her Land Rover - An Kobe from now on ‘Sir Mzee Kobe’, as it is has been officially honoured
Over the next 40 years her require- Auto - Biography is available on by your magazine Ingo Majonica
ments matured with the desire for Amazon at around £10
Rover Ruminations
position at Solihull; when I knew
him he was involved with a very
early P6 prototype car. I think he
You do realise that the early history never ever claimed responsibility for had just come back from a spell in
was modified, the vehicle was not the Land Rover. The photograph at America and knew nothing about
created in a Welsh holiday resort. the 1948 Commercial show shows the vehicle. He spent almost two
It was 100% Birmingham. The Spencer Wilks exactly how he was weeks essentially learning the
centre-steer vehicle was a misunder- always. I don’t remember seeing basics of the early project vehicle.
standing. It originated at Wolesley him ever smiling. The man whose I have met Nick Wilks a number of
Motors in Birmingham. It was face is above and behind his right times and he is a thoroughly de-
completely written off by the Wilks shoulder, is also a Rover man, but it cent bloke, prepared to chat about story than may have been the case
family and wiped clean. It didn’t would only be an educated guess. the old days. He doesn’t smile when actually two blokes stood chat-
exist and was rediscovered by the In both photographs Maurice Wilks either, just like his dad. ting and sketching in the sand with a
enthusiast movement. is looking very anxious. Nick and Stephen are still around, stick. Nevertheless the Wilks brothers
The photographs on page 98 of It was more usual for him to Stephen around my age (mid seven- definitely holidayed on Anglesey and
the last issue are amazing. The man have a smile on his face. To young ties) and Nick a little older and near- no doubt talked shop there so the link
talking to the earl is Spencer Wilks apprentices he was very impor- er 80. They are both connected with to Anglesey is beyond question.
and the man behind him is Maurice tant. He had three sons of his the people who changed the early As for the other points you raise, there
Wilks. At the time of the photo- own, so he knew how to respond history of the Land Rover. To Rover is undoubtedly some uncertainty
graph, I’m sure that Spencer was to other young lads. I thought he people, they are still well respected about the centre-steer prototype and
57 years of age and Maurice was was brilliant and spoke to him at individuals and it would be great to its fate but the fact that the Land
44. Under any circumstances that’s least a dozen times. Whereas with hear their comments on the above. Rover’s origins are the stuff of great
a big age gap - it was always a case Spencer Wilks, I only spoke to him Graham Nash. legend rather than the dust-dry facts
of big brother made the decisions. twice, within a group. of history somehow makes the story of
Do you not think it strange that On the odd occasion Maurice Thanks for your letter. I am inclined to the post-war stop-gap all the greater.
the man who supposedly introduced Wilks would bring his younger son, agree with you that the ‘drawing in the Despite this, I will not be surprised if
the Land Rover was not included Stephen, with him for the day. sand’ has, in recent years, taken on your letter generates responses from
in the conversation? Maurice Wilks Spencer Wilks’ son, Nick, had a greater significance in the Land Rover other readers. JC

MUSEUM OF THE MONTH
Treasure Classic 1970 two-door Range Rover

is in showroom condition
House
Tickford Station Wagon is displayed under the Range Rover/
Pink Panther bridge
‘There are a great selection of Land

Rovers among the exhibits at Gaydon’
WORDS JOHN CARROLL

PICTURES GARRY STUART
T
he museum, generally referred
to as simply ‘Gaydon’, might be
a big place full of cars just off
Junction 12 of the M40 in Warwickshire
but the roots of its collection predate its Royal Review Series One is painted an 109in Series II Cuthbertson tracked
construction in the 1990s. The collection unusual colour and has chromed details conversion is in concours condition
is now managed by the British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) and larger premises would be required. The the Heritage Motor Centre closed for a
was started in the 1970s. At this time, a Warwickshire location, part of the Rover lottery funded £1.1 million refurbishment.
new division of British Leyland Motor Group’s operations on the site of the It reopened in February 2016 with the new
Corporation (BLMC) was formed to former RAF Gaydon was chosen. name of the British Motor Museum.
preserve the company’s collection of Construction of the new Heritage Motor As you might expect, given the close
historic vehicles. The company became Centre began in 1991 and brought together ties with Jaguar Land Rover, there are a
BL Heritage Limited, headquartered at all the BMIHT operations and provided great selection of Land Rovers among the
Studley, Warwickshire in 1979, then, two exhibition and storage space for the exhibits at Gaydon. Those on show vary
years later, a museum was opened at Syon collection of more than 250 vehicles and from time to time as some vehicles are used
Park, to the west of London where around the photographic archive. The museum elsewhere, an example being HUE 166, the
100 vehicles from the collection were changed hands a couple of times when the famous first 80in Land Rover that is often
displayed. As the collection continued Rover Group was acquired by BMW and on display, but not always, as JLR take it
to grow it soon became evident that Ford but survived and, in November 2015, to shows and exhibitions. The selection of
Land Rovers includes a 109in Pink Panther,
SAS Regiment 109in Pink Panther Land Rover was converted by Marshalls a 109in Cuthbertson Conversion, a 101, a
Darien Gap classic Range Rover, a Royal
Review model and plenty more aside from
all the other mouth-watering classics there
are to gaze at.a
British Motor
Museum
Banbury Road, Gaydon,
Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
01926 641188
The museum is open daily from

10am-5pm. Last admission is 4.30pm
Closed 24 December, 2018 -
1 January, 2019 inclusive
Admission:
adult £14, child (5-16 yrs) £9

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Lloyd Street, Whitworth, Rochdale, Lancashire OL12 8AA

Exmoor Trim has been working
closely with Harris Tweed to
produce these stunning products
for our fully restored Land
Rover Defender 90. The hand
woven Harris Tweed and the
Thatch Leather products made by
our in house sewers made their
way to our expert fitters who
bought these designs from being
paper dreams to finished reality.
Today, Exmoor Trim has
HOW OUR expanded not only it’s premises,

but staff and is now famously
JOURNEY
known throughout the world for
its high quality
products. Covering every model
BEGAN... and spans production from 1947

to 2016 of the Land Rover
development. The family firm,
Bert Gostling started his Lew Gostling driving ‘Droopy’ Series
now run by a third generation
successful careeer in 1946 III with the Exmoor Evander Woodrim still have a soft spot for the
just after World War II had
Steering wheel original Series I which Bert
ended. He began work at Lew Gostling started his Gostling helped launch in
the Rover car company’s working career on trim post-war Britain. In 1948, the
Solihull factory. One of his development and sun still hadn’t set on the British
first jobs was to worko an eventually became Head of Empire, which stretched around
experimental four-wheel Experimental Trim. the globe. Britain had a
drive based on the US Jeep, Nobody knew more about deserved reputation for
two years later it evolved Land Rover seats than engineering and design
into the original Series I Lew. Lew’s son Julian excellence – qualities that Bert’s
Land over. The rest, they Gostling eventually left grandson and Exmoor Trim
say, is history, since then Solihull for Somerset Chairman Julian Gostling, still
Land Rover has forged an where he set up his own hold dear today.
unrivalled company, Exmoor Trim.
+44 (0) 1984 635 060

+44 (0) 1984 635 060
www.exmoortrim.co.uk | mail@exmoortrim.co.uk
www.exmoortrim.co.uk | +44 (0)1984 635 060 | mail@exmoortrim.co.uk
Events
Start to mark your diary for 2018
l
c
p
Land Rover Only Event
CLR coverage
Prizes
m
t
i
Motorsport
Camping
Points of interest
with our at-a-glance guide b Beer Tent
June
17
Raby Castle Classics in the Park -
Father’s Day Special
Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co Durham, DL2 3AH
016974 51882
info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com
www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com
22-24
LRSOC Rally
Benllech, Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey
www.LRSOC.com
lpc
22-24
Tribute to the 1948 Earls Court
Motor Show
Burghley House
Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club
1946-1949 all makes and models.
leclerc.g@sunrise.ch
24 Hop Farm Show Ground, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood

Classic Cars at Downside Abbey TN12 6PY
Stratton-on-the-Fosse, just south of Bath and Bristol. Jamie Wells 01258 857700 or 01258 858448
email: skerr@downside.co.uk or call 01761 235194 www.warandpeacerevival.com
www.downside.co.uk
26-29
24 20th Anniversary of the Estonian
Simply Land Rover Show Land Rover Club Meeting 2018
Admire Land Rovers and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Aegviidu, Harju parish, Estonia
From the Evoque to the Series, all are all welcome. You Tel: (+372) 5010599
could be winner of the People’s Choice Award, selected www.elrk20.landroverclub.ee
by public vote and receive the Beaulieu Simply Land
Rover trophy. There is a Land Rover experience ‘Forest tlpb
Drive’ booked and charged separately. 016974 51882
10am-6pm, adult £10, child £5 in advance, entry includes
all the Beaulieu attractions including the National Motor
www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com 27-29
Museum Kelmarsh Land Rover Show
Call 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu,New Forest,
5-8 Kelmarsh Hall, Northampton NN6 9LY
01775 768661
Hampshire,United Kingdom, SO42 7ZN Series Land Rover Meet email: info@livepromotions.co.uk
www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-land-rover/ Herkenrodehoeven, Opheers, Belgium www.kelmarshlandrovershow.com
carl.vanravensteyn@telenet.be
lip lbt ltbc
30-1 21-30
Billing Off-Road Show 15 The Defender Spirit Tour
Billing Off-Road Centre, Billing, Northampton NN7 1AL Lancaster Insurance Classic and A road trip for all Series Models, 90s, 110s and
01604 890271 Supercars Show Defenders driving from the south of France (Alès, Gard)
www.thebillingoffroadexperience.co.uk Land Rover’s 70th anniversary will be celebrated here, to the UK (Kelmarsh Land Rover Show).
including the The National Motor Museum’s 1948 Email: landlifeevents@gmail.com
t prototype vehicle on display. Web: www.land-life-events.com
Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne,
Dorset DT9 5NR
lcb
July email: classicandsupercars@gmail.com
www.classic-supercars.co.uk
August
1 2-5
BMC and Leyland Show 22
Of interest particularly to Series III owners Lytham Hall Classic Car and Series 2 Club Rally
British Motor Museum Wing Hall, Wing on the banks of Rutland Water
Banbury Road, CV35 0BJ Gaydon, Warwickshire
Motorcycle Show Contact John Stokes: eastmidlands@series2club.co.uk
Classic cars, light commercials, classic 4x4s, ex-military or the events page on Facebook www.facebook.com/
www.eventbrite.co.uk and motorcycles plus club displays events/77793625239430
Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 4JX
1 016974 51882 tc
Leighton Hall Classic Car and info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com
Bike Show
www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com 12
Leighton Hall, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9ST
24-28 Raby Castle Classics in the Park
Displays of more than 500 classic cars, bikes, Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co Durham, DL2 3AH
commercials, 4x4s, autojumble and trade stands War & Peace Revival Show 016974 51882
Adult £7, child £2.50, 10am-4pm - admission includes Set in over 150 acres, it’s a full five-day historical info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com
gardens and park spectacular. www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com

17-19
Bal des Series, Le Temps Des Series
Château de Périgères, Mons, 63310
www.le-temps-des-series.com
19
Cumbria Classic and
Motorsport Show
Wigton Motor Club, Dalemain House nr Ullswater (A592)
Specific classes for Land Rovers and Military Vehicles
www.wigtonmc.co.uk/John Graham 01228 534483
camping available
special celebration of 70 years of Land Rover
Entries close Aug 3
24-26
Leafers at t’Pit
Leaf-sprung Land Rover gathering
National Coal Mining Museum For England, Wakefield,
West Yorkshire
www.seriouslyseries.co.uk
pit
26
Ripon Summer Classic Car and Bike
Show & Auto jumble centre of racecourse.
Ripon Racecourse, North Yorks, HG4 1UG 9 Stratford Racecourse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
More than 500 classic cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, CV37 9SE
ex-military plus classic Land Rover display, arena and Speech House Vintage Show 4x4trading@talk21.com to register interest and book.
commentary. Hosted by the Forest Vintage Vehicle and Machinery Club
Autojumble/trade plots £25 each, adults £7, child £2.50, in the Royal Forest of Dean. A family day out, raising
10am-4pm money for local charities.
email: jim@jwlrs.co.uk to exhibit
30
016974 51882
info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com www.fvvmc.co.uk Newbury 4x4 and Vintage Spares Day
www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com Traders from 7-9.30am, public 10am-2pm, £6.50 per
14-16 adult, under 15s free, free parking, dogs welcome
Newbury Show Ground, Chieveley, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ
September The Patina National
For non-shiny, road legal, leaf-sprung 80, 86 and 88in
016974 51882
2 Land Rovers. A camping weekend and an eight-section info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com
www.4X4SparesDay.co.uk
RTV trial with YLROC
Brimfield Vintage Working Day Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Vintage tractors and machinery including a display of www.facebook.com/events/199005137323641
static and working Land Rovers
Nr Ludlow SY8 4LW
www.brimfieldvintageclub.co.uk
tcbpm October
6-7
2 22-23 Autumn Tractor World Show plus
Adventure Overland Show
Classics at Hoghton Tower Both indoor and outdoor trade stands, plus camping in the Sunday Classic Commercial Show
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Nr Preston, PR5 0SH Displays of veteran, vintage, classic and new tractors and
Classic cars, motorcycles, light commercials, ex-army and implements, trade stands, specialist parts suppliers
classic 4x4s plus club stands
Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ
016974 51882
info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com 016974 51882
www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com info@markwoodwardclassicevents.com
8
Norwegian Land Rover Club 14
annual meet. Classic Land Rover Day
Combined Series and classic Range Rover event, Amberley Museum, Sussex
activities including barbecue and talks www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Prestegarden, Kirkeveien 19, 1540 Vestby, Norway
l lc
14
Ripon 4x4 Vintage Spares Day
Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North
Yorkshire, HG4 1UG
Free parking, well behaved dogs welcome, admission
adults £4, under 15s free
Traders from 7-9am, public 9am-1pm
www.4x4sparesday.co.uk
28
Malvern 4x4 Spares Day and Land
Rover Autojumble
Wye Halls, Three Counties Showground, Malvern,
Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
016974 51882
To have your Land Rover event listed here send

details to vicky.turner@keypublishing.com

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WORDS AND PICTURES LOUISE LIMB EVENTS AND RALLIES
Andrew Bullas’ beautiful Norwegian

86in and the legendary ‘Oxford’ 86in
vie for attention in an impressive line-
up despite inclement weather
All Steamed Up
Series One owners brave driving rain to gather at
Bolton Abbey Station on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales
Bolton Abbey’s little railway station coming Rachel and Robert Sargeant’s stunning pair
down from Cumbria and across from York of 80in Land Rovers paired with Nick Parr’s
and Malton. As lakes formed in fresh new spotless 86in Station Wagon
canvas tilts, most owners made a beeline for
the station café, leaving the hardier souls
who’d brought their auto-jumble alone with
their rain-soaked wares.
While those arriving from the drier east
were mostly prepared for the downpour,
including Robert Sargeant in his spotless
ex-Derbyshire Fire Service 80in, Rachel Around 30 Series Ones of all variants braved
Sargeant, whose lights-behind-the-grille the rain to gather at Bolton Abbey station
beauty is rarely seen with door tops, saw no
Rob Sharpe celebrating his Land Rover’s
first 70 years; here’s hoping it will be good
for 70 more ‘Those arriving from
the drier east were
A
Series One line-up has been
assembling every April for several mostly prepared for
years at the eastern end of the
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. the downpour’
‘Embsay’ was legendary in the 1980s,
hundreds gathering at the village station reason to vary her approach. While sodden
at the other end of the five miles of track. on arrival, she did enjoy the last laugh
It is an old Midland Railway route which though as the wayward sun cleared the
ran from Skipton, through Embsay, Bolton gloom away by lunchtime.
Abbey and Addingham to Ilkley and which A spot of rain was unlikely to put Adam
closed under Beeching in 1965. Reaching Bennett off and the wonderful, and now Cabinet-maker Andrew Dowker’s sympathetic
its tenth anniversary in 1992 the rally familiar sight, of the legendary First Overland 107in Station Wagon restoration
gradually faded from the calendar but it’s ‘Oxford’ 86in, running again under his
now very firmly back in the Land Rover stewardship was a welcome one. It was also a restoration and preservation.
Series One Club diary, Mark Strangways good day for freshly restored long wheelbase With familiar Land Rovers and tall tales,
taking over organising duties in 2016. 107in vehicles, David Leach’s 107in pick-up the recipe at Bolton Abbey is a tried and
After a fine few days, heavy rain had been over from Easingwold was stunning in Dove tested one and as steam began rising from
forecast for the morning of Sunday April 22 Grey and blue while Andrew Dowker’s 107in puddles drying on near 70-year old wings,
but still, some 30 Series One Land Rovers Station Wagon, now splendid again after we don’t doubt this line-up will be back
battened down hatches and lined up at much fettling was an excellent blend of again for more next year. a
Duckworth - Classic Land Rover Advert-Update Aug17.pdf 1 14/08/2017 11:26:51
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WORDS JOHN CARROLL PHOTOS TOBY SAVAGE, GARRY STUART, JOHN CARROLL EVENTS AND RALLIES
Diana Tigwell and a selection of the birthday

cakes brought by Land Rover clubs
Factor 70
This year’s Gaydon Land Rover show
was one big 70th birthday party
The first prototype for the Land

Rover Ninety combined Range
Rover and Series III parts
The Military Lightweight is celebrating its 50th ‘There was certainly

anniversary this year and Gaydon attracted a
strong showing of the model plenty to see and
even more to talk
T about’
he British Motor Museum, often
referred to simply as ‘Gaydon’,
Compere Diana Tigwell interviews John
is home to the world’s largest
Carroll about the 1987 Land Rover Cariba
collection of historic British cars. It opened friendly interlopers including vehicles
‘custom’ Ninety concept
in 1993, as the amalgamation of the British from rival British brands such as Austin in
Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s preserved CLR contributor Toby Savage’s 1948 80in was the form of the Champ and a few military
car collection and was redeveloped in 2006 the oldest Land Rover displayed at the show vehicles from farther afield. There was
following the award of a Heritage Lottery certainly plenty to see and even more to
grant. The venue holds numerous events in talk about so the Saturday night showers
its grounds each year including, on many didn’t dampen the campers’ spirits at all
occasions, a Land Rover show. This year and the show days themselves were blessed
was no exception and, of course, aimed with sunshine.
to celebrate 70 years of the Land Rover The numerous Land Rover clubs were out
marque and included celebrating 50 years in force with most models from Land Rover’s
of the military Lightweight. Diana Tigwell, entire history being represented in some
the charismatic compere and commentator way. Some real rarities appeared including a
provided enthusiastic arena commentary couple of restoration projects still on trailers
throughout the show. Many owners dress in clothes to suit the age of such as the Land Rover Ninety prototype
The 70th factor meant that there was a their vehicle including this woman and her 80in number one and the Cariba, Land Rover’s
real buzz about the weekend event which first ‘factory custom’ Ninety- both unique
included a few novelties such as birthday vehicles. In an anniversary year that is
cakes, vehicle crews in clothes appropriate packed with events, this was certainly one I
to the age of their Land Rovers and a few am glad I went to. a
EVENTS AND RALLIES WORDS AND PICTURES JOHN CARROLL
Lightweight in front of York Castle Museum
Jorvik Series III 88in Combat Logistics (CL)
Garrison
There were plenty of classic Land Rovers at the
Military Vehicle Trust’s annual Yorkshire Area Crank Up
O
nce a year, generally an April was an ex-Home Office G4M15 from the
Sunday, the Military Vehicle Trust’s batch sold by the government in 1997 and
Yorkshire Area holds its annual the Champ was a British Army model. Among
Crank Up. This year it seemed like the ideal the Land Rovers, Lightweights were the most
place to take the CLR project Lightweight numerous but a FFR Series IIA 109in and a
to and I’m glad I did. The rain held off and Combat Logistics (CL) 88in Series III were
military vehicles rolled in to the historic noteworthy. Later models were represented by
walled city of York from all over Yorkshire.
York is at the confluence of the rivers Ouse
a
a few 90 and 110 coilers and a Perentie.
and Foss in North Yorkshire, a spot chosen

by the Romans when they founded that
‘It’s a low-key event
place as Eboracum. It was later captured
by the Vikings and became known as
made great by a
Jorvik before falling to the Anglo Saxons. friendly bunch of
It prospered as a centre for trade and the
19th century industries of railways and enthusiastic vehicle
confectionery have left a huge legacy within
the city walls. This includes numerous fine owners’
buildings and it is in a corner between York
Castle, Clifford’s Tower and the Crown Court Lightweight flanked by 90s Ex-Wessex Regiment 1965 FFR Series IIA 109in
that the Crank Up takes place. Land Rovers below the ramparts of the 13th
It’s a low-key event made great by a century Clifford’s Tower
friendly bunch of enthusiastic vehicle
owners who came and went as the day
passed. Without exception, because of the
late spring, everyone was looking forward to
better weather in the season ahead.
The attendees brought vehicles of several
nationalities, eras and sizes. Plenty of Jeeps
and a dozen Land Rovers were perhaps to be
expected but these numbers were swelled by Austin Champ FV1800
examples of other 4x4s including Austin’s
erstwhile Land Rover competitors in the form
of the Gipsy and Champ. Of these, the Gipsy

WORDS AND PICTURES TOBY SAVAGE EVENTS AND RALLIES
Inclement weather had an adverse effect on day visitors, but those committed to travel were
rewarded with masses of information and advice
‘David explained and

illustrated many ‘get
you home’ tricks’
For
This ingenious homemade kitchen was a great
idea on the side of an early 110. Offering Mat Harris popped over from Coventry in his
good storage and hot and cold running water. very original Series III and is off on a trip to Shell
It will have inspired many copies Island in Wales with the seriouslyseries.com group
Adventurers
Everywhere
Toby Savage spends a knowledge of how they work.
For when things don’t go according to
weekend at the Adventure plan, James Davis gave a very concise and
interesting seminar on assessing the risks
Overland Show of travel in various parts of the world and
The back of Mark and Heather Moscrop’s 90 how to best prepare for various unwanted
showed all the signs of a well-used truck! outcomes. He started with a low risk area
for travel, Finland, up to high risk, Libya,
N
ow in its fourth year at Stratford rigs to a humble Series III SWB Station Syria etc. and how best to avoid trouble.
Racecourse, the Adventure Wagon. Experts are on hand and most When James and his wife, Jess, travel in
Overland Show has become a firm willing to discuss their own experiences and Africa they discard the canvas top on their
favourite with traders, exhibitors and keen recommendations on a one-to-one basis, or Land Rover and enjoy open top motoring.
adventurers looking for travel-related ideas. as part of a presentation. Not only great fun, but it also presents a
For the first time, organiser Tom McGuigan, Relevant to the classic end of the scale less threatening image to locals who will
has extended the show to two events - was a talk by David Gunning of Bush be far more likely to engage with a smiling
spring and autumn. The spring one on Mechanics. David explained and illustrated face that is easily visible.
the last weekend of April was somewhat many ‘get you home’ tricks that could Mac Mackenney gave an entertaining
marred by poor weather and it was a great usually be done with clutter in the back of talk on his series of TV programmes,
shame it had not been scheduled for the the truck or recycled from the hedgerow. Driven to Extremes and the work his
weekend before when we were all basking Our own small group, ‘Leafers Overland’, company are doing to help ex-service
in hot sunshine. had our fair share of issues with our personnel suffering from post traumatic
Spirits were not dampened for the assortment of Series trucks. Mark Rollings stress disorder. The presentation also
hardcore of attendees though. Any true had a fractured petrol pipe, repaired with touched on the important issue of not
overlander has to accept that the weather a piece of pipe from a fellow camper, John flaunting a very expensive customised
is something that has to be dealt with and Horne had a snapped throttle cable ‘bush’ camping truck in front of people who earn
hats, wellies and coats were in abundance. repaired with some cable ties; I lost my a fraction of its value annually. While
The attraction of the AO Show is that it clutch hydraulics on the Carawagon and many of the traders were at the show to sell
is attended by people who really have limped home praying for green lights all ‘essentials’ for overlanding there were also
travelled and those who are in the final the way and Mick Outhwaite had to snip far simpler displays and demonstrations
stages of planning their own trip. To wires to stop the engine of his Mazda on bushcraft and blacksmith’s skills.
support this there are a series of seminars engined Dormobile! Despite these setbacks The late summer Adventure Overland
and workshops on widely diverse subjects we did all get home okay. Testament to Show will be at Stratford Racecourse on
that apply equally from large expensive the simplicity of our Land Rovers and a the weekend of September 22-23. a
EVENTS AND RALLIES WORDS AND PICTURES EMRYS KIRBY
Ray Steele’s beautiful, all-original Series II

fire truck backing into the C4C warehouse
Scaling
New Heights
Emrys Kirby joins the Series 2 Club on a special Jim Gardner’s 109 Forward
Control below the access
day out and learns it’s not all about the rivets platform
A
s much as I love the finer details is truly inspirational and he invited the north
C4C’s Chris Whiteley straps a willing
of Land Rover history and ‘rivet west area club members to learn about the
volunteer into the king swing
counting’, what makes my role as work of the centre, spend time together and
a regular writer for CLR fresh and exciting to encourage the younger generation within
are the people I meet. The vehicles are the club.
just aluminium and steel boxes but the Each month, area rep Jon Hayes organises
community and friendships they initiate is a get together for club members; from pub
what really counts and this was brought meets to workshop sessions to vehicle runs
home to me in a poignant way at a recent but this was just going to be bit different.
Series 2 Club event in Manchester. More than 70 club members and their
Challenge4Change (C4C) is a charity that families rocked up to the C4C headquarters
runs a unique indoor urban assault course and proceeded to squeeze more than 20
and experimental learning centre near Series vehicles into the warehouse among the
Trafford Park. Through a the challenge of Don’t look down! assault course obstacles.
a high ropes course and working together, After an inspirational briefing, where
the aim of the centre is to build teams, help Chris convinced everyone in the room that
people face their height fears, overcome they were more than capable of taking on
personal challenges and generally have anything, we headed out to get kitted up
a great time. The centre works with with harnesses and helmets. Assisted by the
charities, schools and businesses as well as fantastic C4C staff, we were clipped into
individuals. In particular, it helps people the safety lines and encouraged to go and
with disabilities to achieve things they enjoy ourselves on the high ropes course
never believed possible. and overcome any fear of heights. I have
The man behind the centre is former prison never experienced looking directly down
officer and Series 2 Club member Chris on so many classic Land Rovers, neither
Whiteley. Chris’ drive, energy and enthusiasm have I experienced so many grown adults

EVENTS AND RALLIES
having so much fun! that a good old British Land Rover would Chris’ bus and Series IIA 109 project – this
As much as it was envisaged that the be ideal and the grandfather of one of his forms a mobile zip wire
meeting would be aimed at the younger assault course customers gifted him a Series
generation, it was the elders of the club that III to complete the zip wire.
seemed to be making the most noise. Since then, he has also acquired a 1971
Those who were less confident on ex-military Series IIA 109in project and this
the ropes received huge amounts of was the impetus to join the Series 2 Club. At
encouragement and cheers when they the moment, the vehicle is still something of
overcame their fears and made it across each a work in progress but as you might expect,
obstacle. The activities wound up with a Chris is not short of motivation and hopes
few taking on the ‘King Swing’ where Chris to have it mobile again soon, no doubt
hauled willing volunteers high in the air meaning the Series 2 Club can come back
Grey skies but there was a warm welcome
before letting them go barrelling through the for a full demonstration.
inside C4C
air, with the obligatory, involuntary scream. Chris has also been inspired by Veronica
The meeting closed with a raffle to raise Lamond’s Landy Books and has started
funds for the charity and with a mystery making up stories about the city slicking
benefactor doubling any donation, the club bus and the country bumpkin Land Rover
raised almost £1,000 for C4C. – hopefully we’ll get to hear them in
After the event, I caught up with Chris due course.
to learn a bit more about the charity The bold aim of C4C is to ‘make your
and his connection to the Land Rover world better’. The day at the centre
community. Chris told me he’d once been reinforced my belief that the Land Rover
a professional rugby player but when it life is definitely about belonging to a
didn’t work out, he set off on a career in community and it is not just the vehicles
than bring us together. Since that meeting,
I have rejoined the Series 2 Club and look
forward to more motivational events. a
Fantastic view looking down onto the Land
Rovers below
‘Chris convinced
everyone in the room
that they were more
than capable of
taking on anything’
the prison service, in particular working

in physical education. Chris has obviously
come into contact with a very diverse
cross section of society, including some of
its more challenging members.
The impetus for setting up C4C came
from becoming a father and he realised
he wanted to do something positive in the
world. He then hatched a plan to work his
way out of the prison service and create a
force for good. Since establishing the centre,
he has worked with many schools and
charities, including the BLESMA, the British
Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
Chris’ natural charisma makes it sound
easy but you can see there has been a huge
amount of work to get the place where it
is today. Even so, it seems that people are
very forthcoming with donations and this is
how Chris got involved with the Land Rover
community. He decided he wanted to create
a mobile zip wire facility and came up with
the plan of a 1980 Bristol VR double-decker
bus to create the launch platform and a
4x4 as the anchor point. Given the fact that
he’d worked with ex-servicemen, he decided

Many
Happy Returns
JLR’s Classic Works in Coventry played host to Land Rover’s 70th birthday
party on April 30. Emrys Kirby went along to join in the celebrations
WORDS EMRYS KIRBY PICTURES JLR
A spectacular collection of historic

Land Rovers convoyed from
Solihull to JLR Classic Works

‘On April 30, 2018, JLR declared
it was World Land Rover Day’
I
t’s obviously no secret that the Land In plucky British style, it has overcome
Rover turns 70 this year and JLR setbacks and challenges and today
publicity was certainly not going to is synonymous with adventure, style
miss out on an opportunity to celebrate and luxury.
on the exact date that the original 80in Fast forward 70 years and on April
was revealed to the public. 30, 2018, JLR declared it was World
Legend has it that on April 30, 1948, Land Rover Day and L03 and L07 were
three pre-production models appeared at reunited at JLR’s Classic Works in Ryton
the Amsterdam Motor Show. It is believed near Coventry. The facility is home to
that these vehicles were L03, L05 and L07, Land Rover Reborn and is an incredible
all of which had just been completed and mix of restoration garage, Land Rover
dispatched in the days before the show. It and Jaguar collection and high class
is also believed that L03 was used outside production line. Everything oozes quality
the show building as a demonstrator with and exclusivity so what better place to
the other vehicles on a stand inside. From gather the world’s media, significant
those tentative beginnings as ‘Britain’s vehicles and key characters who have
Most Versatile Vehicle’, the Land Rover made Land Rover great?
brand has become loved the world over. After a warm welcome at Classic Works,

the gathered motoring journalists were taken I teamed up with Classic and Sports Car Works for an age-order line up and a tour
on a chauffeur ride to the factory in Lode and CLR regular Martin Port and we shared of the incredible facilities of the Land Rover
Lane to attend a reception and take a tour the driving of the polished aluminium Reborn programme.
round the Range Rover Story Exhibition. 50th Anniversary exhibition vehicle. It Poignantly, just outside the main door we
The tour is open to the public and takes you was a real treat to get behind the wheel of were greeted by the perfectly restored L03,
from the conception of the Range Rover such a significant vehicle and with fewer and inside the foyer, the delightful sight
in the late 1960s, through the original than 300kms on the clock, one of the of the patina rich L07 and of course R01
pre-production Velars to early production in nicest Nineties I have ever driven. On the better known as Huey. L03 has been owned
the 1970s. It shows the development of the scenic drive, the convoy took in a trip to by Tim Dines since the mid 1970s, L07 was
luxury market in the 1980s and brings us Packington Hall where the earliest Land rediscovered a couple of years ago and is
up to date with the latest offering and the Rovers were tested and passed by one of the now owned by JLR.
return of the Velar name. Wilks’ family homes. After a regroup at the From then it was on to a tour of the
From then it was off to Land Rover scenic Ryton Park, it was back to Classic workshops and production facilities which
Experience Solihull in the factory grounds
to collect a range of historical Land Rovers Prototype Lightweight leads the convoy
and Range Rovers and to drive in convoy through the grounds of Packington Estate
back to Ryton via some significant Land
Rover places.
We were spoilt for choice with the likes of
a Wilks family Series IIA, JLR’s own early
Range Rover and their Series III Station
Wagon, Dunsfold’s own 107in pick up, 86in
Station Wagon, prototype Lightweight and
In Vogue Range Rover. There was also as a
range of more recent vehicles representing
step changes through to the last days of
the Defender and the 70th Anniversary
Works V8.
Maurice Wilks own Series IIA leads JLR’s Series

III 109in Station Wagon
‘Part-built Series
Ones and early
Range Rovers
awaited the Age-order line up outside Classic Works
attention of the
engineers’
Take your pick. A range of amazing vehicles were

lined up for us at LRE Solihull

A beautiful original late Discovery 1 purrs Quentin Willson and Andy Jaye presented a live
through Packington Estate celebration programme for JLR’s Youtube channel
are spotlessly clean. Part-built Series of expeditions, stunts, factory processes

Ones and early Range Rovers awaited the and historical footage. Land Rover’s own
attention of the engineers – but this wasn’t Series One expert Michael Bishop was
a day to work but to celebrate the incredible interviewed and he assured us that when
legacy of these iconic vehicles. Across the L07 gets the Classic Works treatment, the
other side of the workshop is the storage patina will be preserved.
facility for a range of Land Rover vehicles The day finished with the cutting of the
where the likes of a G-WAC Discovery obligatory birthday cake and what a cake
rubbed shoulders with factory demonstrator it was – a fabulous representation of L07
Series Ones. in all its faded glory. Many happy returns
Land Rover and thanks for instilling the
sense to adventure in all of us – oh and
Dunsfold’s Series One107in
the cake not only looked great, it tasted
delicious! a
Nick Wilks and JLR’s CEO Ralph Speth cut
the cake
‘Swampy’ represents the ‘before’ image at Range

Rover Reborn
Once we’d had our fill of exploring one

of the finest Land Rover toy boxes ever
assembled, we reconvened in the foyer for
a gathering of the great and the good in the
Land Rover world. From brand ambassadors
Ben Saunders and Monty Halls, through
world renowned explorer Sir Ranulph
Fiennes and historical figures like Captain
Gavin Thomson from the Darien Gap
Expedition and Tim Slessor from the Oxford
and Cambridge Expedition.
The assembled audience then participated
in a 30-minute one take ‘live’ broadcast
celebration programme presented by self-
confessed Land Rover addict Quentin Willson
and motorsport broadcaster Andy Jaye. The
programme took the audience on a journey
from the earliest days through a series of live
interviews interspersed with video inserts Surely the best Land Rover toy box ever

BEHIND THE WHEEL
This is The One

Kevin Mills has known and loved many
Land Rovers but a certain few will always
have a special place in his heart
WORDS KEVIN MILLS ILLUSTRATION LOUISE LIMB
R
ecently, Jaguar Land Rover threw a drive in it and some of
big party for the 70th anniversary of the mishaps we had with
Land Rover, which you will no doubt it brings tears to the eyes.
read about within these pages. Obviously A joyfully rubbish old
there was plenty of press involvement and Land Rover and enormous
more than one article appeared citing the fun. Some highlights:
“Top Ten Land Rovers”; the usual suspects attempting a pretty extreme
were all there, HUE 166, a Pinkie, Forest AWDC trial section at Slab
Rover, Cuthbertson, et al. All very splendid Common on a set of knackered
of course, but it got me thinking about my Firestone Town & Country
own personal top ten. I wrote it down out tyres; a potentially very
and typed far too much, so here is my list of serious but highly
top five classic Land Rovers (at the moment) amusing dashboard
instead. firework display
and subsequent
5. The Acid Queen. This unusual moniker bonfire in the middle
belongs to a Stage One V8 that a chum of Shoreham town
adopted a few years ago. He was, and still centre; complete loss
is, in south west France while the 109in of drive thanks to a
was in a backstreet somewhere in the deep “I think it’ll be alright”
north of England (I think it was Sheffield). clutch letting go on the
Just after the deal was done, I jumped ship steepest hill on the busiest
from one Land Rover magazine to another, road in Surrey. It lives on,
and found myself banished from my place sleeping in a Suffolk barn.
of employment in the quaint name of
‘gardening leave’. What better way to spend
this time than burning someone else’s money ‘Three of us
motoring at considerable speed across
France? Three of us went and the resulting went and the
road trip was one of the best I’ve ever done in
a Land Rover. I came away totally convinced resulting road trip
these are the ultimate factory-built Series,
even if it did like a drink (understatement of
was one of the best
the decade). I’ve ever done in a however has to
go to another Series
4. G638 WAC. The one that got away. This Land Rover’ One. Frank is a 109in pickup
exceptionally brilliant motor was a 110 hard that revels in looking like it has been
top which had been part of Land Rover’s dragged from a hedge – which is exactly
engineering fleet; it was left hand drive, with 2. Humphrey the 109. Another ordinary what happened. Registered FPV 718 it has
a military spec tub, twin tanks, probably Series III which has had a big impact on starred in various Team Faff adventures,
some other stuff I’ve long forgotten – and a my Land Rovering. Humph belongs to well documented on YouTube and in
prototype or pre-production 200Tdi engine. Steve, and with Steve and Humph (and CLR and I count myself lucky to have
My best pal’s dad had bought it from others) I have journeyed many miles driven it quite a bit. It was brilliant with a
Southern Counties Garages (then the local across Europe and experienced all sorts of 2,286cc diesel but now, after considerable
Land Rover main dealer) and it had been things, such as the Paris ring road at 4am, reconstructive surgery to improve his
their company workhorse for years. When it catastrophic engine failure in the remote roadworthiness, runs one of those 3.5
came to be replaced one of us really should countryside and just how much a 2.5 NA litre, straight-six diesels that Santana in
have got it, but instead we sold it to a French diesel can tow at a sensible speed. Quite Spain developed from the 2,286cc; as far
bloke. simply the best ever 1979 marine blue as we know, the only Series One (or British
Where is it now? 109in Station Wagon. built Series full stop) to have one of these
shoehorned in. It sounds like a lorry and
3. Smeg the Series III. There is not enough 1. Be in no doubt, I absolutely loved pulls like a train – really you have to
room to fully describe this legend. A perfectly my own 80in – a 1952 with the two-litre wonder what the chaps at BL must have
ordinary 1972 88in, it had led a quiet life engine. These late 80s are my favourite thought, if they ever got their hands on a
until my mate Munkie acquired it as his Series Ones, I love the looks and the Santana to try it. One of the great, “what
first car. Thinking back to him learning to engines are that bit more gutsy. Top spot if” moments in Land Rover history? a
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1969: This press photo celebrates that the
Land Rover was 21 and the Series IIA was in
production. The ‘regular’ 88in soft-top bears a
close resemblance to HUE 166, the 1948 first
pre-production model 80in
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SERIES ONE
Sunny WORDS AND PICTURES LOUISE LIMB
Side Up Often seen together at Land Rover Series One Club

events, these two Series Ones share much more than just
adjacent positions on the warm side of the colour wheel
Graham Bark and John Howe drive their Series

Ones together to Land Rover Series One Club events

G ‘Land Transport
raham Bark and John Howe have
been close friends for more years
than they care to remember. They officials assessed
are also passionate and knowledgeable
about classic Land Rovers and live among the 53-year-old
the rolling, verdant hills of Devon where a
network of delightful, ancient green lanes vehicle and fitted
ensures a pattern of regular outings for
their two colourful Series Ones.
modern seatbelts,
Throughout the lively trialling years of
the 1980s, Graham and John had already
much to Graham’s
been very active in the Land Rover club annoyance’
scene in the south west, Graham driving
and John tweaking the motors. John’s
own Montego 1997cc, naturally-aspirated, notes, he “put me one from a Sherpa van in
direct-injection diesel engine conversion an 80in; it did 40 mpg!”
was a well-known and popular modification Like John, Graham was introduced to
and at one point, as Graham Land Rovers long before he was old enough
to drive one. At school in Newquay, a blue
Series One 107in was used to ferry children
on outings and to sports fixtures.
Once he got behind the wheel, as well as
owning newer Land Rovers, Graham recalls
at least 13 107in, 80in and 86in Series Ones
passing through his stewardship over the
years and a keen interest in trialling even
saw him navigate at the Majors.
In 1990 he bought AEW 146A, an 86in
pick-up, as a wreck. He overhauled the
86in, painted it a fetching shade of lime
green and trialled it extensively with
Cornwall and Devon Land Rover Club,
accumulating a tidy pile of first place
trophies. Graham kept the 86in on the road
until 2000 when he and new wife Debbie,
y one of only
Jog 2016, Tille
rive in John O’Groats on Le
bbie ar
Graham and De oy
es on the conv
four Series On
Graham has kept the interior of the 88in as original

as possible and drives Tilley nearly every day
decided to begin preparations for their

first visit to New Zealand. At least some of
Graham’s collection would have to go and
John helped out, acquiring the 86in to add
to his long line of projects. John decided
to restore the 1955 86in sympathetically,
the pick-up configuration reminding him
of Series One fire engines, despite the
fading green paint and added a cheerful red
livery and bright new Exmoor trim seats.
Although the vehicle was not an ex-military
one, the 1955 86in was re-registered after
sale of the original number. This explains
John has tidied and retained all original features in the 86in, the ‘A’ suffix which was issued before the
carefully painting everything red age-related scheme. Fifteen previous keepers

SERIES ONE
Association (AA) patrol vehicle, though treated to a John Howe conversion using the
with little left to indicate the first exciting Perkins Prima engine from a Montego turbo-
chapter of its working life. diesel model, which had, coincidentally also
Once back in Devon, much work was been marketed in New Zealand, where the
required to restore the Series One. Stripping Series One would soon be bound.
it back, Graham began by rebuilding the Like the red 86in, the 88in has a Series
bulkhead. The chassis was too far gone so One gearbox and Fairey Overdrive. John
Graham ordered a galvanised replacement. also assisted, rewiring the Land Rover, with
Retaining the hard top, he repaired the Debbie helping tidy the insulation tape along
body panels sympathetically, judging that with daughter Bo, who would herself soon be
history-revealing dents were preferable to driving and tinkering with Land Rovers.
body filler. Sadly, the blue AA spotlights and extra
One of the few clues to the vehicle’s origin light that would once have adorned the
was the black paintwork inside the wings and bumper were long gone but the bumper-
bonnet and Graham took care to retain these mounted number plate was still in place.
features. Tony, Debbie’s father had been a Graham replaced it with a conventional
metal worker and used his panel-beating skills wing-mounted item as he did not intend to
to straighten the wings and was treated to a return the Series One to its AA appearance.
ride out in it when the 88in was complete. Nevertheless, he did paint the Land Rover
In the interests of fuel economy and yellow. If the shade looks vaguely familiar
performance, the 88in’s engine bay was also it is because this is the same yellow that
Period interior light is complemented by modern

radio and speakers while the red Exmoor Trim
seats confirm the fire engine influence
A late Montego engine means John’s Series One

Rover diesel badge can be worn with pride
preceded John including the Bodmin

midwife from whom Graham bought it.
She had called it Prince and it doubtless Sporting a neatly-fitted Ifor Williams hard top
dashed to many an expectant mother across and red livery, John’s working 86in nods to
the barren Cornish moors. Graham had re- hard-working fire service Series Ones
named it Princess and the name followed to
its new keeper.
The first major work on AEW was to fit a
new galvanised chassis in 2003, followed
by a Radford bulkhead, new wings and
careful preparation of all the other panels in
readiness for the new paintwork, together
with a new wiring loom. John’s conversion
kit meant the Austin Montego 1997cc diesel
injection engine he installed in the 86in fits
a Series One gearbox and Fairey Overdrive
neatly and as intended, keeps the Land
Rover as original as possible.
Graham travelled with John in 2005 in
the red 86in to Tywyn and the Talyllyn
Railway for the LRSOC Rally and together
they picked up the furthest travelled award
as Graham, maintaining his UK club
membership, had come over from New
Zealand via Perth, Australia on a visit.
The Antipodean dream was working out
well for Graham and Debbie, but elderly
parents were beginning to cause concern
and they returned to a new home in Devon
in 2006. It was however, missing the
essential ingredient, a classic Land Rover.
The search began and in 2008 they
found Tilley (from its registration number,
TLE 863), a 1957 88in ex-Automobile

Caterpillar use for their plant and looks
absolutely right on the 88in. ‘Graham travelled curious details required before loading into
its 20ft x 40ft shipping container including
By 2010, Graham and Debbie decided that
New Zealand really was where they wanted
with John in 2005 in wrapping the tyres and tools in cling film
Eventually arriving in Christchurch, six
to settle and plans were drawn up, the
house in Devon rented out. However this
the red 86in to Tywyn weeks of compliance evaluation followed,
during which time Land Transport
time there would be a Land Rover; Tilley and the Talyllyn officials assessed the 53-year-old vehicle
would be coming too. The decision to de- and fitted modern seatbelts, much to
register and export the Land Rover to New Railway for the Graham’s annoyance. They also replaced
Zealand permanently along with its driver
and passenger was not taken lightly. The LRSOC Rally’ the brake shoes and finally the Land Rover
was given a Warrant of Fitness (WoF),
paperwork came in screeds and there were a new VIN plate and a new registration
Traces of the original AA black painted sections

Retaining original wheels and other features, can be found on the interior of the door tops
the ex-AA patrol vehicle acknowledges its first and under the bonnet and were detected on the
working chapter with its sunny livery wings during refurbishment
Once an AA patrol vehicle, Graham Bark’s

yellow 88in proudly displays a Cornish flag
while the red 86in was once owned by a
Cornish midwife
The Perkins Prima diesel injection engine from a

Sherpa van fitted very neatly in Graham’s engine
bay via John’s conversion kit
number, FLP 177. The WoF would be

reviewed every six months and a new one
issued if all was well. Tilley’s new life down
under began with a change from a hard-top
to a fresh canvas tilt.
While Debbie worked as a nurse and
midwife at Akaroa, Tilliey earned its keep
on farms during 2010 transporting fencing
posts and other tasks. Then in February
2011 a disastrous earthquake struck
Christchurch, killing 185 and damaging,
among many other buildings, Graham and
Debbie’s house. Tilley was stored outside
and managed to survive unscathed.
Graham, having plenty of experience in
construction volunteered to help, using the
Series One to assist in moving the remains of
the brick-built chimneys which formed the
gable ends of South Island wooden houses.
With their house in ruins and Debbie’s
hospital badly damaged, the pair decided
to move to North Island and settled at
Whatakane on the Bay of Plenty. Graham had

SERIES ONE
The site in Amsterdam whe

re the first Land Rovers wer
e launched in 1948
John’s 86in when acquired from Graham, lime

green paint still very much in evidence
Surprisingly, the inward customs

process was a breeze and to Graham and
Debbie’s immense relief, the business of
re-registering at Exeter’s Vehicle Taxation
Office was also easy. As luck would have
The ‘Because Land Rover Lasts’ sticker says it it, the woman behind the desk was on their
all; TLE 863 as it first arrived side, noting that, ”old Land Rovers are
gorgeous and worth looking after!”
On the way to North Island after the 2011
She asked if Graham had kept his old
Christchurch earthquake UK number plates. A moment of anxiety
followed after which he remembered that
under three layers of cardboard under
joined the New Zealand branch of the LRSOC, the driver’s seat, for show purposes sat
cherishing membership number eight. Bo the original AA bumper-mounted plates.
came out to New Zealand to visit and Tilley Graham notes that he almost cried at this
had become an inseparable part of the family. point as this enabled the evidence to tie
Meanwhile, back in the UK all was not up and the Series One was reallocated its
well. Thoughts of increasingly frail parents original registration number. Tilley makes
troubled Graham and Debbie and with heavy Sitting on a new galvanised chassis, the 2009 itself useful on the family smallholding;
hearts they decided that the only solution was rebuild approaches completion however, it’s not all hard work and the 88in
to come back to Blighty. As Graham noted, completed a charity Land’s End to John
“the world has turned since the 1970s” and O’Groats run in 2016, one of only four
one couldn’t just drive the Land Rover back Series Ones in the Land Rover convoy to
via Singapore. However, it was important that do so. Graham’s 88in has also just recently
Tilley was re-registered once back in Britain returned from Amsterdam where he and
and as the 88in was no longer a British Debbie attended a 70th birthday pilgrimage
car Graham and Debbie anticipated more to the site where the first Land Rovers were
bureaucracy to re-enter the UK. launched at the Motor Show in 1948. We’ve
In 2012, the return journey began, no doubt you’ll be seeing more of these two
Graham, Debbie and their possessions Land Rovers together at Series One events
travelling one way round the world by during the rest of this momentous year. a
container ship via the Panama Canal to Preparing to leave for New Zealand in 2010,
Tilbury Docks and Tilley the other way, by the 88in is loaded into its shipping container Graham would like to say thank
a different container route to Southampton, you to his wife Debs “for putting up
which took it through the Suez Canal. with me and making lots of cups of tea.”
Hugely relieved to see his Land Rover in Thanks also go to John Howe for all his
one piece, Graham was able to retrieve help and Land Rover expertise and to
Tilley and took it by trailer home from father-in-law Tony White for his panel-
Exeter in late 2012, those pesky seatbelts beating and support
abandoned back in New Zealand.

EVENTS AND RALLIES
Our Friends
in France
Team CLR recently spent a weekend with French
Land Rover owners and had a wonderful time
WORDS AND PICTURES CLARE WESTBROOK, VIOLET DEACON, MANU DELACROIX, VICKY TURNER
C ‘The finale of the

lassic Land Rover magazine was they could travel home in comfort.
contacted earlier this year by Team The two vehicles set off in convoy on the
Land 85, a Land Rover Club based
in the Vendee, France and invited to join
event was the morning of April 26 - the full story of the
journey will be shared in a subsequent issue
other Land Rover enthusiasts in Thaumiers, attempt to break the of this publication.
Central France for a one-off event to Just after midnight on April 27 Oxford
celebrate the 70th Birthday of Land Rover world record of the and Bluetit arrived together at a field near
over the weekend of April 27-May 1. Thaumiers, the venue for the weekend, a
A few weeks before departure, following longest convoy of pretty, rural location 100 miles south and
a conversation with Adam Bennett, owner
of First Overlander ‘Oxford’, the all-female
Land Rovers ever’ east of Orléans.
Within minutes, despite the dark and wet,
team of Clare Westbrook, Violet Deacon strangers emerged from nearby bivouacs to
and Vicky Turner were thrilled to be asked on Monday April 30. Adam decided to go help four tired and somewhat fractious ‘car-
to drive the historic vehicle to the event. along as well so he could drive the vehicle shaped’ English people set up their camp.
But, at the last minute it was determined home, leaving the CLR members behind. Drinks were put in our hands, torches found
that Oxford needed to be back in time to This necessitated some emergency repairs and an army of kind Frenchmen had set
attend World Land Rover Day in Solihull to Vicky’s Searle Safari Sleeper ‘Bluetit’ so up our new-to-us tent in super-quick time

The attempt to break the world record for
the longest convoy of Land Rovers on the
road did not succeed

EVENTS AND RALLIES
Knock-knock who’s there? With a woman dressed as HRH The Queen and many a Union Flag with each other awaiting their turn.
flying, Anglophiles were plentiful here There were a number of small, quality and
affordable catering outlets and bars offering
the type of food and drink you’d actually
want to buy - something sadly lacking at
UK events. Camping was arranged sensibly
into two areas, quiet or noisy, the loos were
cleaned regularly, there was a market street
and parts jumble and various suppliers were
there to ply their wares but overall, it did not
come across as an overly commercial show in
the sense that we would recognise here.
In the main, it was a social; barbecues
proliferated and the whole site had the
gentle sound of various group activities,
from a Defender with turntables and a DJ
cruising about, to one of the clubs hosting
a karaoke night and a band playing in the
main arena.
This late Series III looked stunning in Russet

Brown but is known to its owner as Nutella
before heading back to their own camps

and bedtime.
This set the tone of the whole weekend.
We could not have been made to feel
more welcome. Whether it was Oxford, The French were delighted to host Oxford
the novelty of English women driving which led the Series One parade
themselves 500+ miles in old Land Rovers
to attend the party or the warmth and
inclusion that tends to go hand in hand
with a gathering of Land Rover enthusiasts
we will never know, but we were very
The varied types of vehicles were all mixed grateful and not a little embarrassed by
up around the site the fuss made of us - Gallic hospitality
was much in evidence with local wine,
cheese and sausage thrust at us at
every opportunity.
This event was not organised by a What else would you adorn your Forward
professional event-management company Control with in France than empty Champagne
but a group of ‘Landistes’ - passionate bottles?
owners. And it showed! It was a gathering
of friends, relaxed, informal, with a carnival The activities that were arranged seemed
atmosphere throughout. Around 1,500 to proceed with minimum disruption - there
people and 650 Land Rovers made the trek were a number of parades for owners to
80in ‘Tickford’ Station Wagon, one of only 650 including Belgians, Swiss, Dutch, Italians show off their vehicles, the Land Rover
examples ever made, this one is dated 1950 and some Spaniards - if there were other hot air balloon was up in the air, there was
Brits there we didn’t bump into them. There a spectacular firework display followed
were no restrictions on driving your Land by a thrillingly noisy and spontaneous
Rover about at certain times - remarkably ‘beep-off’ where, for half an hour at least, a
the ‘common sense’ approach paid off - there cacophony of car horns at various pitches
was no speeding and no one got run over. were sounded into the night.
The challenging off-road course was open The finale of the event was the attempt
all hours and was marshalled for safety but to break the world record of the longest
didn’t require slots being booked - at busy convoy of Land Rovers ever. The Land
times there was a little queue but no one got Mania Club had set the record previously in
stressed - they just chatted and passed time Portugal, back in 2014 with 516.

The record they set remains to be broken, event here, Violet is now learning French
as despite valiant efforts, the French attempt and we are wondering how we can persuade
failed, hampered mostly by poor ground Ludof and his team to organise an event to
conditions. It took an age to get the vehicles celebrate the 75th because if there is one,
off the site and into the narrow lanes around there will be fighting in the office as to who
Thaumiers. By the time the vehicles were will go and cover it! If you ever get the
on parade and the Guinness Book of World One of many work-a-day vehicles in evidence opportunity to party with French Landistes,
Records’ official had declared the start,
several hours had already passed, the weather
at Thaumiers - and a unique take on a trailer tent don’t miss it. a
had closed in, lunchtime had come and
gone and those with families in the car were
feeling the lack of toilet facilities en route.
It was a shame but it didn’t spoil the
event. In many ways a record was achieved
- it was certainly the longest convoy of
Land Rovers ever seen in France and was
enthusiastically greeted by locals lining the
route - but 468 was not enough to top the A very family-oriented affair, there were several
world record. Perhaps those participating in toy Land Rovers in matching livery to their
grown-up counterparts
A lovely example of a Dormobile with a

wonderful Series II, recently treated to a new tilt
One of the Minervas that came, with a birthday

message written in chalk on its door
Two rare Santanas, driven up from Spain;

a double cab Forward Control and a Militar
‘It was a gathering

of friends, relaxed,
informal, with a
carnival atmosphere
throughout’
the next attempt to break it - at Billing this
summer - will succeed; we certainly wish
them luck.
French ‘Landistes’ are certainly a
passionate bunch; there was a huge array of
vehicles there from the very old, to the most
modern offerings from Jaguar Land Rover’s
stables including a Tickford and a rare
Series II Forward Control Santana.
What was lovely to see was that there
were no cliques - you were as likely to find
an Evoque camped next to a battered Series
III as to a pair of Carawagons together.
Suffice to say we loved it, we made many
new friends, we are wondering how we
might bring home some of the lessons of a
relaxed French carnival and apply it to an Who can resist a cute little truck cab?

CARAWAGON CAMPERS
LEFT: 1972 Searle Carawagon

De Luxe brochure; BELOW:
Drawing shows interior in living
and sleeping configurations
G
iven the go-anywhere ability of the
Land Rover and the sheer size of
the long wheelbase models it was
inevitable that someone would exploit the
vehicle’s potential as a four-wheel drive
camper van. When the Series IIA models
were still in production two companies
produced camper conversions to the 109in
Land Rovers using both hardtop and station in a LWB Land Rover through specialist
wagon variants. conversions, they considered their vehicles
One of these was RJ Searle - later as the modern day equivalent of the bowtop
Carawagon International - of Thames Street, gypsy caravan and both had achieved a
Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, which functional and well thought-out vehicle
produced the Carawagon and the other was before the end of the decade.
Martin Walter’s Dormobile Ltd of Folkestone, Both these conversions to Land Rovers
Kent, with the Dormobile. The histories of were popular in their day and built in
these two companies run fairly parallel as they sufficient numbers for many to have
were both established in the early sixties, they survived. Because of Dormobile’s additional
sought to offer four-berth accommodation conversion of large number of VW and

Happy WORDS JOHN CARROLL
Campers
PHOTOS ARCHIVE
R J Searle Ltd set Carawagon Land

Rovers on the road to adventures
all over the globe during
the sixties and seventies
‘There were seemingly endless

detail variations in the specification
as the designs were refined’
The Series III 88in Carawagon Compact (left)

was an export-only model unlike the 109in
Carawagon De Luxe at right
other vans it seems that more has been people think of as a ‘Carawagon.’ It also
recorded about this company than the now appears to be the one that survives in
RJ Searle concern despite the fact that greatest numbers.
Carawagon’s conversions were also carried This, based on the three-door 109in Land
out to Range Rovers and Bedford CF vans. Rover, with a raising roof Carawagon
R J Searle Ltd reportedly began trading is actually a Carawagon De Luxe. The
in 1955, as the husband and wife team Carawagon Continental Ultimate was the
of Russell John Searle and Azuba Joyce five-door Station Wagon version with the
Weldon Searle. The couple was later joined same elevating roof but a different internal
by Alan Roy Harrop and Lord Charles plan in order for all doors to be used.
Garnsworthy. Initially Searle was a boat Searle’s clever elevating roof was made
fitters, then around 1962 the company from aluminium and folding plywood
began converting Series II Land Rovers panels. The company fitted its Land Rovers
into Carawagon campers. out primarily in wood in a way that
There were numerous versions of Searle’s attracted praise at the time. “The Motor
Carawagon conversions but it is the model Caravan made by R. J. Searle is luxurious
with the distinctive raising aluminium roof and is equipped with individual car seats...
that is probably the one manufactured this machine is nearly a Land Yacht,” said
in the largest numbers and the one most magazine The Field of the Carawagon.

CARAWAGON CAMPERS
‘The 88in Safari

models were available
based on a vehicle
with Station Wagon
side windows’
The Series 90 camper was based on the Stage This Series 90 camper is a LHD, export model
One V8. Wheel trims are unusual and has two rear seats that form single beds
It is easy to see why, in the early 1970s, the

staff of The Field saw the De Luxe Carawagon
as a land yacht; its galley-like interior is
fitted out fore and aft with a long cupboard
running down the offside of the RHD vehicle
in which are incorporated a wardrobe, many
of the cooking utensils and water carrier.
The centre door of this cupboard acts as
the table. The vertical distance between the
Formica work surface and the galvanised
gutter is limited but sufficient to allow the
fitment of a pair of long narrow windows to
help illuminate the living area. The nearside
window was of more normal proportions
for a Land Rover side but there were two
types used in parallel; a pair of sliding
windows that comprised a fixed pane and
a sliding window or a single long window
that incorporated a pair of sliding panes at
either end of affixed pane. Both types can
be seen on both Series IIA and III models. The interior of the Series 90 was a modernised
Alpine lights would not be suitable because but essentially similar version of the previous
of the use of the curved sides of the roof for 109in camper models
equipment pouches for storage of both the
BELOW: Carawagon press release displays Royal
bunks and rear tent extension frame. the rear overhang of the Land Rover and
Warrant and proof of Land Rover approval
The bench seat running along the nearside in others, in shaped brackets inside the
of the Carawagon has storage space cupboard. In many Carawagons the gas
underneath it for bedding and slides out cooker is located on the rear door in a
to form, in conjunction with the two front hinged cupboard so it can be folded down
passenger seats, a double bed. The two to cook on and stowed vertically without
canvas bunks are erected in the space created taking up too much room when not in
by the raising roof. The roof itself is of a use. Being on the rear door it can be used
clever design and relies on the flexible nature to cook in the vehicle or, with the door
of the aluminium panels from which it is open, in the rear awning – described by
made in order to work. When lowered the Carawagon as a ‘telescopic framed living
roof assumes a gentle curve around boards extension’ - when it is erected.
front and rear to which it is clipped while This optional extra tent was supported
travelling. Once the clips are released and the on a frame that pulls backwards out of the
roof pushed upwards it assumes a curve with roof panel. Its edges are threaded along the
a smaller radius and is held in position by channel across the rear of the roof, it is press-
the folding headboards that concertina open studded it down the sides of the Land Rover
as the roof is pushed upwards. and the bottom edges pegged to the ground.
There were seemingly endless detail Motor magazine roadtested an in-line, six-
variations in the specification as the designs powered De Luxe in May 1968 describing it
were refined and because of Searle’s hand- as “a mount for world travellers.” It pointed
built campers being offered with numerous out that both the wooden roof rack over
accessories to suit customers’ preferences. the cab and the bunks in the elevating roof
Price lists of the time detail a variety of were optional extras.
extra cost options from fridges and toilets The production of the LWB Carawagon
to fly screens and air conditioning. identifiable as the De Luxe lasted from the
In some cases, for example, the gas bottles early sixties through the production run of
for the cooker are carried on brackets under the Series IIA and the Series III when the

ABOVE: The Estate Wagon and Station Wagon in
88 and 109in forms were essentially re-trimmed
Land Rovers; RIGHT: The 88in Estate Wagon
was a blind hard-top with the addition of alpine
lights aimed at recreational users
company, still in Sunbury, became known

as Carawagon International Ltd.
In October 1971 the Searle range was
the De Luxe, estate Wagon, Continental
Ultimate, Continental Station Wagon Royale
and Station Wagon. These were offered on Queen. The Series III model was, for a time, The Series 80 109in Series III was subtly
petrol and diesel 2,286cc and six-cylinder referred to as the Carawagon De Luxe Mk redesigned in several ways. The traditional
models in four colours, Limestone, Marine III. The roof was upgraded slightly during Carawagon roof was now manufactured
Blue, Light Green and Deep Bronze Green the production run as the wooden front and in glass fibre and its windows and vents
(which was described as ‘standard’). At this rear vents were changed to Perspex and and sunroof were made from Perspex. Its
stage the awning cost £69, the toolbox the clips for holding the roof when lowered overall profile when lowered was slightly
on the front bumper £12.80 and a set of were elongated. In this form, the Series III different from the previous models.
interior roller blinds £39.50. version was considered as Approved Special Inside the vehicle there had been a subtly
By 1971, Carawagon’s promotional Equipment by Land Rover. modernising redesign that also relied on
literature was bearing the Royal Warrant as It continued after that and, by 1977, the plastics to create a lighter appearance. The
Carawagon Coachbuilders Ltd, a nominally Series III 109in was being referred to as the windows in the living space were more
separate company at the same address, were Series 80 and, later, a Stage One V8-based symmetrical across the vehicle as were
suppliers of ‘specialised trailers’ to HM the version would be known as the Series 90. a pair of ‘face to face couchettes’ and a
A 1966 promotional photograph of the Series

IIA 109in Carawagon De Luxe near Chertsey
Bridge on the River Thames, just a few miles
from Searle’s Sunbury premises

CARAWAGON CAMPERS
‘Both these
conversions to Land
Rovers were popular
in their day and built
in sufficient numbers
for many to have
survived’
ABOVE: (Top) Carawagon’s brochures were

redesigned for 1973 and incorporated a revised
Series 100 Range Rover conversion.
Carawagon logo as seen on this Series III Estate By this time the company was Carawagon
Wagon brochure; (Bottom) By 1973, the Safari Ltd and was based at 11 Welbeck Street,
Sleeper was being referred to in brochures as just London, W1M 7PB. At this point Sykes also
the Safari as this brochure for a Series III shows confirmed that a new camper model would
be available for the forthcoming One Ten and
LEFT: The Series III Carawagon De Luxe as it
that ‘following reorganisation’ promotional
appeared in Land Rover Range Rover’s folder of literature was being revised and the new
approved special equipment under the auspices central London head office was being
of British Leyland
established although the company’s workshops
remained in Sunbury-on-Thames. The directors
freestanding table was supplied although it were M W Chapman (managing) and R J
still used the cupboard door as its top. Searle (design) and the Series 80in 2,286cc
In September 1982, Stuart Sykes, petrol, three-door 109in Carawagon with
Carawagon Ltd’s sales and marketing director elevating roof retailed at £13,530 comprising
confirmed that the range for 1983 comprised £10,860 for the base vehicle and conversion
the ‘Safari’ a Series III 88in; the Series 80, a plus car tax of £905 and VAT of £1,765.
Series III 109in Hard-top; the Continental, The Series 90 camper was based on
the Series III 109in Station Wagon and the the Stage One V8 and announced to the

below: 62 GF 86 was supplied to the army as a LHD Cargo 109in in a
contract for 185 vehicles and subsequently converted by Carawagon
above: Themilitary Tactical Command Post was a version of the

three-door Carawagon De Luxe made for a specialised role
press on March 20, 1980. Initially the V8 Tactical Command Post camouflage or NATO green paint and could
versions were only available for export. Another version of the three-door based often be seen trundling around laden with
Trail magazine, on testing a LHD export Carawagon De Luxe was made for a very cammo netting and towing examples of the
model for its November/December 1980 specialised role. It was the military Tactical army’s Sankey trailers. A lack of military
edition, said: “Chris Searle’s current Series Command Post, a 109in Series III with the orders for TCPs based on the 110 may have
90 models are aimed at professional and distinctive raising roof but fitted out for hastened Carawagon’s demise in the 1980s.
sporty people with a minimum of £12,300 officers and communications equipment.
to spend on the four-cylinder petrol version These relatively rare military vehicles lacked Other Carawagons
and an as yet undetermined sum for the windows in their roofs and had more of an Alongside production of the LWB Land
desirable new V8 model.”0 office-type interior. They were finished in Rover campers, Carawagon offered an
The final model was a 110-based camper almost bewildering selection of other
known as the Ulysses essentially the same below: Carawagon also offered a products. There was the VM 2000 Express
elevating roof system fitted to a three- comprehensive range of accessories including based on a 22cwt Bedford CF van and fitted
door One Ten hard-top. Few were made as capstan winches and Jerrycan brackets for with the flexible aluminium, elevating roof
Carawagon closed during the mid-1980s those using their vehicles for overlanding as tested by The Caravan magazine in June

CARAWAGON CAMPERS
1970 and a similar VW van conversion. A

range of Land Rovers, without an elevating
camper roof, in both 88 and 109in forms,
was also offered by Searle.
With names like Continental, Super Estate
Wagon, Station Wagon Royale and the Mk
II/III Safari Sleeper, most of these seem to
have been re-trimmed Land Rovers aimed
at shooting parties and VIPs in pre-County
Station Wagon days. Some offered basic
overnight accommodation and, usefully
these did facilitate fitment of a roofrack.
The Carawagon Continental was a six-
seater, based on a 109in five-door Station
Wagon without the elevating roof of the
Continental Ultimate but offered sleeping,
washing and dining facilities.
The Station Wagon Royale seems was
essentially a re-trimmed Land Rover aimed at
ABOVE: (Left) Advert from Rover Review of July 1967

for the Searle Safari Sleeper shows an 88in hard-
top with the sleeper conversion; (Right) Autocar
magazine advert from 1971 shows silhouettes
of Bedford CF, 109in Carawagon De Luxe, 109in
Station Wagon and Range Rover Carawagon
Safari models were available based on a

vehicle with Station Wagon side windows
or on the blind hard-top. By contrast, Mini
Carawagons were basically Safari Sleepers
with different internal configurations that
included optional cookers, cupboards and
wardrobes and, in some cases, Station
Wagon side windows. They had their own
brochures and were considered a distinct
model by the manufacturers.
There was a third 88in Carawagon known
as the Compact. According to price lists of
the era of the Series III, it was an export-
only model. It was based on a SWB but
fitted with an elevating roof. The overall
length of the roof on an 88in meant that the
elevating portion was, by necessity, shorter
than the one used on 109in models. Details
recreational users based on a 12-seater 109in ABOVE: 1971 advert shows Bedford CF-based are sparse but its internal configuration
station wagon and fitted with more comfortable, VM2000 and Series IIA 109in Carawagon De comprised two single berths and based on
contoured ‘Ergoseat’ seats for upmarket shooting Luxe; BELOW: Carawagon’s promotional leaflet a vehicle with Station Wagon side windows
parties. Brochures show different types of for the Series III 109in-based Series 80 camper but no alpine lights. One 1968 price list even
aftermarket seats in Series IIA and III models. with revised elevating roof lists a 88in soft-top Sleeper version with
two single bunks inside the vehicle’s tilt.
88in Models
The Estate Wagon and associated Super
Estate Wagon was an 88in blind hard-top -
in both IIA and III forms - with the addition
of alpine lights and also seems to have
been little more than a re-trimmed Land
Rover aimed at recreational users. It was
described as a five-seater – although seven
was an option and the rear inward-facing
bench seats folded flat against the Land
Rover’s sides to minimise the loss of cargo
space when they were not in use. These
blind hard-top models did, of course, avoid
purchase tax so were sought after by many.
The Mark II and Mark III Safari Sleeper on
IIA and III models respectively, was also an
88in hardtop with alpine lights fitted with
most of the camper facilities including two
single beds (or an optional double) and a
table. The bulkhead at the front of the back
body had a removable alloy tube that allowed
the beds to be long enough for adults.
The Searle price lists suggest that the 88in

Range Rover Carawagon
Only a year after the Range Rover’s
introduction there was the Carawagon
Range Rover tested by Autocar magazine as
early as June 1971. This would seat six but
sleep two and also featured the elevating
roof synonymous with the brand. The floor
area of the Range Rover is considerably
smaller than a 109in so the conversion
had to be ingenious and relied on a central
box that contained the cooker and hand
basin and, when parked for camping, its
top folded over to double as the table with
inward facing seats.
For sleeping the two single beds were
positioned in a similar way to those in
the 88in sleepers. A wardrobe was on the
opposite side of the vehicle to the spare
wheel. These were manufactured in limited
numbers but stayed in the Carawagon range
until the 1980s. At least two brochures
were produced and, like those for the other
ABOVE: The revised
models, these reflected the change from the
1973 brochure shows
company’s ‘globe’ badge to a triangular one
the new logo and a
of 1972. The company also supplied Range different Range Rover;
Rover ‘Royale’ models but this seems to have RIGHT: As previously the
been little more than a three-seat rear seat drawing shows interior
with contoured seating positions, different in living and sleeping
carpets and a spare wheel cover. configurations
ABOVE: (Left) The 1972 brochure for the Carawagon Range Rover with elevating roof;
(Right) By necessity, the internal configuration varies from that in the Land Rover campers
The Range Rover was also used as the

basis for Carawagon conversions with the
distinctive elevating camper roof

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YEARS
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CLASSIC COILER
Growing Up
Emrys Kirby gets the lowdown on the Project Jay
Preservation Group’s pre-production five-door Discovery
WORDS EMRYS KIRBY PICTURES GARRY STUART, JAY PRESERVATION GROUP

The five-door model is definitely a more
mature vehicle than the original three-door
B ‘The longer term plan

ack in November 1989, Plymouth engineers were given a tough brief in
played host to a major ride-and-drive building this new vehicle. It had to address
event to launch a totally new Land
Rover. It’s fair to say that the future of the
was of course to have the fact that the growth area in 4x4 sales
was not in utility or luxury vehicles but in
company hung on the success of ‘Project Jay’ a five-door model’ the family and leisure sector. In addition,
so everyone connected with it was hoping they had to deal with the fact that the
that the gathered motoring press would be company had little investment money
impressed. A fleet of 86 of the new vehicles that while they had a full range of colour available. Most of the design sketches
was lined up, all bearing G-WAC registration options, had both petrol and diesel engine clearly envisaged that the vehicle would
numbers, many with bold side decals and options and differing trim specifications, be a family-friendly, five-door model so
proclaiming the public name Discovery. they were all three-door models. launching with just three doors at first
What was notable about these vehicles is Land Rover’s product planners and seems like an unusual decision. History,

CLASSIC COILER
however suggests that it was probably a became available with four doors in 1981 with steel wheels, bold side graphics,
wise decision at the time for both marketing and soon after started to go more upmarket. stylish rather than exclusive interior trim,
and product placement reasons - but that Special editions such as the In Vogue four- a carburettor fed 3.5 V8 or 200 Tdi, no
would change just a year later. door in 1982 set the tone with alloy wheels, auto option and of course, just three doors.
Because of the tight development budget auto gearbox and wood trim and when the The plan obviously worked because the
and short timescale in which the vehicle had vehicle was launched in the US in 1986, new vehicle was pretty much an overnight
to be designed and built, the Discovery was exclusivity was the name of the game. success with impressive sales figures.
cleverly based on the existing chassis and The Discovery had to be seen to be a The longer term plan was of course to
much of the running gear of the tried and totally different product; it had to look have a five-door model and to take the
tested Range Rover. However, the company different, appeal to the younger, more Range Rover even further upmarket to
had to maintain a very clear distinction ‘adventurous’ customer, had to be less create room for the Discovery to mature
between the two products to ensure the powerful and of course it had to cost into a more distinctive and more family-
parent vehicle could retain and develop its significantly less than the Range Rover. For orientated product. Looking through the
growing luxury status. The Range Rover these reasons, the vehicle was launched company vehicle records, as the three- door
Rear seats were now far easier to access
Large areas of glass gave the

Discovery a spacious feel
G513 DHP still has the

original Sonar Blue interior
Roof pockets and twin sunroofs

Development costs were kept down by using
existing parts like the rear light clusters
Freight Rover headlights weren’t great
3528cc EFI engine produced 163bhp
model was presenting a fresh and youthful

image of Land Rover to a new audience,
a number of pilot-build five-door models
were being assembled with the production
version due to be launched in late 1990.
G513 DHP is one of those vehicles and
is in the safe hands of a group of early
Discovery enthusiasts called the Project Jay
Preservation Group.
G513 DHP appeared on eBay in 2011 and
was in a sorry state after standing in an
orchard for five years. It was covered in
green algae and much of the paint lacquer
was peeling off. The 3,528cc V8 injection
engine was a non runner and the £900
Note Discovery mountain logo on mudflaps
paid seemed like quite a lot of money for a
vehicle that could have gone to the scrap
man. The Project Jay Preservation Group
agreed to chip in lots of £100 to save one of
‘On assessment, the had recently been transferred and it was
back on the original plate.
the earliest five-door vehicles built. Oddly, it
had a current MOT but it was clear that the
vehicle did need On assessment, the vehicle did need
extensive repairs to the bodywork, as is
vehicle had never attended an MOT station extensive repairs to usually the case on an ageing Discovery.
in recent years and was no doubt related to The boot floor, inner and outer sill and
the fact that a private registration number the bodywork’ inner wings all needed work but the good
news was that it didn’t take too much to the
get the engine up and running. The Foxfire
Project Jay Preservation stalwart
Roy Preston (and foster dog!)
Red metallic paint would obviously need
redoing and the group started to add up
what the likely cost would be to have the
vehicle back on the road and ready to take
to shows. As well as the assessment of the
repairs, there was also the chance to see
how this vehicle formed the link between
the three-door G-WAC launch vehicles and
the production five-door models that would
be launched for the 1991 year model and
available in the autumn of 1990.
What is clear from looking round G513
DHP is that it is definitely a more mature
vehicle than many of the G-WACs. Over
and above the fact it has five doors, the
livery is restrained with none of the usual
side graphics and lifestyle accessories. On
the five-door launch, the side graphics had
gone with only a few markets demanding
them. The engine is a 3,528cc V8i with the
fuel injection system producing 163bhp,
some 19bhp more than the previously
available carburetor-fed model. It is also

CLASSIC COILER
The V8i five-door as seen in a 1990 press photo
‘G513 DHP is fitted

with a gearbox oil
cooler – an unusual
feature on a manual’
a very well equipped model with air
conditioning, additional door speakers and
electric windows. The vehicle is fitted with
the original Cyclone alloy wheels, another
hint that the vehicle was maturing and
going a little more upmarket – initially the
Discovery was only available with silver
steel wheels, again to make the strong
distinction between it and the Range
Rover. On the original Discovery, the Masked up for respray
basic vehicle was, well, basic with many
accessories and features such as electric Typical rusty inner
windows, sun roofs, central locking and wing when found
front mudflaps, all cost options.
G513 DHP is fitted with a gearbox oil
cooler – an unusual feature on a manual. It
has the earlier type smooth plastic rear door
handle as found on G-WAC vehicles, not the
textured version seen on production models.
It still has the rather ‘Marmite’ Sonar Blue
interior that we associate with the earliest
vehicles. By the time the five-door model
was launched, more universally acceptable As found in 2011
Bahama Beige was also available. The best
guess is that the vehicle was built ‘off line’
as a special development vehicle and using and cherish these early vehicles. History of of course it created the correct market
a range of parts that were available. course shows that the Discovery matured conditions for the Range Rover to move
G513 DHP is now looking resplendent in very well and by supplying a vehicle that into the luxury car market. Five-door
a new coat of Foxfire Red having had all appealed to adventurous families and the models became the more popular option
the corroded steel sections removed and growth in the everyday 4x4 market, the soon after launch and by the time the
replaced. It is kept under the watchful eye company was saved from certain failure. second generation was due to be launched,
of Project Jay front man Roy Preston who The Discovery still stands as a flagship plans to offer a three-door option had
leads the movement to identify, preserve model in JLR’s range of vehicles and been shelved. a
BOOKS & MANUALS LAND ROVERS SPARES
LAND ROVER SERIES SERIES III 1976

MILITARY PETROL TANK
LANDROVER SERIES 3
s/h, £95 o.n.o. Air cleaner
SWB 1984
mounting/battery bracket, s/h,
2 1/4 Diesel.
£35. Twin rear step, s/h, £35.
New Richards galvanised Throttle pedal/rod linkage,
Autobooks workshop chassis and all parts replaced Galvanised chassis, overdrive, acr s/h, £15.Defender stage 1V8
head, SU carb, truerac diff, fw hubs,
manual, 1959-76, petrol & where necessary with new. fibreglass radiator cover, s/h,
Exmoor heated seats, swingaway
To Place your FREE ad call Classic Land Rover on 01780 755131

diesel. vgc. £11000 plus hilift. Electronic ignition, £10.
Price £6.50 electric fan plus much more rogerabarker@yahoo.co.uk

07800828864
Price Offers over £10000
Tel 07989951895 County Tavistock Tel 01822 859204
LAND ROVERS 1989 LAND ROVER

DEFENDER TD5
FRESH RESTORATION OF NEW GALVANISED CHASSIS
SERIES.3 109"
SERIES 3
FFR SOFT TOP 88 inch, fits Series II & Series
New paint, brakes, exhaust and
tyres, 12 months MOT, ready III, LH & RH drive, thickness
to use. A truly unique Series 2.5mm unique rear
3 with lots of life left in her.
cross-member, extra strong,
Lovely 2 1/4 petrol engine,
painted in masai red, black roof, prevents heavy mud build up.
Has damage to front wing and rear
thousands spent on this one off, Price £1800
door being sold without MOT and
great usable classic, pictures Contact Robert Wood
Petrol 900x16 tyres new shocks, tax diesel engine starts but hasn't
available on request.
brakes, interior, rear seats, been used on the road for a few for details
£14000
years. Make a nice project.
batteries, MOT, excellent chassis 07814045395 07718 359494
Runs great. Price £2000
and bulkhead very reliable no dents
Tel 07438611426
or damage. Price £6950
Tel 07486900572 HISTORIC 1976 AGE RELATED VEHICLES & PARTS
EX MOD SPEC LWB
1985 LAND ROVER 90 GENUINE LAND ROVER 90 SERIES 1 86"
(DEFENDER) 2.5 PETROL Good condition, Disco 200tdi STATION WAGON
engine, 12 mths MOT, exhaust
fitted. 3 seats across the front
in grey imitation leather. Radio
& Aerial heater, fan ect all
work. Rear quarter chassis
MOT Dec 2017 no advisories. Tax
recently fitted, some seals,
bushes and cam belt done last exempt o/d, free wheeling hubs.
Showroom condition, 4 cyl petrol Soft and hard tops. (Retro fitted prima diesel) plus
117900 miles. Detailed restoration
month. Good tyres. Drives well
petrol engine, recon chasssis, good
taking over 1000 hours. With too starts first time £6250 Lots of spare parts. bulkhead, heritage certificate,
much work done to list. Stunning 07967596096 Price £5500 ono original reg, recon overdrive, fw
condition with original chassis, hubs, used every day for 12 years.
Tel 07522777985
engine, gearbox etc. All inspections Price £8900 Durham
welcome Price £21750 Tel 0790 3020762
Tel 07874 863324 / 01706 873318 LAND ROVERS SPARES shirley-couthard@yahoo.co.uk
1971 LAND ROVER LAND ROVER SERIES 2A, 1969 09 10 11 12 13 LAND ROVER
SERIES III 88" RANGE ROVER SPORT V8
ONE BUTLER HEADLIGHT
type B-WD-H1 with sutter.
£220 new spotlight for Ferret.

SWB Soft Top, 2.25 Litre petrol Diesel 2.25 with Overdrive. MOT 5.0L ENGINE MOTOR
engine - 106,000 miles - 1971 (K)
12/2018, Tax exempt. Solid chassis LONGBLOCK, Engine removed from
- tax exempt - MOT until October Price £150
2018 - full service history - starts and bulkhead never let me down. my 2011 Land Rover Range Rover
and runs really well - 7 seater - good
Sport GT 5.0. Non-supercharged.
tyres including spare - jerry can fitted Regularly serviced.
on the front - hand brake security 77k miles on this original engine.
lock - tow bar. Price £8000 ono 01733 810103 / 07718247454
Runs great Price £3000
Price £6500
Tel 07722 038450 County Norfolk Tel 07464948175 Tel 001207 8901234

SPONSORED BY DOUBLE S EXHAUSTS LTD. TEL 01884 33454
TECH AND
TOOLBOX
TO MOT OR NOT TO MOT?

Jim Willett looks at MOT history, and explains some of the new rule changes
WORDS AND PICTURES JIM WILLETT
An assistant usually operates controls while the

tester is underneath the vehicle but extra equip-
ment can be fitted to allow one-person testing
T
he Ministry of Transport test was While the MOT altered little throughout
introduced in 1960 as an annual the 1980s, the 1990s saw a raft of changes,
inspection of lighting, steering and largely brought about by tightening
suspension systems for vehicles more than European emissions regulations. By the
ten years old. By the end of the decade, end of the millennium, the minimum legal
any vehicle more than three years old tyre tread depth was up to the current
required an MOT certificate in order to 1.6mm, fuel system, mirrors, driver’s view
obtain a tax disc, and the test had grown of the road and rear wheel bearings had
‘Three triangle’ MO
to examine tyres and the presence of also become part of the test. T logo has been in
throughout the his use
legally required seat belts. My father can Since 2000, the MOT has continued to tory of the MOT
recall having to buy a set of new tyres for evolve, but until recently, the majority
his 86in Series one when the 1mm tread of changes have been concentrated on
depth limit was introduced in 1968. modern rather than classic vehicles. In 2013 the Driver and Vehicle Standards
The 1970s saw the test continue growing In 2005 MOTs became computerised; this Agency (DVSA) superseded the Vehicle
to include stop lamps and direction had little impact on the inspection of the and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in
indicators which had become mandatory vehicle, but was the start of results being controlling MOT testing, though the test
for new vehicles since September 1965. recorded on a central database. Records is still referred to by the initials of the
Seat belts now had to be checked more now include mileage and any vehicle Ministry of Transport.
thoroughly while horn, screen wipers, defects noted. These can be viewed by The biggest change for classic vehicle
washers, body/chassis and exhaust were any member of the public by entering a owners arrived in 2012, when vehicles first
added to the list of testable items. vehicle’s details into the gov.uk website. used before 1960 became exempt from

www.stainlesssteelexhausts.co.uk
‘Not using the vehicles which have been exempt since

2012, will again require an MOT Therefore,
DVLA’s points it is worth taking time to confirm that your
vehicle is still eligible for exemption before
system may declaring it as exempt.
In general, owners of standard Land
initially seem more Rovers in good condition have little to
restrictive’ worry about. Unmodified vehicles over
40 years old will be considered VHIs, and
vehicles in good working order should
pass the test without issues. However, the
MOT testing. There was a mixed response guidelines on what constitutes ‘substantial
to this legislation. Many felt that scrapping change’ to a vehicle seem to have been left
the MOT for these vehicles was a backward open to some interpretation.
step for road safety, but others supported The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
the government’s argument that the MOT (DVLA)’s existing system for determining Lighting checks have always been a part of the MOT
was not relevant to pre-1960 vehicles as whether a ‘radically altered vehicle’ can
the majority were well maintained and retain its original registration number,
covered low annual mileages. based on points allocated for original
On May 20, 2018 MOT regulations components, has not been adopted to
changed again with significant changes, define ‘substantial change’ for MOT
affecting many classic Land Rovers with exemption, however, it will continue to
a shake-up of MOT exemption rules. MOT apply for registration purposes.
exemption will now apply to ‘Vehicles Under the DVLA system, a vehicle must
of Historical Interest’ (VHIs) when they score a minimum of eight points out of a
exceed 40 years old. This will include early possible 14 to keep its original registration
Range Rovers and most Series Land Rovers, number. For Example, a five-speed V8
however, unlike the pre-1960 exemption, Series III SWB on Range Rover axles would
vehicles which have been ‘substantially lose one point for non-original engine, Fog and hazard lamps and their warning ‘tell-
modified’ will continue to require an MOT. two points for non-original transmission tales’ have been tested since 1993
Furthermore, some modified pre-1960 and another two for non-original axles,
but could still have sufficient points to
With the vehicle raised, items beneath the retain its original registration number
vehicle can be thoroughly checked from its original chassis (five points),
original suspension (two points) and
original steering (two points). While the
‘points system’ is black and white, it is not
always sympathetic to modifications which
pre-date it: a Land Rover body is allocated
no points at all, yet a modification to the
chassis or replacement with a secondhand
chassis will prevent an otherwise original
vehicle from retaining its original identity.
The DVLA system requires any rebuild or
from 1992 minimum tyre tread depth was alteration to a vehicle to be registered with
increased from 1mm to 1.6mm
them to ensure that it meets the above
criteria, however, this seems to be neither
widely understood nor enforced.
The MOT ‘Vehicles of Historical Interest:
Substantial Change Guidance’ sets out that
the chassis, running gear and engine of
the vehicle must not have been altered in
the past 30 years for the 40 plus year-old
vehicle to be considered a VHI and hence
be exempt from requiring an MOT.
The exclusion of modifications made
more than 30 years ago should be welcome
to help preserve period modifications,
although such changes are still taken
into consideration by the DVLA for
registration purposes.
Not using the DVLA’s points system may
initially seem more restrictive if chassis,
engine and running gear must remain
original, but further examination of the
guidance reveals that multiple exceptions
are permissible: chassis can be replaced
with items of the same pattern and engines
can be changed for different cubic capacity
Inspection pits have become less popular for variants of the same basic design or
MOT testing. The preferred equipment for alternative original equipment options.
underside inspection is now a four-post lift

TECH AND
TOOLBOX
was in production. Range Rover axles also be untrue to say that a TdI conversion
‘Series V8 and a five-speed gearbox could, again, be was the type of change that would have
conversions and argued as improving ‘efficiency, safety or
environmental performance’. In addition,
been made within 10 years of the end of
production of any Series model. This leaves
driveline changes it would be feasible for all of the Series
III’s modifications to have been carried out
the link between the TDI and the 2,286cc
diesel engine; while even the 300 TdI can
are all part of the more than 30 years ago. trace its ancestry back past the 2,286cc to
While this may be seen to be pushing the Series One’s two-litre diesel engine,
history of working the boundaries of the guidance, Series V8 DVSA may require some persuading that
conversions and driveline changes are all it is ‘of the same basic design’. Non-Land
Land Rovers’ part of the history of working Land Rovers, Rover engines of a similar vintage will, of
especially as these conversions become course not be able to tick this box either.
rarer as more modern alternatives such This is not an insurmountable problem,
The remaining exemptions seem to bring as TDIs displace them and other vehicles
about some grey areas: changes will not are put back to standard. The same could
be considered ‘substantial’ where original be said of a raft of other period engine
parts are not reasonably available; where conversions from the likes of Ford, Perkins
the type of change can be demonstrated to or BMC, although not original equipment,
have been made when the vehicle was in many were being installed while Series
production (or within 10 years of the end Land Rovers were still in production and
of production, or when used commercially) could equally have been fitted more than
or where a change to axles or running 30 years ago.
gear has been made to improve ‘efficiency, It becomes harder to argue the case for
safety or environmental performance. Land Rovers fitted with more modern
The above all seems pretty reasonable, engines to be considered as VHIs under
but it is important to remember that the new guidance: Having only been
the onus is on the vehicle’s keeper to introduced in 1989, it is not yet possible
determine that vehicle is eligible for MOT for a TdI to have been fitted into a Series
exemption and is roadworthy. Land Rover over 30 years ago, it would Checks of legally required seat belts have been
It would seem to be ‘in the spirit’ of a part of the test since 1969
the guidance for a Series One 88in to
be MOT exempt if fitted with a 2,286cc
diesel engine (same basic design as the
two-litre diesel and some two-litre diesel
parts could be considered ‘not reasonably
available’). The same vehicle could perhaps
remain MOT exempt with Range Rover
differentials and an aftermarket disc brake
conversion on the grounds of ‘efficiency,
safety or environmental performance’.
At the other end of the scale, applying
the guidance to another example; the
Series III SWB V8 mentioned above, V8
engines were available in Series IIIs (albeit
only in the LWB), so could be considered
an alternative original equipment option.
Rover V8 conversions in SWB models
are also well documented back to Land
Rover’s 1967 prototype, so fulfil the
criteria of ‘the type of changes which
would have been made when the vehicle
Brake pedal feel and servo operation (where

fitted) are checked
Lamps are operated by an assistant while the
tester examines their operation and headlamp
aim from outside the vehicle
The tester checks the operation of warning If a windscreen can be folded to provide
lamps from the driver’s seat visibility, then washers and wipers need not
be examined

Pre-1960 ‘vehicles of historic interest’ must still A decelerometer is used on vehicles unsuitable
be maintained in a roadworthy condition, but have for the more common roller brake test. A
been exempt from requiring an MOT since 2012 pointer records the highest force when braking
A vehicle where the ‘technical characteristics of

the main components’ have been altered in the
last 30 years will continue to require an MOT.
This could include Range Rover axles fitted here
From May 20, 2018 this has been extended to

vehicles more than 40 years old which have not
been ‘substantially modified’
however, as it simply means that Land

Rovers not meeting the criteria for a VHI
will continue to require an MOT. There
is no suggestion that the criteria will be
extended to qualify for historic road tax
or registration.
If you are satisfied that your Land Rover
should be MOT exempt, road tax can be
renewed at a post office by using a V112
form to declare that your vehicle does not
require an MOT. You can continue to MOT
your vehicle on a voluntary basis after this
and will still be required to ensure that it is
kept in a roadworthy condition. a
More information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/roadworthiness-testing-for-vehicles-of-
historic-interest
This Series One and IIA have Rover P6 2 and Testers are not permitted to attack suspected
3.5 litre engines respectively, these could have corrosion with a large hammer, only scraping
been fitted prior to 1988 with the ‘corrosion assessment tool’ is allowed

DIFFICULTY RATING:
TECH AND
TOOLBOX TIME ALLOWED: 2 DAYS
COST: £50
SERIES ONE RESTORATION PART 1

blar blar blar
A FRESH APPROACH
Vorsprung durch Technik meets Leaf Sprung done Rusting
WORDS AND PHOTOS TOBY SAVAGE ADDITIONAL MATERIAL MATT SAVAGE
B
ack in 2010 Matt Savage acquired what economy the original two-litre petrol engine chassis and bulkhead had gone. It is a fine
was left of an 86in Land Rover that had had to go, but what to replace it with? A line between repairing or buying new, with a
been parked in a field for about three Land Rover Tdi would be an obvious choice, reasonable choice of very good replacements
years where it was becoming an integral part but these are expensive and can trace their available. The chassis had rusted away in
of the landscape. Previous to that it had been ancestry back decades. With a mind open all of the usual places but was not beyond
in a barn, unused for more than 25 years. to new ideas he noticed just how many cars repair with a new rear crossmember,
It would be fair to say that it was one stage are powered by derivatives of the VW/Audi outriggers and many patches. It was also
away from being scrapped. An old canvas 1.9 Tdi engine. If there was one engine that felt prudent to try and start the engine and
tarpaulin had helped preserve the bodywork had proved its longevity, performance and see if it would move under its own steam.
from the elements, but the chassis had rusted economy it had to be this one. A legend in They did manage this and the engine ran
very badly and the mechanical components its own right, cheap and plentiful. engulfed in clouds of smoke. It actually
were an unknown quantity. Some internet research found that managed a few feet forwards and backwards
Matt had been after this kind of project for a somebody in the USA had successfully but any greater distance risked the chassis,
while and his plan was to make it into a daily fitted one to a Series II, but the forum was or bulkhead breaking and that would make
driver that he could use in support of his Land a little short on detail. It would have to repairs even more of a challenge.
Rover and 4x4-based business in Derbyshire be a learning experience based on trial
as well as for use at home for jobs on the and error for Matt and mechanic, Andy. Matt Savage 4x4 has the sole UK
land. His requirements were precise. An 80in, Andy happened to have a scrap engine in rights to Viair Compressor systems and
while highly desirable, was considered too his shed and donated it to the project as a also sells a variety of other overland related
small for lugging bulky items around, a 107, dummy to aid matching the engine to the equipment from its Darley Dale premises.
or 109 too big, but an 86, or 88in Series One Land Rover bell housing.
www.mattsavage.com. www.viair.co.uk
would fulfil the brief perfectly. With the Land Rover in the workshop
01629 735555 sales@mattsavage.com
To achieve reasonable performance and the first job was to assess just how far the

1. Every enthusiast dreams of finding an 2. With just chickens and llamas for company for 3. Once winched onto the trailer the degree of
abandoned Series One in a field, but restoration more than three years this 1955 Land Rover was corrosion could be seen more clearly. A new rear
on Land Rovers this far gone is not for the faint- becoming part of the scenery crossmember was on the list for starters
hearted
4. It would be fair to say that many would have 5. Safely back at the workshop for a full 6. A previous owner had started restoring the
judged this to be scrap, particularly back in 2010 assessment it did at least look like a 1955 Land bulkhead, before realising it was going to need far
when values were not as high as they are now Rover more than a few patches
7. The nearside footwell had rusted away 8. Even the rear tub was buckled and bent with 9. It was important that the bulkhead was still
completely leaving a clear view of the front wheel the reinforcing bars under the floor long gone. just about attached, as it gave some accuracy
and floor Rivet counters may be amused to learn that these for measurements to base the replacement steel
bars are the same part from 1948 to present panels on
10. Even though most of this steel would be replaced 11. A battery, some leads and fresh petrol allowed 12. With the engine, gearbox and transfer box
the existing outline was in the right place. Another the Land Rover to move a small distance even removed it was easier to see just how much rust
year stood outside and this could have all gone with a seized clutch and stuck in high ratio would have to be cut out and repaired

DIFFICULTY RATING:
TECH AND
TOOLBOX TIME ALLOWED: 1 DAY
COST: £150
SEARLE SAFARI SLEEPER

blar blar blar
WORDS AND PICTURES VICKY TURNER
SITTING COMFORTABLY
Vicky Turner replaces the front seats in her would have been a simple job that might
have only taken an hour even allowing
Carawagon with only a week to complete the task for a resistant bolt or two. However
this took me most of a day - I do not
T
he last issue saw me resolving the but baulked at the costs - then fate exaggerate. Most of the time was given
problems with the rear seat and in stepped in with a sudden need to get up in head scratching - geometry was
the process, enabling the set up of the the vehicle back on the road and as never a strength of mine, nor joinery. But
part of the bed that sits in the rear tub. The comfortable as possible: within less than even if they are your forte I imagine that
other half of the bed is made up utilising a week we’d be setting off on a French this would still be a tricky and time-
the passenger front seat and the lid to the adventure. I ordered two new seat bases, consuming job.
cubby box (plus the extra piece which one deluxe seat back with a headrest for I took plenty of photos of the way it
seems to have no purpose, except to breach the driver’s side and one standard back for was set up before removing the old seats
the bulkhead when the bed is set up). the passenger side, all on express delivery. and I didn’t remove any of the chunks of
The front seats were in a bad way. I The driver’s seat alone does not form part wood attached until I was certain I knew
think they were original so had put in of the Carawagon bed so can be fixed in what they were for - there was a degree
nearly 50 years of service but since they the upright position. of trial and error but the end result is
were now missing bolts, spewing stuffing I bought these standard parts knowing satisfactory - a level bed for sleeping
and seam-damaged, it was time for repair full well that I would have to adapt them and secure and comfortable seats when
or replacement. to recreate the Carawagon specific bed driving. I have to applaud R J Searle’s
I had toyed with the idea of getting them supports. If only swapping the front ingenuity but it would have been a lot
professionally restored and reupholstered seat like for like had been an option - it easier if I’d had a copy of the brochure!

1. Removing the old seats is fiddly, but pretty easy 2. After they have been removed it is clear to see 3. I took pictures at each step as I removed the
in comparison to what is to come that these, probably original seats, have had their day components, showing which way round they were
positioned
4. It may be small but the detail matters - this 5. ...as well as forming a support for the piece of 6. ...thereby keeping the middle of the bed flat
piece of grooved wood, forms a slot against which the bed jigsaw which traverses the bulkhead... while at the same time preventing the end of the
the foot of the bed cantilevers... bed from falling into the footwell
7. It was the calculating of these angles and the 8. Offering up the new base to the old shows that 9. Slotting the new seat base in was easy, as was
precise positioning of the wood on the new seat while they are the same size and shape, the old choosing which hole to use in bolting the seat back
parts which took the time has several additional pieces which are integral in place...
to the bed
10. ...the new seats come with both the bolts and 11. Moving on to the hardest part of this job, 12. ...but mny of the original wooden parts were
a template to use either in fixing the seats upright trying to re-fabricate the Carawagon specific worn or broken so some pieces would need to be
or so that they pivot on the bolt fixings. I reused what I could... remade

TECH AND
TOOLBOX
13. From here on in, there was as much trial and 14. As each new fitment was added, I would offer 15. ...before moving on to the next piece in the
error as scientific approach it up to make sure it was in the right place and puzzle. It felt so wrong to be immediately drilling
performing the job it was designed to... into brand new parts!
16. I excelled myself here. A spirit level. In a Land 17. With it all re-fabricated and working as it 18. Points of friction were mitigated by reusing
Rover. On wonky springs. Ah well, it’s the thought should, it was onto the finishing touches the old material from the removed seats and a
that counts staple gun...
19. ...to cover the blocks of wood where they 20. I used the same Tenax fixings I’d used in the 21. To stop the new seat back rubbing on the
would rub against the material on another part. rear seat set up, to stop the pivoting passenger frame when it is folded down ready for camping, I
I’ll let you know how effective over time this is seat from falling forwards when it is not wanted carry a piece of pipe lagging
22. Mission accomplished, a flat, stable and 23. Showing how all the parts fit together, including 24. With a deluxe driver’s seat, one that actually
comfortable place to sleep at journey’s end - next the lid of the cubby box shunted forwards against stays upright even when braking hard, is a luxury
stop France the gear stick - which has to be in first gear for it I’d become accustomed to not having
all to fit
Discovery of a
new adventure
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JOURNEYS
Day Tripper
Josh Cowling drives the Fawcett
Track in Western Australia in his Series II
WORDS AND PICTURES JOSH COWLING

ILLUSTRATION LOUISE LIMB
Smooth sections of the track are always

welcome after the corrugations

J ust 50km from my home is the popular
4x4 Fawcett Track, and, as it had been
recently reopened by the government
after the rainy season, I was eager to head
state.
The wet season was over and the Jarrah
forest hugging the Darking Scarp was
vibrant and lush. The downside to this,
with a handful of wooden planks.
I chose this place as my first stop to
have a stretch and look around as there is
a small, freshwater creek running under
out to drive it for the day. if you can call it a downside, is that the road. It was here I also learnt to keep
Originally blazed in 1860 by Captain the scrub was now creeping onto the my thongs on (Aussie for flip flops), as
Theodore Fawcett through the thick Western track, adding to the Series II’s pinstripe walking around the bush barefoot I picked
Australian Jarrah forest, the track followed collection. Being early in the morning, the up a splinter - one of those annoying tiny
much of the Murray River and was used to sounds of the local bird life was amazing, splinters you can’t remove without tweezers.
herd stock between his main property at topped off by the sound of the Murray Having left my outback first aid kit at
Pinjarra, Pinjarra Park, to his second estate River flowing in the distance. home, where it would be useful, clearly, I
at Marradong, Mokine Homestead. Not only overgrown in places, but the learnt to put up with it, just like the dust
Though no longer used as a stock run and track was dusty in sections, and it wasn’t inside my cab.
shortened to now start at Dwellingup, the long until the cab was full of dust. I was After the burnt out bridge, it is only a
track is maintained by the state government’s few km before the Murray River comes
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation into view. High up on the ridge, the track
and Attractions (DBCA). Meandering 150km
through beautiful temperate Jarrah forest, the
‘The track from here is meanders down until you are close to the
bank. Several side tracks head down to the
track intersects with the Murray River as it even more overgrown, water edge, though I passed these as they
travels along the Darling Scarp. are very steep.
And so, recovery gear, food and water and the ruts and Heading further along, I popped out onto
loaded in the back, and a full tank of Driver Road, an unsealed road that leads
petrol, I made my way to Dawn Creek Road, potholes are big to the next section of the Fawcett Track,
just south east of Dwellingup, where the
bitumen ends and the gravel starts.
enough to swallow turning onto Muddy Landing Road. The
track from here is even more overgrown,
Once on gravel, it was time to air down
the tyres to preserve the track and smooth
the entire car’ and the ruts and potholes are big enough to
swallow the entire car.
out the bumps; you’ve got to love those leaf This section is fun in the dry, but
springs. The track is fairly easy going, with forced to open the air vent to try and unpassable in the wet, especially if you
some mid-range 4x4 challenges. pressurise the inside. aren’t kitted out with the right gear for
I was trundling along the hard packed So far, the track was overgrown, dusty and wading through water.
gravel road, only having to keep an eye littered with rocks. It was now time to have I was making good time on the solid
out for the small rocks jutting out of the a little fun, nosediving the old Series II into sections of track, when, around the corner,
road, and for the wayfinding signs which a metre drop- off, which kicked up the left I come across a huge tree cutting the track
features the Wagyl. rear tyre into the air. in half. Managing a little side trip to get
The Wagyl is, according to the Noongar I had now come to a section of track that, around the tree, it was here I spotted a
Aboriginal culture, a dreamtime creature until a massive bushfire tore through the area cut-off tree root sticking out of the track.
in the shape of a snake which created the (on Australia Day in 2007), passed an historic They are just like rocks if you were to hit
rivers and other land formations around timber cutters’ railway bridge. All that is left them at speed, but with the added bonus of
Perth and the greater south-west area of the today are the old bolts and clamping plates, potentially tearing the side wall on the tyre.
Maxtrax being used as a ramp to get

over some tree roots crossing the track
Josh and his 1960 Series II SWB, dubbed the Wonky Entering one of the larger ruts on the
Donkey by his two daughters Olivia and Emily Fawcett track

JOURNEYS
Safely around the tree and the roots, I the sound of the birds had given way to
found myself in a small forest of grass trees. emus and their chicks wandering about
A kilometre or two from the first fallen tree the road. Coming up again to the vehicle-
and I came upon a second, laid across my swallowing pothole, I misjudged the rut in
path. I pulled up for lunch, to think about the bottom and the rear driver’s side corner
the problem, which just happened to be dragged along the wall.
right next to the Murray River. I quickly Not far from where I started earlier that
realised that this was about as far as I was morning, I came across the DBCA track
getting today. maintenance crew working on the track. I
Returning back up the track, some of the had a quick yarn with one of the workers. He
obstacles that were easy to go down the was very impressed with the old Series and
first time required a little more thought on wanted to have a quick look at it after I told
the way back. One section had tree roots him it featured an original 2,286cc petrol
cutting up the track. I nearly panicked when engine, and not a Holden motor, as most
I realised I had not packed a screwdriver to Aussie Series Land Rovers have.
engage the front hubs. Thinking about it, I I arrived home 30 minutes before my wife
put the Maxtrax to good use. Doubling them and kids, giving me enough time to hose off
Letting the tyre pressure down not only up, I made a ramp to get me over the roots. the dust from inside and out, and to pick
help preserve the track, it also makes for a It was now a fairly warm early afternoon- out my splinter.
smoother drive
Slowly making our way down the track
Driving over some tree roots crossing the track
Small rocks are used to fill in the larger holes

created by users during the wet season
The Murray River flowing past my lunch stop

Louise Limb
The Series II driving the Series. What hadn’t changed long piles to avoid flood waters when the
My father bought this 1960 Series II from during the overhaul were the smell of oil Clarence bursts its banks), albeit a little
an elderly man in Ulmarra, not far from and petrol, and the lack of comfortable dusty, but still reeking of oil and petrol.
my hometown of Maclean, in the northern seating or suspension. Dad decided it was time the Series moved
rivers of New South Wales, Australia, in Fast forward to the late 1990s. My family over to Western Australia, and before flying
the mid-1980s. and I were now living in the north-eastern home, he loaded it on the back of a truck
The Series became an instant family Goldfields of Western Australia in the small for the long journey to the desert.
member, used during the week by my mining town of Leonora, perched on the Arriving a few weeks later, the car was
mother for school runs, shopping and going edge of the Great Victoria Desert. It was a rehomed in my parents’ garage, where
to work. On weekends and school holidays far cry from our previous home in Maclean, dad promptly went to work on the motor,
my mum and dad would take me and my which was surrounded by lush, green gearbox and a new coat of paint. Mirrors
two brothers camping and four-wheel were bolted to the door to replace those on
driving. As a kid, I hated the Series II - the fender wings.
the lack of seats, and suspension for that
matter, made the ride unbearable, and even
‘I’d never restored, Sitting at my parents’ house one day
in 2003, mum said they were moving to
more so when we went four-wheel driving or worked on, cars Queensland. Dad was looking to sell the
in the hills. There was also the constant Series II as they didn’t want to truck it back
stench of oil and petrol, which really topped before then, so it was to the east coast. I still wasn’t a fan of the
it all off. It would be many years before I
fell in love with the car. definitely a learning car, but I couldn’t let it leave our family - I
realised I had too many fond memories.
Moving into the late 80s, and I remember
coming home from school one day seeing
experience with a lot I intended to stay in Western Australia
(WA), having recently moved in with my
the Series in pieces in the garage, down the
side of the house and other bits in the shed.
of trial and error’ girlfriend Susan, who later became my wife
and mother of our two girls. So I offered
Dad smelled of oil, petrol, degreaser and dad $2,000 for the car- though he gave it to
sweat. I was a little relieved as it meant we cane fields and fishing trawlers powering me on the proviso that it wouldn’t be sold.
wouldn’t be using the Series II for a while. up and down the mighty Clarence River. The car was unregistered, but Susan and
Dad repaired the chassis, upgraded the The Series II didn’t migrate with us to I used the Series to visit the local, hidden
factory bumper to the classic Aussie bulbar, Western Australia. It had been stored at my swimming holes and motorbike tracks using
the front diff was changed over to a Shute grandma’s house, and we didn’t see the car the dirt tracks around town, and to go
Upton Engineering power lock, a Holden until we flew over for a family reunion in camping in the outback.
Stromberg carburettor replaced the Solex 2007 to celebrate grandma’s 80th birthday. In 2005 we moved closer to the coast,
carburettor to improve performance, and The Series was still sitting where my dad near Mandurah, taking the Series with us.
other bits and pieces were repaired. Then, left it, under his mum’s Queenslander-style My parents soon made their way back to
with a fresh coat of paint, we were back to house (a wood framed house sitting on WA and life happened; Susan and I got

JOURNEYS
Dad helping remove the engine
‘The gearbox was

cleaned, opened up
for inspection, then
diamond coated’
married, changed jobs, bought a house
and started having babies. A month
before the birth of our second child,
I thought it would be a great time to
rebuild the Series II from the chassis up.
I’d never restored, or worked on, cars
before then, so it was definitely a learning
experience with a lot of trial and error. My
ethos was to restore the Series II back to
its original state as best I could, with my
own hands, with the resources to hand. The
chassis was cleaned and inspected for rust,
then painted. The diffs were cleaned and
internals checked then painted. New uni-joints fitted to the prop shafts to
The gearbox was cleaned, opened up breathe new life into them
for inspection, then diamond-coated. The
motor was sandblasted, then pulled down
for inspection, rebuilt and painted. The
old wiring harness was replaced with an
inner and outer cotton braid wiring harness
sourced from a specialist vintage wiring
company in Victoria. The Zenith carburettor
was found at my grandma’s house in New
South Wales and posted over. With money
tight while my wife was on maternity leave,
I did all the work myself, teaching myself Rebuilding the Series II in the carport meant
moving the parts in and out each day to make room
Painting the bonnet support frame in KBS gloss The last time the Holden Stromberg will be
Interior at the start of the rebuild black fitted to our Series II
Olivia (behind the bulkhead) and Emily

how to sandblast, spray-paint, solder and
(checking the tyre wear) would always play on
the Series during the rebuild
auto-electrics.
Next was the bodywork where I stripped
back the car to bare aluminium, sprayed
in etch primer, colour and top coat, colour
matching the final colour scheme from
original paint samples found behind the
dash panel and the underside of the roof.
The ‘roo’ bar Dad installed was removed
and an original-style bumper was locally
sourced, which I repaired, painted and
fitted. Original-style mirrors replaced the
square-type dad had fitted.
Finally happy with the restoration after
three years of work, the car was inspected
and registered in 2016, three months
before I took it out to central Western
Australia to tackle the Canning Stock
Route (but that’s a different story).
The old Series is an integral part of our
family and is my daily drive (my wife
drives a 2012 X-tech Defender). The kids
love driving around in it, and get very
excited when I pick them up from school,
drop them off at netball or take them out
to the beach in it. a
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LOOKING BACK
1943-1956 John Toft-Bate

The majority of the early shots of Land Rovers Looking forward
taken in and around the Lode Lane site were the Since John Toft-Bate hung up his
cameras, the Rover Company and its
work of photographer John Toft-Bate successive incarnations have relied
upon an arsenal of professional
WORDS MARTIN PORT photographers to document their
PHOTOGRAPHS ROGER CRATHORNE, MICHAEL BISHOP, JLR history. One name that you will
probably be familiar with is that
of Nick Dimbleby – long-term
photographer for Jaguar Land Rover
Rolls-Royce in exchange for the Meteor and the man responsible for our
Tank factory at Ascot Road, Nottingham. stunning cover and HUE feature this
A chemist in his youth, Toft-Bate ran month. With a garage and driveway
early silent and ‘talkie’ films for Pathe full of vehicles of Solihull origin, he
in London, was also a watercolour artist lives and breathes the subject.
and frequently lectured not just on the
subject of photography, but also on
moths and butterflies.
His 13-year association with the Rover
Company eventually came to an end in
1956 when the company filled the post
with internal, full-time employees, but his
works were captured on three apple boxes
full of negatives. A good portion of these
were eventually donated to H B Light, the
ABOVE: John Toft-Bate was the Rover Company’s Rover historian, by Victor, the son of Toft-
official industrial photographer until 1956; Bate and who worked on three-litre glass
inspection at Solihull in the 1960s.
BELOW RIGHT: This famous image of HUE 166 in In a press-cutting from 1963, announcing production line, testing and public and
the water at Packington could well have been
the death of Toft-Bate, aged 72, Mr Light press reveals are covered by a small fleet
one taken by John Toft-Bate – it certainly fits in
recalled that he “could always rely on of officially-appointed photographers,
with his time at the Rover Company
‘Toft’ for an special photograph I needed but it is worth remembering just how
and it was only last year that he wrote to crucial a part those individuals such as
me offering further help.” Toft-Bate played in documenting the
B
etween 1943 and 1956, John
Toft-Bate was the Rover Company’s
Now of course, almost every inch of the early years.a
industrial photographer - a position
which gave him access to everything from
development on the Whittle jet engine,
the appearance of JET 1 (the world’s first
gas turbine car), and the birth of the Land
Rover. Whether or not that included off-site
testing such as the shots of HUE 166 at
Packington is unknown, but it is certainly
likely that he was the only photographer
afforded such freedom.
Although employed on a freelance
basis, all of his work was done on Rover
Company premises to ensure that none of
the negatives - often of secret development
work - went out of the gates.
He was recognised throughout the
company – from shop floor to the upper
echelons of the directorial board - and
began his work for Rover at Barnoldswick,
the factory eventually handed over to
‘A chemist in his
youth, Toft-Bate
ran early silent and
‘talkie’ films for
Pathe in London’
LIS.KY.CLR.FP.2017

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