Sightings

n Northern New England, we don’t experience “Spring” so much as “Mud Season.” This year, a Vermont newspaper headlineI read, “It’s of Biblical proportions: Vermonters contend with mud season unlike any in recent memory.” In Aroostook County, Maine, a local post office suspended mail delivery when rural mail carriers’ vehicles sank in the muddy roads.

As the region dries out (a bit), we consider whether to wash the Land Rover or open up the hundreds of emails and snail mail letters that arrive at the Sightings desk. It’s always helpful for veteran and novice Sighters alike to review the rules that govern when we award a Coveted Mug:

Rule #1 — All Sightings receive recognition and our appreciation, but not necessarily a mug. We reward only those Sightings that capture the unique qualities of Land Rovers as well as their owners, and display them in a distinctive way.

Rule #2 — If your Sighting doesn’t really surprise you, it won't surprise us, either — thus, we can’t award you a mug. We're delighted, but not surprised, that Land Rovers appear in British television programmes, British publications, films with British themes and shows about African safaris. These Sightings are appreciated, but not mug-worthy.

Rule #3 — At an ever-changing date before publication, we close off the Sightings; for this issue it was April 30, 2022. If we've mentioned the Sighting in an earlier issue, we might not mention it again. If you're new to the family of Land Rover enthusiasts, you may not have seen your Sighting in an earlier issue.

Rule #4 — If you qualify, one mug per Sighting per issue. No more than two Coveted Mugs will be awarded to the same person per year.

Rule #5 — Sightings that are Land Rover references in books go to our Literary Land Rover Editor for mention, but only when space permits.

Rule #6 — Psst... email submissions — remember we can't send a mug by email. To be considered for a Coveted Mug, send us your real name and shipping address too.

Rule #7 — Snail mail sightings must be sent to: Editor, Rovers Magazine, P.O. Box 90, Vinalhaven, ME 04863

Rule #8 — Grudgingly, very grudgingly, the Editor admits he might have made an error. Let us know if you think you've been jobbed.

ROVERS MAGAZINE / SPRING 2022

For Sightings rules & submissions, visit www.roversnorth.com/sightings

Movie and television producers still know the draw of a classic Land Rover in their films. Daniel Dentry [see Rule #6] spotted the Defender in the Nicolas Cage film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, as did Stephen

Lister, Utica, OH. Buried deep in a viewing of an old Christ-

mas special, Eric Brumwell, Bainbridge Island, WA, spotted a toy Land Rover. Eric also liked seeing the Series III pickup in the British and Australian film Eternals. Steven Lister, Utica, OH, was delighted to see a Defender 90 as a lead character in the Netflix kid’s film, Back in the Outback. Brent Lane, Saco, ME, watched an episode of “The Lost Kitchen,” and was fairly certain he saw a Discovery II. Dave Whaling [See Rule #6] watched a Hallmark Channel movie, The Presence of Love, which included a RHD Defender. P T Schram, Churubusco, IN, spotted a threedoor Freelander in Trailer Park Boys.

Catalogues, print or online, know that Land Rovers are click bait, as Sterling Card, Olathe, KS, noted with the latest Rhode Island-based Kiel James Patrick catalogue. David Russell, Lawrenceville, GA, found a Defender 90 SW on the cover of the Bluegrass Fairway Leather Goods catalogue. Paul Kennington, LaGrande, OR; Scott Brannon, Atlanta, GA; and Ray Romano, San Antonio, TX, spotted the tub of a soft top Defender 110 on the cover of the Birdwell Beach catalogue, as well as the odd placement of a RoW Defender 90 with their “racing jackets.” Bill and Greyson Schimikowski, Westborough, MA, noted that HiHo, a clothing company based in Tortola, BVI, nonetheless featured a Series IIA with Rhode Island plates in their latest sweater promotion. Rob Wollschlager, Colchester, CT, and Brian Lang, Pasadena, CA, watched an ad for Lightbar headlamps that featured a Defender 90. Brian also saw a Range Rover Classic in an ad for Sussy surfboards. Our own Thompson Smith, Rovers North’s Creative Director, spotted multiple Land Rovers, including a Series IIA, Defender 110 and Defender 90 RHD in Kühl online feeds.

Magazines also have an affection for Land Rovers. It’s hard not to love the cover of the latest Yankee Magazine, noted Cindy Theodore, Wolfboro, NH. Shooting Sportsman ran a feature on “Elizabeth,” a ’95 Defender 110 customized by Helderburg LLC, in Sharon Springs, NY. James Hutchinson [See Rule #6] spotted an article on the UK’s Everatti conversion of a Series IIA to electric power, and one in Hemmings that linked to a video on the long history of the Land Rover. Consumer

Reports, which generally pans Land Rovers, used a drawing of one to illustrate a question on 4WD for a reader, noted Tim Glahn, Midlothian, VA; Steven Regula, Hewitt, NJ; and the father-son team of Paul and David Ritchie, Upland, IN. Kathleen Bergeron, Salisbury, NC, spotted an ad in Texas Monthly magazine for Pakmule Cargo Carriers, with one mounted on the rear of a Defender 90. When Bertucci watches wanted to signify toughness in a print ad, they chose a Defender 110 Quad Cab as the accompanying illustration. Brent Lane, Saco, ME, found one in an interesting article about an all-female anti-poaching team at an African game preserve in Rotary Magazine. Jason Sheehy, Mt Sterling, OH, and Jim Wollschlager, Mystic, CT, noted a stunning Defender 90 with a hunter, his dog and a handsome shotgun in a Bachieri & Pellagri USA ad.

In an unusual Sighting, Tom Spoto, Bellingham, WA and Jim Leach [See Rule #6] spotted the Land Rover/Mutual of Omaha tribute in the Rose Bowl Parade. P T Schram, Churubusco, IN, wondered why a Wall Street Journal video on chip manufacturing chose a Defender 110 to include in the video. He also stopped for work at Carlex, where he watched a “company morale booster video” showing a Defender 110 driving through a forest. Lastly, he spotted a RHD Defender on the Mexpro.com website. Robert Alley, Marietta, GA, found an interesting article on Abu Dhabi’s oldest private school, complete with a period photo of a 109” with the schoolchildren. Matthew Clark, Seattle, WA, and Ray Sisk, Hope, ME, read a newsfeed on a bomber arriving at the Tinker AFB in Oklahoma with an RoW Defender 110 alongside in the accompanying photo. Loic Fabro, Herndon, VA, spotted a Discovery I rock climbing in an ad for BF Goodrich during coverage of the King of the Hammers off-road event. Lana Fabro, Herndon, VA, spotted a Defender with a prominent role in the video game State of Survival, the perfect setting for a heritage Defender. Yes, they’re made in England, but Ken Gummerson [See Rule #6] found Series Land Rover cuff links for sale – very cool.

We’ve mentioned these before, but we want to thank Sighters for their diligence. The ever-Land Rover friendly folks at Orvis continue to feature Land Rovers in their catalogues. Peter Burrus, Franklin, TN, Frank Adcock, Memphis, TN; Nancy Salisbury, Meridian, IN; Scott Preston, Northeast Harbor, ME; Jim Hutchison, Cambridge, MA; and Christopher Newman, Charleston, SC, enjoyed seeing one again. David Russell, Snellville, GA, applauded Vineyard Vines for yet another fashionable appearance by a Land Rover in their catalogue. Kraig Mackett, Perrysburg, OH, spotted a Defender 110 representing “premium car rental status” again in an American Express online promotion. Shan Lee, Brookfield, WI, spotted a Land Rover in a photo from the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Joe Cole, Parma, OH, enjoyed the RRC in the Huckberry ad, along with Mark Repsher, Lafayette, CO, who admired the Defender 110 SW in the same promotion. Kraig Mackett, Perrysburg, OH, applauded the British company FatFace for all the Land Rover branding of their products. Jason Sheehy, Mt Sterling, OH, saw the DuBarry ad with the Defender in an equestrian setting. Christopher Newman, Charleston, SC, noted that the roaming Roark ads featuring Land Rovers in winter locales are now a Rizzoli book. Corey Moore, Windham, NH, spotted the Land Rover in the Dockers online ad. Jaime Thompson, Rockwood, PA, and John Hammond, Shelburne, VT, were delighted to see the return of a Land Rover in marketing by Yeti. ///

Winners:

Cindy Theodore Wolfeboro, NH

Jim Wollschlager Mystic, CT

Scott Brannon Atlanta, GA

Jason Sheehy Mount Sterling, OH

Ray Romano San Antonio, TX

Pat Harris Vero Beach, FL

Kathleen Bergeron Salisbury, NC

Loic Fabro Herndon, VA

Brian Liang Pasadena, CA Paul Kennington La Grande, OR

Rob Wollschlager Colchester, CT

David Russell Lawrenceville, GA

Steven Regula Hewitt, NJ

Tom Spoto Bellingham, WA

Sterling Card Olathe, KS

Stephen Lister Utica, OH

Paul and David Ritchie Upland, IN

Patrick Holder Atlanta, GA

Christopher Burnett San Francisco, CA

Performance Intercooler Assembly for 200, 300 Tdi

specialist vehicle equipment

RNA2550

Spare Wheel Carriers

The best tire carrier we've found. If you use your rear door even occasionally, you'll appreciate how this tire carrier makes access to the cargo area much easier and takes the stress and weight off of your rear door hinges. Simply open the rear door and the wheel carrier automatically swings out of the way. Smooth action is aided by a strut. Features heavyduty tubular steel construction, hinge hardware, zinc phosphate and black polyester coated. Kit includes all necessary mounting hardware and instructions. Fits: Defender 90, 110 with rear door. Fits Series with modifications. Mantec Spare Wheel Carrier....................................................................... RNA2550 $ 649.00 Swing Away Wheel Carrier, Defender Half Door...................................... RNA2553 $ 439.00 Defender Moulded Tire Cover...................................................................... RNX832 $ 259.00 Swing Gate Wheel Carrier Conversion Kit.............................................. RNA2552-1 $ 149.95 Stainless Steel Bolt Kit, Rear Tire Carrier................................................. RNA0155 $ 24.00

Towing Gear for your Land Rover

RNA0006 RNA1022

Up to 20% increase in power and 10% improvement in mpg!

High-performance air-to-air inter-

cooler assembly for 200, 300 Tdi diesel. Delivers up to a 20% increase in power with a 10% improvement in fuel mileage. All alloy, TIG welded construction features a 45% larger surface area that PLQ944HP is 4.5 inches thick, combined with the latest louvered cooling fin technology creates a dense, super-cooled oxygen flow. Easy to install. Supplied with a widened side frame to allow it to fit into the standard 300 Tdi intercooler opening. Uses all standard pipe and hose connections for a stress-free installation that eliminates the usual front panel and AC modifications. Made in the UK. Performance Intercooler Assembly for 300 Tdi ................................. PLQ944HP $ 549.00 Silicone Intercooler Hose Kit, Black, 300 Tdi...................................... RNA3171 $ 89.95 Rubber Bushing Mount (8 required)....................................................... RNC471 $ 0.94 Ea Adaptor Kit for 200 Tdi Installation ........................................................ PLQ944HPHK $ 299.00 Silicone Intercooler Hose Kit, Black, 200 Tdi...................................... RNA3170 $ 89.95

PLK611

PLK0211

RNA091 RNA0011 LR3, LR4, L320 Sport RNX570

Perfect for towing or recovery, our Class III receiver hitches bolt onto the rear frame member. Includes mounting hardware. Receiver Hitch, Defender 1984–1998 ................................................................ RNH110 $ 349.95 Receiver Hitch, Defender 1999–2013 ................................................................. RNA091 $ 298.95 Receiver Hitch, Series 88, 109 Civilian with Side Fuel Tank.......................... RNA084 $ 339.00 Receiver Hitch, Series IIA, III Military Chassis................................................ RNA086 $ 329.95 Receiver Hitch, Series IIA, III 109” Civilian with Rear Fuel Tank ................. RNA087 $ 375.00 Receiver Hitch, LR3, LR4, L320 Sport, Genuine................................................ RNX570 $ 649.95 Backing Plate Defender for Rear Tow and Recovery Hitches ................... RNA0006 $ 39.50 Backing Plate Series for Rear Tow and Recovery Hitches......................... RNA0007 $ 39.50 Spacer Plate for Pintle Hitch................................................................................ RNA0011 $ 69.95 Bracket Tow Hitch, Range Rover P38A............................................................ RNH349 $ 145.11 Receiver Hitch Plug, “Land Rover”................................................................... RNN397 $ 15.47 Hitch Pin, 5/8” with clip......................................................................................... RNE231 $ 4.40 Receiver Hitch Adaptor, Tow Jaw.................................................................... RNA082 $ 119.00 Tow Jaw Assembly Kit, 7,700 lb Camel Trophy Style.................................... RNF408 $ 119.95 Shackle Mount, 2” Receiver with Hitch Pin.................................................... RNA1022 $ 79.95

RNH110

Lift Ring Front Bumper, Series IIA and III Late Type, Genuine.................... RNE426 $ 74.11 Lifting Towing Ring Front Bumper, Series II–III, ProLine ............................. PLN959 $ 29.99 Front Lifting Ring Set, Series II–III, ProLine (front pair, hot dipped galvanized finish, includes all hardware)........................................................................ PLK611 $ 89.50 Tow Ring Military J.A.T.E Defender, ProLine (includes hardware)........... PLK0211 $ 27.50 Safety Pin Kit for NATO Pintle Hitch.................................................................. RNA0104 $ 14.95 Trailer Towing 7 to 4-Pin Adapter, ProLine..................................................... PLS557 $ 44.95 Trailer Towing Plug 7-Pin, ProLine...................................................................... PLQ614 $ 6.99 Harness Trailer Wiring, Discovery II, Genuine............................................... RND241 $ 359.00 Harness Trailer, RR Sport L320, 7 and 4-Pin Socket, Genuine...................... RNY037 $ 259.55 Harness Towing, LR3, LR4, RR Sport L320, 7-Pin, Genuine............................ RNY038 $ 239.95 Harness Towing RR Sport L320 2010-on, 7-Pin, Genuine............................... RNY039 $ 95.31

RNN397

RNA082 TJA3500 RNS557

Rovers North is not only your source for classic Land Rover parts, but also apparel and gifts that show the love for your Legacy Vehicle—and the lifestyle of adventure and exploration you’ve chosen to embrace. Whether you’re on the trail or having a pint with friends, Rovers North has you covered in style.

OLIVE T-SHIRT

100% Cotton, available in M-XXL TS97 $ 44.98

EXT294-8

TOOL ROLLS

Sand Canvas EXT294-8 $ 71.08 Green Canvas EXT294-7 $ 71.08 HERITAGE T-SHIRT

100% Cotton, available in M-XXL TS99 $ 44.98

EXT294-7 DEFENDER MINI MULTITOOL AND BOTTLE OPENER

Black credit card sized Multi Tool and Bottle Opener in the shape of the Land Rover Defender. Made from steel. RNG2225 $ 16.95

RNG9923

RIPSTOP BAG

This light and durable stuff sack will handle a big mission’s worth and features a two-layer felt applique vintage Land Rover patch and a woven flag patch. Deploy and Enjoy. 100% cotton, olive color. Dimensions: 15” H x 7.5” D. RNG9923 $ 24.99

KHAKI GREEN T-SHIRT

100% Cotton, available in M-XXL TS98 $ 44.98 SERIES 109 EXPEDITION BEVERAGE OPENER

Crack open your favourite beverage Rovers North style. Hand made in New England, our stainless steel beverage opener will do it every time. RNABO1 $ 9.25

LAND ROVER PATCHES

Large 7.5” x 3” Felt patch RNG9925 $ 12.99 Small 4.5” x 2” Felt patch RNG9924 $ 9.99

RNH04G WAXED COTTON HAT

Arrive In Style! Rovers North waxed cotton hats feature Rallye Plate Logo on the front and the

Land Rover logo on the back. Awesome quality, perfect for wet weather, adjustable to fit all sizes, Dark Green / Brown color. RNH04G $ 19.99

RNG9910

CANVAS MESSENGER BAG

A heavy-duty canvas messenger bag with licensed Land Rover applique. This bag features an adjustable strap with brass accents with shoulder or crossbody carry. Ideal for holding necessities or a small tablet (interior is 13" wide and 10" tall). This would make a great gift for any Land Rover enthusiast. Tan RNG9910 $ 49.98 RNG9909

NYLON MESSENGER BAG

Made with a sturdy, water-resistant nylon fabric, including a licensed Land Rover logo and an adjustable strap suitable for over the shoulder or crossbody carry. Perfect for everyday carry with two-position brass snap to hold everything you need. Dimensions: 14” W x 3.5” D, 11” H. Green RNG9909 $ 49.98 RNH2008 GRASMERE GREEN HAT