To advertise in The Landy, call our team on 01283 742969
We’re on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelandyuk
To advertise in The Landy, call our team on 01283 742969
We’re on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelandyuk
‘DEFENDER TAKES LUXURY ADVENTURE TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH GREATER CHOICE AND MORE POWER,’ begins the latest communication from the entity once known as Land Rover. The company’s ‘unstoppable 4x4 has been updated with a suite of comfort-enhancing features for more luxurious all-terrain travel’ and is now available with a new diesel engine as well as a special edition named after an old Kia people carrier.
This is the Sedona, a version of the 110 whose deep red colour was inspired by the iron-rich sandstone of Sedona, Arizona. So not the Kia Sedona after all, soz. Based on the already highly kitted X-Dynamic HSE, the 110 comes with extensive black trim and details including 22” alloys, a body-coloured spare wheel cover and Kvadrat seats which provide ‘a tough and highly tactile environment.’ It costs £82,130 before you get started with the options.
The aforementioned seats are also part of the new Signature Interior Pack that becomes standard on all Defender X and V8 models and optional on the Dynamic HSE. Features include 14way electrically controlled front seats with heating, cooling, memory and winged headrests, a climate-controlled second-row and a heated third row on the 110 and 130. Trim materials include Windsor leather and Kvadrat in Ebony or Caraway/Ebony and new Ultrafabrics in Light Cloud/Lunar; you get a matching suede headliner, too, while the centre console gains elasticated side pockets on both sides.
That’s not the only new pack on the block, either. If you’re buying a 130, the Captain Chairs Pack replaces the standard second row with two individual thrones, both heated and cooled, which are ‘perfect for first-class adventures across the globe.’ In between is an aisle which ‘gives elegant and effortless access to the third row,’ something we’d enjoy seeing in practice, and you also get armrests and cupholders.
Named after a region of Arizona famous for its red sandstone landforms, the Sedona Edition 110 has appropiately coloured paint and can be had with an optional bonnet graphic of an angry drunk in Minecraft. Oh, hold on, what’s that? ‘A new optional bonnet decal (which) depicts the topography of Sedona and reflects Defender’s unstoppable go-anywhere capability and its clientele’s thirst for adventure,’ sorry…
Then comes the bit about more power. This is the D350, which replaces the D300 (itself a glorious motor), in the process taking the numbers up to 350bhp and 516lbf.ft. ‘Everything from overtaking to towing is even more effortless than ever,’ says Land Rover, or Defender, or JLR, or whatever we’re supposed to call them, and we don’t doubt it for even a moment.
All this extra stuff might make it sound like the Defender range is more baffling than ever, but in fact the company says the process of speccing one has been simplified. Ready? ‘Defender clients now have a choice of S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and
V8 specifications across 90, 110 and 130 body styles.’ Plus engine choices, obviously, which variously include P425 petrol, D250 and D350 diesel, PHEV and V8 units.
Even better news for lovers of all things clear and concise is that ‘a simplified range of carefully curated optional packs are also available.’ Regular readers will know how much we love it when Land Rover (JLR, Defender etc) uses the word ‘curated.’
Between 1927 and 1968, the curatorial work of Dr Alfred H Barr Jr at MOMA in New York was instrumental in elevating modern art to the pinnacle of respect; Arnold Bode curated a series of exhi-
bitions in the 1950s which were pivotal in helping Germany turn its back on the anti-academic brutality of nazism; Pontus Hultén was the first curator to predict the rise of pop art, identify similarities between of Da Vinci and contemporary kinetic sculptors and, as director of the Centre Pompidou, to encourage his peers to see their work as an art form in itself; and Land Rover curates leather gear knobs. There are now 15 of these packs, grouped into Driving and ADAS, Cold Climate and Towing, Interior and Third Row Seating themes. We’d be most interested in the Off-Road and Advanced Off-Road packs, and having seen the clever towing tech in action we can’t recommend it highly enough, but then we’re also big fans of the Buy An Old Defender Instead Pack, which is a different kind of curation altogether. As Pontus Hultén would no doubt tell you, in the 1960s there was a movement called Auto-Destructive Art whose purpose was to was to critique the destruction of previous beliefs. Next time you’re aboard a new 130, sitting in your Captain Chair and enjoying the pre-conditioned climate and soft air-sprung ride, you might take time to consider that the old Defender is the Auto that was Destroyed. NOW we get what they’re going on about with all that talk about curation…
Green Lane Association issues urgent call for restraint on Lower Claerwen as drivers go off-piste to bypass rocks exposed by poor drainage and persistent rain
Lower Claerwen is one of our favourite green lanes anywhere in the country. Running alongside the Afon Claerwen river, between the head of Caban-coch Reservoir and the Claerwen Dam, it’s around two and a half miles long and packs in a variety of rocks, potentially deep water and supreme scenery. Towards its western end, this is dominated by the looming presence of the dam – beneath which, the trail begins or ends with a lengthy ford over the confluence of the Claerwen and Afon Arban.
The lane has always been challenging in places; the rocks are tricky, particularly when travelling from the east, and when water in Claerwen Reservoir is overtopping the dam it’s a sure sign that it’ll be overtopping your hubs, too. All this, and the wonderful isolation of the landscape as you pick your way along the valley floor, make it a highlight of any lane run in an area which is not short of classic rights of way.
Over the last year or so, however, the condition of the rock sections has slowly changed and they have become
more extreme. This has led to drivers of less well equipped vehicles looking for alternative routes around the obstacles – causing off-piste damage to the adjacent land. As a result, the Green Lane Association has called for restraint in its use, specifically asking drivers not to attempt it in standard vehicles.
‘This route is pretty technical now with some tricky rocky climbs, which have been caused by a lack of attention to drainage along with the persistent wet weather,’ explains Powys rep Tristan Craddock. ‘Unfortunately, people have been avoiding the rocky section by cutting across private land, which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.’
It’s common practice on rights of way to take the shortest practicable detour around a blockage – such as a locked gate or other deliberate obstruction. Even then, however, if no reasonable route exists it’s not acceptable to stray wildly from the correct line – and going off-piste simply because your vehicle can’t manage the terrain on the right of way is never an excuse.
‘I am in discussions with the council and police on how to remedy the situation without the need for any closure on the route,’ continues Tristan. ‘Note
that although abating an obstruction is considered acceptable, that does not include causing damage to protected sites – which is a police matter.
‘Cameras may well be placed in the area to catch offenders. If you can’t get up the climb, turn around. Do not be tempted to cause further damage.’
Some years ago, we published an article about a chap who had had his dad’s old Series III restored. He told the story of how one day when he was young, his dad was working in the garden next to the vehicle… but they when the family hadn’t heard anything of him for a while, they went looking and found hm slumped dead against one of the front wheels.
That’s a bit of a macabre way to start. But just as it’s inevitable that loving a cat or dog will one day mean losing it, loving a Land Rover means one day leaving it behind. Few other vehicles have a greater life expectancy than a human being, but that’s one of the many things that make them so great.
So very often on the social media pages, I see people talking about how they’ve just inherited a Land Rover from some family member or another. Often, they’re Series motors, but 90s and 110s are not unusual either. It gets me thinking about my own Landies, and how little I use them, and I worry that if I don’t get my finger out soon my sons are one day going to inherit a couple of projects they really could do without.
The opposite happened in the case of the Land Rover featured in this issue. A team of two brothers were fixing to restore it, but then one of them took ill and before you know it, the other one was left with an old truck and an aching sense of loss.
The story of how the Land Rover came back to life is a long one, with some touching moments to it. I won’t spoil the plot here, save to say that it’s a tale which must have been played out countless times down the years.
An old vehicle can remind you of someone you’ve lost, and that can be a very painful thing. But a person can live on in their old motor, too. If EVA662K was still in the world, I would now be the owner of a Simca 1501 and I’d say hello to my dad every time I walked past it.
But it doesn’t, and that’s the point. Nothing lasts like a Landy – and so nothing else is as good at connecting us to the past.
Alan Kidd, Group Editor alan.kidd@assignment-media.co.uk
WITH THE RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC ON THE WAY, JLR has confirmed that initial prototype vehicles have begun testing in extreme climates around the world. The programme kicked off last month in northern Sweden, where vehicles underwent cold temperature calibration assessment on frozen lakes in the Arctic Circle.
This initial test phase concentrated on the battery and Electric Drive Unit, which includes the transmission,
electric motor and power electronics.
The first electric propulsion systems to be assembled in house by JLR itself, these were required to prove themselves at temperatures as low as –40°C.
JLR says this reduces the system’s reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds to as little as 1 millisecond, and that the new system ‘will allow Range Rover to exceed its already renowned performance on low-grip surfaces,
ensuring the all-terrain, all-weather and all-surface capability of the Range Rover remains unparalleled.’
The Range Rover Electric promises to be the quietest and most refined example of the breed ever created. In the words of engineering boss Thomas Mueller, owners can expect ‘customary Range Rover luxury, refinement and capability plus near-silent fully electric propulsion, with effortlessly smooth and relaxed journeys.’
FANCY A SERENE LUXURY ESCAPE? Of course you do. And starting in September, thanks to the Ranger Rover Catalonia experience you’ll be able to have exactly that.
A three-day self-drive minibreak, this combines unique accommodation, Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, wine tasting and a ‘highly curated itinerary of luxury wellness treatments and activities’ (not just curated but ‘highly curated,’ so expect the essential oils to be poured by the reincarnated soul of Dali or Picasso). The behind-the-wheel part includes ‘scenic routes traversing all terrains to deliver the ultimate driving experience while embracing precious
moments of wellness and relaxation.’
So just like a Sunday morning at Drumclog, then.
‘Range Rover steps into a spotlight of its own to deliver this carefully curated travel experience’ says David Griffiths, who must be from JLR because he said curated.
Also typical of JLR is a
tremendously realistic price, which in this case is £8250 per person based on two people sharing. In all fairness, that includes insurance so they’ll probably be hoping to break even.
WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL
WILDPEAK R/T01
Wildpeak A/T Trail - Rugged Crossover Capability
Built for adventure delivering rugged off-road capability without compromise on the open road. Featuring the Three-Peak mountain snowflake, the Wildpeak A/T Trail encourages adventure seeking crossover owners to discover true all-weather capability.
Wildpeak R/T01 - Bold, Rugged Terrain Capability
Developed for 4x4’s and SUV’s this tyre sets the standard for the new rugged terrain tyre category. Providing the tenacious off-road traction of a mud tyre while retaining the tread life and stability of an all-terrain, professional Off-Road tyre with POR marking. For further information and to find your local stockist please visit www.falkentyre.com/en or www.4site4x4tyres.co.uk
Price: £518.52 inc VAT (90); £559.39 inc VAT (110)
Available from: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF8005 / TF8006
TERRAFIRMA HAS JUST RELEASED A NEW RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE L663 DEFENDER – including various accessories designed to help you get the best from it on expedition. Sure to be among the most popular is a close-fit aluminium roof rack, which is available to suit both the 90 and 110.
The rack is strong enough to carry any commercially available roof tent,
including Terrafirma’s own inflatable unit. It was designed with this kind of use in mind, and comes with a full fitting kit plus instructions. Terrafirma’s
Price: £38.51 inc VAT
From: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF8014
THIS IS a tailor-made solution for mounting Terrafirma’s own heavy-duty storage box on your Defender’s roof rack.
new range also includes kits for carrying various other accessories on the company’s roof racks – see below for a selection of these.
Price: £25.60
From: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF8009
TERRAFIRMA OFFERS A RANGE OF AWNINGS FOR USE WITH 4X4S, and this kit is designed to let you mount any of them on to any of the company’s roof racks – including these new ones for the latest Defender.
Price: £48.87
From: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF8012
IT’S NOT AN OFF-ROADER if it doesn’t have a light bar. This kit allows you to fit what is the essential accessory for any self-respecting roof rack, and can also be used for individual spot lights.
Price: £67.59
From: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF8007
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE a long-distance off-road adventurer to want a jerry can about your person (just being a bloke with a chainsaw is enough). But the further you’re planning to go, the more capacity for spare fuel you’ll want – and even with an auxiliary tank, a jerry or two is never going to be a bad idea. Hence this cradle which will hold one single can… maybe you’ll want more than one of them!
Issue 128: July 2024 www.thelandy.co.uk
Aboard this 110 camper, built last year by Black Paw 4x4, the classic byword for completeness is in fact just the beginning of a very comprehensive list of home comforts…
Something that was clear for all to see at the recent Bath and West edition of the Great British Land Rover Show was the huge number of Land Rover fans now who have turned their vehicles into camper vans or fullon expedition vehicles. We’ll be featuring a number of them over the next few issues, some of them home-brewed and others built by professionals, but for now here’s an excellent example of the latter.
It’s an early Puma, dating from 2007, which makes it a 2.4 TDCi. Its owner, Lewis Maynard, bought it last year with about 120,000 miles on the clock and a freshly installed camper conversion on the back.
The work was done by Black Paw 4x4, who installed everything including, yes, the kitchen sink. The kitchen sink, IndelB 30-litre fridge-freezer, Dometic Smev two-burner hob with automatic lighter, you know the sort of thing. As always, making the most of every square inch is critical to a good installation, and the sink has a large storage cupboard beneath it.
There’s also a pair of large pull-out drawers under the worktop and a large underbed area for storage, as well as a small medicine cabinet on the rear wall.
Like every good kitchen area, there’s a toilet hidden away in the corner too. Ideal for when your camp cookery goes wrong and your home-made korma comes out more like a vindaloo.
If this all conjures up the wrong image in your mind, rest assured there’s lots of ventilation. And storage space for a can of Glade, but mainly ventilation. The habitation compartment has two double-glazed Dometic side window with built in blinds and fly screens, while the roof has a vent in it to let air circulate. Said roof also happens to be a double-height pop-top – something that’s becoming increasingly popular as people start to discover that there’s an alternative to roof tents.
One thing there definitely is no alternative to is proper electrics. Lewis’ 110 has a split charge system was keeps the leisure battery healthy when driving, as well as a 110 Watt solar panel on the roof with an MPPT controller to keep it topped up when operating off-grid.
Obviously, if you buy a Defender-based camper you very much do intend to go off-grid, but the reality is that most people use sites most of the time. Hence the full 240v rig which lies ready for when Lewis wants to hook it up.
Elsewhere, the gas locker will hold two 12kg bottles and there’s an external BBQ point underneath. Now, that’s planning. A Shurflo pump in the sink draws fresh water from a 60-litre tank under the floor.
This is all good mini-motorhome stuff, though it could apply to more or less anything on four wheels. But this is a Land Rover, dammit, so those aren’t just any old wheels. They’re ZU alloys with General Grabber AT2, don’t you know.
Of course you know, you’ve been looking. So you’ll have seen that the 110 is also equipped with hefty bumper that’s home to a military-grade Winchmax 13500 – which, Lewis assures us, has never been used. Further additions include a snorkel, wind deflectors, black ally wing tops, a black grille and a full LED conversion plus two spotlights on the A-bar.
Underneath, moving from front to back there’s an uprated Terrafirma steering damper, heavy-duty drag link and track rod, new anti-roll bar and reconditioned radius arms. Even further underneath are Ratel X diff and steering guards, then properly at the back are double heavy-duty coil springs to take all that extra weight. Terrafirma
heavy-duty shocks and polybushes all round help keep it all under control.
Talking of keeping things under control, the chassis was Waxoyled in July last year and Lewis says the paintwork is keeping the cab well protected too. There’s a ‘very minimal’ spot of rust on the bulkhead, but nothing that’s not well within the realms of just needing a bit of preventative maintenance.
So that’s a keeper, then? Well it would be, but it’s not. During the year or so in which he’s owned it, Lewis has done the aforementioned suspension upgrades, prettied it up cosmetically… but only managed a couple of trips
away in the vehicle. ‘Other life commitments,’ he explains, and ain’t that always the case.
That’s why the 110 is listed in the classifieds on page 28 of this issue. Sometimes it’s just too much to have tied up in a truck you’re not using –though being a motorhome it’ll hold its value even better than any other Defender. Code for it won’t be cheap –though in terms of future depreciation, it’ll be practically free. And more to the point, the memories you could make in this thing are off the scale. Heart, head and bank – now, that’s what you call an investment.
‘The Hindon’ by Heritage 1948 has been developed after customer demand for a 15” Wood Rim Wheel with a Satin Black Anodised Body. 'The Hindon’ joins our ever growing range of exceptional quality wheels.
The Hindon 15” Wood Rim by Heritage 1948 has been developed around the classic spirit of the Land Rover and continues our uncompromising commitment to quality aftermarket parts. The Satin Black Anodised Body of the Steering Wheel is forged from durable 6061 Billet Aluminium. This is contrasted by a crafted Beech Wood Rim and nished o with 9 Polished Structural Metal Rivets. A Steering Wheel guaranteed to improve the interior of any Land Rover Series or Defender.
Heritage Wood Rim Steering Wheel 6061 Billet Aluminium
Beech Wood Rim Black Anodised Body 48 & 36 Spine Boss Kits
Product Code: HER-WH-05
+44 (0) 1948 545132
INFO@HERITAGE1948.CO.UK
Heritage 1948 is dedicated to producing a range of outstanding quality Canvas Hoods for Series Land Rovers. Unlike some of our competitors, all of our Land Rover Hoods are handmade in our Somerset factory from superior quality ‘Moorland’ Canvas.
Our handmade Hoods are inherently more accurate than machine produced counterparts, allowing for an enhanced t and exceptional quality control. Heritage 1948 has taken great care to ensure all our Land Rover Hoods have an enhanced life span and are all nished with period correct Solid Brass ttings.
The Great British Land Rover Show has been a red-letter event in the calendar for a long time now. That’s why we added a springtime event at Newark two years ago, followed by a summer show at Bath and West in 2023.
Both of these ran in addition to our famous autumn event at Stoneleigh, which continues to be the big seasonender in the Land Rover calendar. But for 2024, the Great British Land Rover Show is going one better by, for the first time, running all three events in the same year.
Bath and West was a big success in April. Stoneleigh is already looking like another best-seller in November. And now, we’re delighted to welcome you to Newark on 23 June for our first ever summer show!
Even if you missed out on our first Newark show two years ago, if you’ve
been doing Land Rovers for a while the venue will need no introduction Newark Showground is a large, modern and very well equipped site with everything you could ask for –including an excellent off-road course where you’ll be able to put your own Land Rover through its paces.
As usual, the course will be run by the All Wheel Drive Club, whose experienced marshals will be on hand to help you get the best from your Land Rover. Whether yours is a hardcore Defender or a shiny Range Rover Sport, this is the perfect opportunity to use it for what it was built to do –under the watchful eye of a team who really know what they’re looking at.
That’s on top of all the other features you’ve come to expect at the Great British Land Rover Show. As always, there’ll be a wide range of trade stands in the exhibition halls waiting
• Tickets cost £10.50 in advance or £15 on the day
• Children under 14 and disabled carers go FREE OFF ROAD COURSE TICKETS
• Tickets cost £12 in advance or £15 on the day
to tempt you with some of the best products around. And we’ve reserved a section for the clubs that are the lifeblood of the Landy scene – providing the perfect place to meet old friends and be introduced to new ones.
On top of that, in addition to last year we’ve added an autojumble area with a variety of stands selling all sorts of Land Rover bits. Spares plots are still available, too – see our Facebook page for information.
There’s a full run-down of the attractions overleaf. And don’t forget – you can save money by purchasing your tickets in advance when you visit www. gblandrovershow.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you at our new show!
• Tickets are valid for one lap for one driver in your own vehicle. Passengers including children are welcome to join you for the experience
• In order to avoid queues of vehicles waiting to drive round on the day, you must select one of the timed slots to arrive within when you buy your off road course tickets.
Marshal Stool: £8.92 inc VAT
Director’s Chair: £44.92 inc VAT
Available from: maltings4x4store.co.uk
TERRAFIRMA’S FOLDING
MARSHAL STOOL is ideal for watching motorsport, fishing, camping and just chilling in the garden. It measures in at 42cm high, with a 42x28cm seat, and its steel legs mean it’s both strong and large enough for adults – though it’s also sufficiently light and manageable to be used by youngsters. It folds flat for storage, too, making it ideal to pop in the back of your Land Rover for future forays.
Price: £331.72 inc VAT
From: maltings4x4store.co.uk, TF1707
THERE ARE ROOF TENTS AND THEN THERE ARE HARD-SHELL ROOF TENTS, so it stands to reason that there should be awnings and hard-shell awnings. Or ‘hard case,’ actually, which makes it sound like you don’t want to go spilling its pint but actually just means it’s even more stylish.
The Terrafirma Hard Case LED Ready 2.5m x 2.5m Expedition Awning, to give it its full name, takes the 4x4 specialist’s existing design to the next level but putting it in a black powder-coated aluminium case. This can be secured to any flat surface, to mounting points or to a roof
THIS LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING DIRECTOR’S CHAIR, also from Terrafirma, is ideal for camping and expedition use. With padded arms and a convenient drinks holder to the side, you can settle into it for a long night round the campfire – and when it’s time to move on, it comes complete with a handy carry bag with strap and drawstring closure.
rack, using a T-slot extrusion which forms the back of the unit. The awning then rolls out easily and back in just as easily – with all the included poles and guy ropes able to be stored in the case with it.
The awning is made using grey 400D ripstop fabric, which extends 2.5 metres from the vehicle. It’s tensioned by two-stage twist and lock poles – and comes with a full-width LED strip light to illuminate your camping area. Once it’s open, the body of the awning is supported by 2.5-metre, three-stage twist and lock poles, with strong guy ropes and pegs securing it to the ground.
Flip-up window panels from Terrafirma provide easy access through the side of your Defender
Price: £918.90 inc VAT
Available from: maltings4x4store.co.uk
TRYING TO REACH ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT DEEP IN THE LOAD SPACE OF YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE DIFFICULT, especially when it’s riding on lifted suspension and larger tyres. The solution? Terrafirma’s flip up alloy window panels, which provide easy access through the side of the vehicle.
Made from high grade aluminium and finished in classy satin black powder coat, these utilise a combination of premium quality hinges and lockable catches for a beautiful flush fit. The rigid internal structure, which incorporates a ‘molle’ panel for additional oddment stowage, ensures they are leak and draught free. Not only that, but the universal foldable shelf can be used for anything from simple storage to food prep when you’re out camping or on an expedition.
Off-Road Course – run by the AWDC
An ever-popular feature of the Great British Land Rover Show is the opportunity to drive your own vehicle round our fantastic on-site off-road course.
The course has several levels of difficulty and is suitable for all levels of driver ability and experience. The course is also suitable for all makes and models from Series Is to New Defenders and everything in between!
What’s more, the All Wheel Drive Club will be on hand to offer advice and tips on how to drive off-road – as well as helping you out should you manage to do a proper job of it and get stuck!
Advance tickets are priced at only £12 (£15 on the day) and can be bought at the same time as your advance tickets for entry to the Great British Land Rover Show. Advance booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and to be able to select your preferred start time around the course.
Clubs are the lifeblood of the Land Rover scene. And once again, we are offering clubs free space – allowing you to come and promote your club, attracting new members from the thousands of visitors to the Great British Land Rover Show!
The club section of the show has limited capacity and all spaces are available on a first come basis (a list of clubs currently booked to attend is shown to the right). All clubs with a club stand at the show will receive:
• Enough space for two vehicles along with 4 exhibitor passes
• A listing on the show website
• An exclusive link for your club members to buy advance tickets at only £5 each!
And it’s still not too late for clubs to be part of the action. Contact us via www.gblandrovershow.co.uk to register for your club stand – but don’t forget, it’s first come, first served!
If you are coming to the show in your Land Rover, why not make it part of the spectacle? You can pay an extra £10 to park your Land Rover in one of our designated areas adjacent to the show halls – giving you easy access to the event and letting you show off your truck for all the other visitors to enjoy! Strictly no trade use.
Autojumble is part and parcel of life as a Land Rover owner, and there’ll be a selection of traders offering all sorts of bits and pieces to help you keep your truck alive and well.
In addition, a number of spares plots are also available – so you can even come along to the show and earn something out of the things you don’t need that are lying around in your garage. All the more to spend on those new bits which, this time, you’ll definitely get round to fitting…
Lincolnshire Land Rover Club
We are a competitive ALRC club, we regularly hold tyro, RTV, CCV and comp safari events. We would like to show off some vehicles and attract some new members to the club.
Four Pot Land Rover Club
Formed in June 2021 by ‘Land Rover Sophie,’ the Four Pot Land Rover Club pay tribute to the classic four cylinder land rovers of yesteryear. Our members proudly own a diverse range of vehicles, including an authentic 1983 110 Camel Trophy, early Discovery 1 models, Defender County Station Wagons and a variety of historic Series II and III vehicles.
LR4x4UK
Here at LR4x4UK we are a UK based Land Rover club dedicated to any Land Rover enthusiasts who have such a passion for Land Rovers. We do club meets, 4x4 days out including green landing and play and pay days. We also do many club shows.
Peak & Dukeries Land Rover Club
We are a competition club holding events for cross country trials, road taxed vehicle trials and also comp safari events. Thrown in with this we incorporate camping weekends, kids bike trials and soapbox racing.
GetDirty 4x4
Get Dirty is open to all and has around 400 members mainly in Herts, Beds and Bucks. With private hire of many off-road sites on a monthly basis and green laning, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out with us. With a very active community on WhatsApp combined with other socials, there’s always help on hand too.
Solihull Rust
We are a friendly family club of Land Rovers and Commonwealth Games flag cars.
Nottingham Land Rover Club
Family based club that has regular off road and camping events throughout the year.
Doncaster & District Land Rover Club
We are a family friendly club, we run trips out laning, hold social camping events and have monthly club meets. We regularly attend Land Rover and 4x4 shows throughout the year.
Club stands are free. Clubs are invited to apply for a place at the show by visiting www.gblandrovershow.co.uk
Embark on your next camping and or expedition with confidence, armed with the right equipment and invaluable tips for a memorable outdoor experience.
Plan Ahead: Research your destination and map your route in advance.
Stay Flexible: Embrace spontaneity and make the most out of your trip.
Roof Tent - TF1710
> Inflatable Structure
> Erects in 2 minutes
> Integrated Mattress
Pack Wisely: Prioritise essential gear while optimising space in your vehicle. Pack efficiently to minimise clutter and maximise accessibility during your expedition.
> 420D PU Oxford Fabric
Respect Nature: Leave no trace and practice responsible camping etiquette to minimise your environmental impact. Respect wildlife, adhere to safety protocols, and leave your campsite pristine for future adventurers to enjoy.
Terrafirma Camping:
Emergency Equipment
> 400 D Ripstop Fabric
> Twist & Lock Alloy Poles
> Built-In PVC Cover
> Easy to Mount Awning - TF1700
Fridge Freezers
Storage Boxes
Roof Tents Awnings
www.terrafirma4x4.com
Reliable Shelter: Invest in a sturdy and versatile tent designed to withstand the elements. Look for features like waterproof materials, easy setup mechanisms, and ample space to accommodate your camping crew comfortably.
> BBQ Grill Included
> Stainless Steel
> Stores Flat
> Storage Bag Included Fire Pit - TF1730
Off-Road Essentials: Equip your vehicle with the necessary tools for navigating challenging terrains. From recovery gear like winches and traction mats to tyre inflators and spare parts, being prepared ensures you’re ready for any obstacle that comes your way.
> Heavy Duty
> Aluminium Frame
> Cup Holder
> Carry Bag Included Chair - TF1720
Cooking Gear: Opt for compact stoves, durable cookware, and versatile utensils to whip up delicious meals amidst the wilderness.
Lighting Solutions: Extend your outdoor adventures into the night with reliable lighting solutions. LED lights, headlamps, and campsite lighting can illuminate your surroundings and create a cozy ambiance after sundown.
Comfort Enhancements: Prioritise comfort during your camping escapades with quality sleeping gear and camp chairs. Invest in comfortable and durable camp chairs for relaxing around the campfire or enjoying scenic views in comfort.
Terrafirma
Accessories and upgrades for Land Rover vehicles. The Terrafirma range of Land Rover accessories has been created to meet the exceptional demands of Land Rover enthusiasts and is distributed worldwide through Allmakes 4×4 authorised parts and accessory dealers. Terrafirma offers choice, clear product identification and application, making sure the correct product can be selected from the extensive range of accessories.
www.terrafirma4x4.com 01235 821122
Showering Pavillion SPB4
JLR
SUPPLIERS OF
Lynne
Maltings
01427 753394
01427 753394
parts@maltingsoffroad.co.uk
parts@maltingsoffroad.co.uk
maltings4x4store.co.uk
01427 753394
maltings4x4store.co.uk
maltingsoffroad
parts@maltingsoffroad.co.uk
maltings4x4store.co.uk
maltingsoffroad maltings off road
Land Rover and Jaguar Parts Specialist
UK's No.1 Supplier
Simtek
Skynet
Vault GS26
Overlander 4x4
Overlander 4x4 reflects Britain’s new-found interest in an outdoor lifestyle. We’re not a magazine about camping, but a magazine about the sort of adventures that involve it. Primarily, we focus on overlanding – showcasing both trip-of-a-lifetime expeditions as well as adventures that are more modest and, for most of us, more attainable. As always with anything four-wheel drive, it’s going to be a journey worth making, so join us for the adventure.and subscribe for just £6 for your first 6 issues of Overlander 4x4. overlander4x4.co.uk Outside
Heritage Land Rover Heritage Land Rover is a new magazine celebrating the first half-century of the Great British 4x4. Produced by Land Rover experts and enthusiasts, it covers the era of the Series I, II and III as well as the original Range Rover, and on to modern classics such as the early Discovery and Defender. Published four times a year, Heritage Land Rover is a high-quality magazine combining great writing with beautiful photography. It’s printed on the best paper in the business, too –ensuring that like the vehicles itself, this is a publication you will keep hold of and treasure. Outside
lets you put a new dash in an old Land Rover – and a great deal more besides
The DashDapter3 from Simtek is available in S, C and A models (Standard, Comprehensive and Advanced), each of them bringing increasing levels of capability and functionality. It acts as an interface for a wide range of Landy specialists including vehicle converters, restomodders, customisers, upgraders and engine transplanters.
The unit promises to be ideal for a wide range of purposes:
• When you want to remove your engine and replace it with a different one
• When you want to put a Puma dash in a resto-mod 90
• When you want to upgrade your Puma Defender with a late Freelander dash
• The Advanced model allows operation of the original AirCon functions in the 2.2 Puma
‘So far,’ says Simtek, ‘we have focused on the Land Rover Puma dash (2.2 and 2.4). Our most recent addition is the more colourful Freelander 2 dash, which offers more functionality.
DD3 is available with a plug kit, generic harness or bespoke harness, and comes with a user interface.
To fi nd out more, call 01706 854857 or email bodylogic@simtekuk.co.uk.
Black Fox Custom Ltd are here to turn your dream into reality with a selection of bespoke packages transforming your Land Rover Defender form the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Whilst Black Fox Custom Ltd is a relatively new company based in Hull, we have over ten years’ experience customising various vehicles. The Black Fox branding has been warmly received and admired by our existing customers and suppliers alike. We enjoy our work and are proud to see the amazing reactions when customers collect their vehicle from our workshop.
We believe customising your Defender should be hassle free with a collaborative approach to help you define your unique outstanding look on the road.
Customers can select one or more of our Packages and optionally choose additional quality parts ranging from smoked light covers to upgraded 22” wheels and tyres.
Our flexible approach to modifying your Defender’s visual presence, with a single visit or over a period of time, is cost effective and transparent throughout. We are happy to discuss and plan your customisations to your Land Rover Defender 90, 110 and 130.
Check us out and contact us on our website WWW.BLACKFOXLTD.COM or call 01482 238091. Follow us on Instagram BLACKFOX_LTD and Facebook BLACK FOX VEHICLE CUSTOMISATIONS.
Metal Design and Fabrication:
From bespoke residential and commercial metalwork to intricate art pieces, including Jerry cans and fire extinguishers.
Custom Gates and Railings: Enhance the security and aesthetics of your property with our custom gates, railings, and security products, meticulously crafted to your specifications.
Tailored Solutions:
Whether you’re looking for residential metalwork or made-to-measure railings, or need bespoke solutions for your commercial establishment, I’ve got you covered. Each project is approached with dedication and craftsmanship.
With an extensive product offering to follow later this year, the Great British Land Rover Show at Newark will be the first chance for enthusiasts of the legendary Defender to see Vault’s expert craftmanship in person – with vehicles including their 1-of-1 Art Edition and their Heritage Edition-inspired pick-up appearing on stand GS26.
Utilising the collective knowledge of a team boasting decades of high-level
experience in manufacturing excellence in the automotive industry, Vault will offer an impressive catalogue of OEM grade products and is a genuine one-stop solution for your Land Rover Defender needs.
Designed, manufactured and tested to only the very highest standard, ensuring durability and luxury, Vault products to come in 2024 and beyond include machined-from-solid aluminium components, full interior sets, and external accessories.
The only company able to offer genuine Alston™ trimmed products, Vault will be able to provide both stock and
custom colour options so you can make your iconic Land Rover Defender truly yours both inside and out.
Find Vault on Instagram via @vault_ classic and for all enquiries please email sales@vault-classic.com.
To advertise in The Landy, call our team on 01283 553244
We’re on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelandyuk
Charlie is an early Series II whose story is one of triumph, tragedy and the strength of the
Its restoration had many obstacles to overcome along the way – but now it’s complete, it’s truly a classic for
What’s in a name? People name pets, houses, vehicles, even footballs when they’re cast away. And this Land Rover Series II is named Charlie. It might be droll if that was because the owner had a coke habit. Or if he’d served in Vietnam – the Viet Cong were often referred to as Charlie or Charles. But this name? It’s not droll. It really isn’t.
What do you think you would do if you really liked Land Rovers and you had just bought a rare, low-mileage 1958 Series II Land Rover fire engine in immaculate condition? You’d be happy, right? Or, in fact, no. Not if your name is Gary Jarrald.
Because you can’t mess with it; that would be sacrilege. So you have to
just, you know, drive it, look at it, polish it. And where, thought Gary, is the pleasure in that? All the time he was looking around for a project. He knew this old boy locally, Graham, who along with his brother was slowly starting to restore an old model but that wasn’t happening quickly so Gary looked elsewhere.
But life – life has its own plan and we can plan all we want but it’s life’s own plan that we end up having to follow. Gary got ill, cancer, serious. That changed his outlook on life, as it would and probably as it should.
Then the old boy, Graham, his brother came down with cancer and died.
Graham kept the old Land Rover and couldn’t bear to part with it as it was such a link to his brother. But Graham
was already in his eighties and he had a fall and he just couldn’t continue with the restoration but couldn’t face getting rid of the vehicle.
Gary recovered and went to see Graham. He knew people would try and buy it for a song, or do it up and flog it on, but this was a project that needed some soul. He made a promise to Graham that, if he bought it, he’d do it up faithfully and he’d keep it for him and his sons. Graham reluctantly agreed to the sale on one condition.
This is what he said: ‘Promise me, when it’s done, let me come and see it and sit in it one last time. And let me take a photo with this plaque attached to the Land Rover, just for the photo.’
The copper plaque bore Graham’s brother’s name. It was Charlie. Gary agreed, and looked at the 1958 Series II he’d just bought and agreed to restore. It had been garaged for many years and there was plenty of rust and some modifications that the two old brothers had started to make.
One of them was to replace the original 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 200 Tdi, which involved messing about with the bulkhead and panels. This might not be easy.
And perhaps we should be grateful that he wasn’t one of those shiny professionals. They replace everything, The vehicle started life with a 2.0-litre spread-bore petrol engine, making it one of only about 1500 and therefore a bit of a rarity. Not that that mattered to whoever it was that craned it out and dropped in a 200 Tdi instead. This is not that Tdi, though nor is it a 2.0; Gary happened to have a Rover V8 lying around, which had come out of another Series II and seemed like an ideal candidate to go in this one
But Gary knew about Land Rovers after a lifetime of being around them, following a strand of military life going back to his father and indeed to the Falklands. He could see that it was all there. Even though he wasn’t a professional restorer, he reckoned he could do this.
Graham and Charlie were restoring the Series II, but it was a slow process and after the latter passed away it became a stopped process. Gary knew the vultures would be circling, so he got in quickly to ensure the project would be taken on with respect rather than an eye to profit. What he got was a Land Rover that needed a whole lot of work but which, crucially, had all the right bits there – all the way down to the metal Graham and Charlie had cut away while fitting a 200 Tdi, which was good because fetching it right back out again was at the top of Gary’s to-do list
so it looks concours but it’s like my ancestor’s axe – it’s totally original apart from the head being replaced and the shaft being replaced twice.
Gary set to in November 2022. Behind him was cancer, covid and a divorce. At this point you might be thinking that life had thrown enough manure at Gary and he deserved a bit of peace and quiet to get on with this restoration. He certainly did. He took six months away from work so he could focus on the Series II. He was thrilled to discover that so much of what was there needed restoring but not replacing. Chassis (apart from the rear crossmember), axles, even bodywork apart from the rear tailgate – all good after some TLC. The engine was a different matter.
Gary in no way wanted to offend Graham but equally there was no way the modern diesel could stay in that engine bay. It came out and in went a V8. Now you might think that’s not original either but Gary happened to have about his person a V8 that had come from another Series II.
The vehicle you see here, 74 BYD, was one of the early models. Land Rover started making them in April 1958 and this one rolled off the line in June, as mentioned, with one of the last of the 2.0-litre engines.
Getting the V8 in took a bit of work as the engine bay and bulkhead had had some sections chopped out to fit
in the Tdi. However Graham comes from a generation that doesn’t throw stuff away – no, kids, you didn’t invent ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. All the metal sections he’d cut out were in the rear tub and so went right back in again, a very satisfying bit of jigsaw puzzle. By February 2023, Gary had made massive progress. This was a nuts and bold rebuild, everything back to its components, but then virtually all of it
restored and refitted. The chassis was done, the engine was in and the bodywork was off at the sprayers. While most go for one of the heritage colours, Gary went for a 1984 Land Rover colour, Atlantic Green, in enamel so it really should last. Just halfway through his six-month sabbatical he was really rolling. He got a phone call. It was the hospital. He was suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer. They’d been
www.fourplus4-leeds.co.uk
aware this was an issue but hadn’t actually got around to telling him. Envy of the world.
He had surgery and ended up with slightly less Gary than before. Then he got back into his unit to crack on with the rebuild. Graham and Charlie had made some modifications and Gary only changed some of them. For example you’ll notice Superwinch freewheeling hubs on the front wheels – Gary didn’t change them back, but just left them. Any changes he himself has made can be reversed to make it totally original. As it is, 90% of it is original.
At times like after the surgery, an old Land Rover needing restoration could be the perfect thing to throw yourself into, to focus on and think about the future of. As Gary says so admirably now: ‘There’s no point in giving up. Time wasted moaning about what’s
going wrong in your life is time wasted from living. You just press on.’
Pressing on, he got it finished and fired up. And it didn’t work. Why was it such a mare from cold? Gary had rebuilt the V8 with E10 fuel in mind but it turned out the new fuel, so beloved by so many, had found some little bits of diesel in the tank and had then made a sort of dissolved resin that got fired through the system. So much so that the valve stems when cold were being stuck in place by this resin. So the valves decided to start hitting things and bending things.
Time for the engine to come out. Again. And be rebuilt. Again. And for the whole system to be flushed through. I don’t know about you but I’m just lost in admiration for Gary’s perseverance and stoic determination not to be stopped by anything life can throw at him. He’s upbeat, cheerful
and full of positive energy. He’s quite a chap.
And, being a good chap, when he’d finally got it all working again he rang up Graham and told him. And Graham came over, holding in his hands the plaque with his brother’s name. And when he saw the fantastic work that Gary had done it all got pretty emotional. Excuse me, I seem to have something in my eye…
Graham duly had his photo taken with the Series II and of course with Charlie’s plaque temporarily in place. And then Graham said, you know, I’ve been thinking, would you keep the plaque on?
And now Charlie is on the front grille for ever more, and Gary is committed to never selling the Series II. Charlie, as of course the vehicle has been known for some time, including by Gary’s boys, has a pretty good life
ahead. Gary and his partner and sons like the outdoors life, camping, going out for picnics, going to the beach. And for those trips it is Charlie who takes
them there and stays with them and gets them home.
Charlie is no longer with us. Long live Charlie.
All the information you need – in one place – to buy your perfect Landy
To most true Land Rover people, the original Range Rover was the best thing ever to wear that badge.
Maybe not the early two-door, despite its classic appeal, but as the old stager got into its twilight years it became the
perfect blend of luxury and usability. It was proper posh by then – but it was still a vehicle you could use for towing a digger to its work site, fetching a dead stag off a mountain or getting across the Sahara without you needing to take a million quid laptop along for the ride.
Never was it better suited to all its working roles than with Land Rover’s brilliant Tdi engine under its bonnet. Strong, torquey and unbelievably long-lasting, it’s a diesel for the ages – and while it wasn’t fast, especially in auto form, it was extremely willing and, if you wanted, thoroughly tunable.
Almost 30 years have passed since the last one was made, so of course you’re looking at chassis and body
Series I (1948-1958) £5000-£85,000
all Land Rovers. Its engineering and design give it real charisma, but parts aren’t readily available. Restoration projects require deep pockets, but see it through and the result will be worth mega bucks. Gone are the days where you could use a Series I as an actual Land Rover. Because with restored examples changing hands
Series III (1971-1985)
terms, keeping the same 2.25-litre engines throughout the length of its production run. In 1980, the engines switched to a more durable five-bearing crank rather than the old threebearing setup. The transmission also received syncromesh on all forward gears to make it easier to live with.
for millionaire money, preservation is the aim of the game.
The earlier the vehicle, the more it will be worth. The sky’s the limit – but can you really put a price on such an icon?
Pros: Heritage, charm, a true classic, the original Land Rover Cons: Availability of parts, price tag on early 80s
£2500-£30,000
They still carry the simplicity of earlier Land Rovers, but can be obtained for a fraction of the price... for now.
Pros: Most affordable way into Series ownership. Still has the Series pedigree. Parts still widely available
Cons: Not yet as desirable as the earlier Series models
(1968-1984) £3500-£22,000
These military vehicles can easily be distinguished from regular
Land Rovers. To mimic the civvy Series machines, the Series III model built from 1972 onwards, also had its headlights switched out to the wings.
Lightweights add an extra dimension to owning a Land Rover. Their military history and details mean you get a truck with more stories to tell – and that stands
out from the crowd. They’re a rare breed, though – so if you’ve got one, it’s worth keeping hold of.
Pros: Not like all the other Land Rovers out there. Military background. Lovely 2.25 petrol
Cons: Appearance isn’t to everyone’s taste. Exclusivity over regular models means they command a price premium
rust, derelict interiors and all manner of mechanical woe. A good Tdi, though, is a legend among legends – and truly a Range Rover to treasure.
are
much of that early charm. Prices are on the increase, however, as these vehicles start to come into their own as collector’s items.
A 2.25 petrol 88” would be our pick, as the diesel engines were underpowered and rather noisy.
The Series II/IIA has a wider stance than its predecessor and adds an extra (thin) layer of
rarity – with all the cachet, pride and immense awkwardness that comes with this status.
By ‘rare’, we’re talking about less than 2500 Series IIA FCs in total. And they tended to have a very hard life, so not many have survived to tell the tale.
Forward-Control models differed from everyday Series IIs by
Insure a Range Rover Tdi auto with Adrian Flux from £175
• Based on a 1994 300 Tdi
Vogue SE. Valued at £12,500, 7500 miles a year. 50 year old driver, fully comp, £200 excess
£2500-£45,000
refinement. While the engines have excellent longevity, they need to have been maintained properly. Be thorough in your checks, both under the bonnet and underneath the body.
Pros: A sound investment to restore – and enjoy Cons: Bulkheads and chassis rot, springs prone to seizing
having heavy-duty ENV axles, but engine-wise they had the familiar 2.25 petrol and diesel lumps. So, don’t expect performance – but do expect to be given an ‘interesting’ time in the workshop…
Pros: A Land Rover like no other, if that’s what you want Cons: Especially brutal to drive, and to find parts
the time came for demob. They were flogged off at very low prices and turned into off-road toys –not something you’d do with one today, given the rarity and classic value they’ve taken on.
Compared to the IIA/IIB FC, the 101 is more fun thanks to its V8 engine. It’s still a military tool, though – some still have fixtures and fittings from their Army
which adds interest. This is a vehicle for enthusiasts, though, with costs that are sky-high even by Land Rover standards.
of the
The Series I, particularly in its 80” guise, is the most sought-after of The Series II/IIA is more affordable than a Series I, yet it still carries The Series III wasn’t too dissimilar to the Series IIA in mechanicalThe Tdi engine, which arrived with the Defender name, can last for
decades if it’s looked after. Find one that’s had all its oil changes (a tall order) and it’ll go round (and round) the clock.
The good thing about the earlier 200Tdi is that it’s simpler than the later 300. What you gain here you lose in refinement, but this is seen by many experts as the best Defender of them all.
The LT77 gearbox in the 200 Tdi is more truck-like than the later R380, and these vehicles didn’t come with bling. Just be sure it’s an original Tdi you’re getting, not an old Discovery conversion.
Pros: The perfect combination of tradition and modernity
Cons: Lots of horrible and/or deceptive ones around
Defender 300 Tdi (1994-1998) £4500-£43,000
The
the two are related. It’s much more refined and smoother to drive, though there are more electronics involved so later versions in particular are less of a DIY fix.
The arrival of the 300 Tdi also brought with it the R380 gearbox. This used to have a terrible reputation for relability, but most have been put right by now and they’ve
smooth six-speed gearboxes, They still had phenomenal off-road ability and were even okay to sit in. Famously, this was the Defender that actually had a dashboard
become sought after for their light clutch and better shift action. It was during the Tdi era that Defenders started getting things like alloys, too. You might even find one that’s not been off-road…
Pros: Strength and simplicity.
Perhaps the definitive Defender Cons: Sure to be very different to when it left the factory
When Land Rover introduced the Defender name, it was actually the
and
130 that changed the most. That’s because unlike the old 127, it was built on a proper chassis of its own rather than a stretched 110 frame.
The advent of the Tdi engine was the making of the 130, too. At last, Land Rover could make them pull properly without returning single-figure fuel economy by using a hard-worked V8.
a strong performer. It does lend itself to being tuned though, so watch out for abused ones and knackered examples that have been pushed beyond the limit.
As with all Defenders, you’ll need a rear crossmember sooner or later – or even a new chassis.
As a result, you’ll find many more original(ish) 130s than 127s. Some are even still in service with the utility companies they were built for.
Despite having more electronics than the Tdi, a Td5 Defender can still be a DIY
The last Defenders gained modern 2.4 and 2.2 TDCi engines and
Many people dislike the TDCi, especially the earlier 2.4, but they still change hands for huge money – especially when the likes of Kahn or Twisted have been
involed. You will always pay a premium for a Puma, and a Tdi or Td5 may turn out to be a better purchase. Even then, though, look after it and you may well never see depreciation.
Pros: Efficiency, creature comforts, off-road prowess
Cons: Price, electronics, TDCi engine is unloved Defender TDCi (2007-2016) £8500-£195,000
to steer it away on to something safer. Like Brexit, for example.
Much as it may infuriate purists, however, the Defender is actually a very wonderful thing. It’s kind of like an old one, only with space, comfort and equipment.
£55,000-£165,000
making modifications – a market Land Rover wants to take back and have for itself. It won’t hold its value long-term the way an original-shaper does, either. But this is still a superb vehicle.
Pros: Comfort, capability, rugged fitness for purpose
Cons: Not cheap to buy. Lacks the old one’s basic charm Defender (2020-on)
If the subject of the new Defender comes up in enthusiast circles, try
The big difference is that you can’t work on it yourself. This goes for maintenance and, crucially,
It’s also a notable classic in its own way, as it heralded the start of the company’s modern era. It has its issues, though. The viscous coupling is expensive to replace and can be upset simply by running mismatched tyres.
The 1.8 petrol used to be notorious for head gasket failures. Today’s replacements are much
more robust, but a late diesel is your best bet. Even these can go calamitously wrong, though. This was a more complex car than it needed to be, and buying one for sweeties now doesn’t change that.
Pros: Cheap to buy, no big rust issues, surprisingly able off-road Cons: All sorts of things can go wrong, some very expensively
Range Rover Classic (1970-96) £4000-£275,000
The
2 (2006-2015) £2000-£17,500
The Freelander 2 was a massive improvement on the model
it replaced. It’s a refined and affordable SUV with a strong engine, good equipment and a decent level of practicality.
It’s become one of the most reliable Land Rovers out there, too.
But do be aware of the rear diff and Haldex unit for costly outlays.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a strong performer, though for a
bargain search out one with the unpopular 3.2 petrol unit. Either way, it’s a fine SUV to drive.
Prices have fallen since the production ended, too – £10,000 now gets you one worth having.
Pros: Reliability, refinement, economy of diesel engine
Cons: Transmissions can wear quickly if used for towing
is a classic you can use everyday – and there are people who do just that, preferring to invest new-car money in a restoration than spending it on a current model.
It’s a smart policy, too. An early two-door can cost mega money, but any Classic will appreciate in value if kept in good condition –and sought-after rarities like the CSK and LSE can be a gold mine.
Range Rover (2002-12)
The Mk3 Range Rover hit new heights of luxury and was more re-
The
Range Rover
as
liable than the P38. It’ll still cost a lot to run, however, and drivetrain faults and underbody corrosion are not unknown.
The TDV8 engine is sublime, but you’ll pay more to get one –especially the 4.4, though the 3.6 has all the power you need. The V8 petrol, on the other hand, is temptingly cheap. Guess why…
to greater extremes than ever, with lavish equipment and endless opportunities for personalisation.
It’s a supreme lifestyle wagon for the rich: to many of Land Rover’s traditional fans, on the other hand, it’s the supreme irrelevance.
If you can afford one, few cars could be as pleasing. However if you can afford one and you love
An awful lot of Rangeys have been neglected and/or abused, and you can still buy they cheap. But if you’ve got the skills, and access to parts, restoring one would be the ultimate hobby that pays.
Pros: Most usable classic Land Rover, V8 power, ride quality
Cons: Rust, availability of parts for early models
£2200-£27,000
This isn’t a DIY motor, but it certainly is a Range Rover, with brilliant off-road and towing skills. It relies a lot on electronics, but they work wonders – and the deepdown engineering is very robust.
Pros: Great off-road, luxury, image, TDV8 powerplants
Cons: Very complex. Huge running costs
Land Rovers, you’re likely to be thinking about how many real ones you could buy with this sort of money. It wouldn’t make a bad way to tow your collection about the place, though…
Pros: Immense prestige, and sublime both to be in and drive
Cons: To at least 99% of people it’s utterly divorced from reality
Range Rover Sport (2013-22) £19,500-£140,000
The second-generation Range Rover Sport is 400kg lighter than
When
the original, meaning it’s almost economical to run. It feels really nimble and agile on the road, too, and it comes with a range of engines giving it a brisk turn of pace. Some won’t like the flamboyant posture, while others will love it. Either way, inside the cabin it’s very nearly as luxurious as the full-fat Range Rover.
the masses. Given that it was the company’s fastest-selling vehicle, they clearly hit the brief, even if it wasn’t for the traditional Land Rover owner.
It’s actually still a capable thing off-tarmac – but it’s definitely more at home on the road.
Nevertheless, it is economical by Land Rover standards and
The only stumbling block with such a fine motor is going to be how to pay for it. Depreciation has started to bring down the purchase price – though you’ll never run one on a shoestring.
Pros: Performance, refinement, glorious interior Cons: Marmite image. Pricey to buy and run
because there are so many out there, used prices are tempting. There’s a Convertible model, too, as well as three and five-door
working order is still a sensational car to
own, even today. The problem is that they’re very complex and very, very good at going wrong.
Air suspension failure is the norm. Head gaskets can let go.
Electronics are laughably flaky. And parts can cost the earth – as will the labour bills. Perhaps worst of all, nowadays it’s very hard to find one you can be sure hasn’t
spent at least part of its life being worked on by idiots
Still, you’ll get a classy motor with proper off-road and towing skills. It’s becoming a classic, too, and prices are still tiny considering everything you get.
Pros: Luxury, price, a Land Rover that doesn’t rust Cons: Electrics. Be very afraid
Range Rover (2012-22) £20,000-£150,000
range supply copious amounts of power, and its road manners are absolutely impeccable.
It’s startlingly capable off-road, too, even if getting one muddy would feel like bad form. Most that leave the tarmac probably do so only when their owners are in the mood to blow some grouse out of the sky.
a supreme off-roader as well as being a funky road ride. It doesn’t handle like a sports car, but is agile enough for an SUV.
A Discovery of the same era is far more practical, however, while a full-fat Rangey has more class.
Inside, the Range Rover’s cabin is superb, with sumptuous trim and cutting-edge equipment. Prices are, of course, as immense as the vehicle itself. But if you can afford it, so too is the presence a Rangey will give you.
Pros: Class, luxury, engines, vast all-round capability
Cons: Price
You’re looking at a car which many people associate with rich chavs and criminals, however. And being based on the Discovery 3, it can’t help but share that vehicle’s reputation as a money pit.
Pros: Decent performance and all-round dynamics
Cons: A Disco 3 is more usable. Expect horrific running costs Range Rover Sport (2005-2013) £2500-£20,000
The Sport is mechanically similar to the Discovery 3 – meaning it’s
The Sport is still a massively able tow barge, though, in addition to all its other virtues.
new Range Rover. The Sport is less about being chauffeur driven and more about lording it over other aspirational school runners, but once again it’ll be lovely to drive.
Like the full fat Range Rover (a phrase which has never felt more appropriate), the Sport is available with an old-school V8 engine that gives you racecar performance in
Touch Pro Duo tech and a hike in quality.
The main highlight of the new Evoque is the fact the majority of the range is made up of mild
return for NASA-level emissions. Most UK customers with opt for an altogether healthier plug-in hybrid, but they’ll still get a vehicle that’s brutally fast a well as being able to do the normal Range Rover stuff.
Pros: Smooth, refined, comfy… and game for a laugh, too
Cons: Still hasn’t quite shed its proceeds-of-crime image Range Rover Sport (2022-on) £80,500-£145,000
hybrids, available with diesel and petrol engines combining to an electric motor. Only the base D150 Evoque escapes the electrification,
The current Range Rover is a majestic 4x4. All the engines in theThe Velar a competent cruiser and has received numerous accolades
because of its particularly handsome exterior. It’s based upon the same architecture as the Jaguar F-Pace but has greater off-road ability and is available with a wide choice of engines, most of which combine good economy with usable everyday performance.
The interior is Land Rover’s most advanced cabin to date, with
most reliable units ever. It drives well, too – mated to a manual box it has more guts even than the V8 option, which is surprisingly bland but predictably thirsty.
other models expected to follow the Velar in due course.
But is there a whiff of style over substance? Well, it’s a very good SUV. But you don’t half pay a premium for those suave looks...
Pros: Stylish design, chic cabin, excellent tech features
Cons: Feels like an indulgence, especially at such a high price
with the same 100” wheelbase and a slick body containing a spacious, flexible cabin. It was well equipped and refined, and it came with the wonderful Tdi engine.
Over time, the Disco’s epic ability meant almost all of them were hammered at playdays. Lower body rust is a big killer, too. So it’s rare to find a good one now,
and when you do they tend to be priced with a lot of optimism.
Very early ones in tip-top condition are full-on classics, too. For a sound one to own, we’d look for a tidy 300Tdi.
Pros: Price, practicality, parts availability. Epic off-road ability
Cons:
been
models had air-suspension, with all the horrors that brings.
Whereas the Disco 1 was prone to body rust, the D2 is fine here. Instead, its chassis rots like a carrot, especially towards the back end. Also at the back, seven-seat
is basically an evolution of the 3. It looks similar and is still a practicality monster, as well as being hugely impressive on and off-road and a hero in front of a trailer, but despite being only subtly tweaked inside feels far more luxurious.
Mainly, D2 owners will tell you about rogue electronics. And leaky sunroofs. They still love their trucks, though, which says a lot.
Pros: Td5 power and reliability, great all-rounder, lots of choice
Cons: Chassis rust, electronics, leaky sunroofs, air suspension Discovery 2 (1998-2004) £1000-£11,000
and capable off-road, genuinely luxurious and a giant of a tow truck, and as well as being able to seat seven adults it can be turned into a van with a totally flat rear load area.
But it was also astonishingly complex, and these days it has a reputation as a money pit.
Air suspension and electronic
handbrakes are big sources of woe, cam belts are a body-off job to change and rust is becoming more of an issue. Get a good one, though, and it’s all the car you’ll ever need.
Pros: Good at everything. Lots of accessories available now
Cons: As fragile as you expect, and then some
start off by buying the best you can possibly afford – and at the top of the market, they don’t come cheap. Get it right, though, and this is as good as a modern Land Rover has ever been.
Somewhere between a facelift and a whole new model, the Disco 4
Pros: Most LR fans’ idea of what a Range Rover should be like Cons: Still a potential money pit, and the best are expensive Discovery 4 (2009-2017) £6000-£30,000
That hasn’t prevented it from suffering all the same issues as time has gone on. You need to
body and dishes up an appealing all-round blend of comfort, kit and general driving manners.The third row of seats is only suitable for little ‘uns, though, and off-road it’s a Discovery in name only.
at
launch it was the most capable Land Rover on sale – the new Defender will be going some to wrest that crown from it.
All the engines in the range are refined and flexible, and its chassis is remarkably supple for such a big vehicle. There’s no end of electronics working away in the background, but the effect is very
£24,500-£95,000
convincing – as is an interior that might make you wonder why you’d bother paying more for a Range Rover. Just be careful not to go wild with the options and end up paying more for a Discovery…
Pros: Immense blend of comfort and practicality
Cons: Feels more like a softroader than a proper Discovery
Pros: More practical than an Evoque, and less vulgar. Seven seats. Capable enough off-road Cons: Back seats only for small mammals. Price of top models Discovery Sport (2015-19) £12,500-£33,000
It’s a more practical proposition than the closely related Evoque, and you won’t need to live with the fear of Posh Spice jokes. You
might shudder at the price if you’re buying new, though – but on the used market, there are some tidy looking deals to be had, even on high-spec examples.
of some models
£11,500. Holsworthy. 07861 741441 05/24/007
Series III 109” 2.25 petrol. Ex-military. All original. Good chassis, bulkhead will need future work. Roadworthy. Much spent on recent full rewire, tyres and new canvas. £6950. Wadebridge. 07775 593539 05/24/002
Defender 110 2.4 TDCi camper (2011). 175,000 miles. Dormobile roof, Speedwing awning, ARB compressor, 125-litre fuel capacity. Engine rebuilt and mapped. Emu shocks. £21,999. Marldon, Devon. 07522 552611 06/24/004
Front and rear heated windows, 1000W 12V inverter, Eberspacher diesel heating system, reversing camera. £15,500. Whitchurch, Hampshire. 07725 819365 06/24/003
Series II 88” 2.25 petrol (1960). Original chassis and engine, recon gearbox. SU carb, Fairey overdrive. Parabolics. General Grabbers, Wolf rims. Good body. Adjustable seats. Many extras. £12,000. Rochdale. 07766 241592 05/24/013
Defender 110 2.4 TDCi Utility (2011). 157,427 miles. Recent clutch, turbo, transfer case. Exterior lights, adjustable towbar, 7-pin plug, Maxxis 764 Bighorn MTs. MOT Sept. £8995 + VAT. Pwllheli. 07450 654988 06/24/005
Defender 110 Utility (1997). 198,000 miles. Galv chassis, engine rebuild 20,000 miles ago. Winch bumper, +2” lift, rack, BFGs. Spare mount on bonnet. MOT Jan. £6500ono. Dumfries and Galloway. 07754 530271 06/24/006
firma steering arms, LOF clutch and flywheel, Frontrunner rack. MOT Sep. £14,000. Lincoln. 07944 002998 05/24/011
Defender 90 TD5 HT (2000). 148,000 miles. Galv chassis. New turbo at 117,000 miles, new floor pans in 2022. Full respray in 2016. Excellent condition for year. Rare factory colour. £12,500. Bedford. 07766 832605 05/24/008
Rover monster truck (1973). Suffix A
Defender 110 2.4 TDCi camper (2007). 124,500 miles. HD susp. LEDs, Grabbers, 13,500lb winch. Double-height pop-top, fridgefreezer, hob, 60-litre water tank, split-charge. £36,995.
Hereford. 07714 614567 05/24/005 Series III Lightweight (1972).
Defender 90 2.4 TDCi (2007). 122,000 miles. New clutch and flywheel, +2” suspension, cranked rear arms, dislocation cones. Re-
110 CSW project (1989). Galv rolling chassis and bulkhead, refurb axles, 5.9 Cummins (Reece Myers conversion). ZF lorry box. New PAS box, front brakes, HD suspension. Project to complete. £8000. Consett. 07968 176213 05/24/012
Every year, the Land Rover Yearbook brings together the best stories from the pages of The Landy and beyond. Lavishly illustrated and printed on high-quality gloss paper, it’s a bumper read – and great value at just £9.99!
Highlights of the 2024 Yearbook include…
The Coolest Camper Street and overland come together in a stunning 130
• A stunning restored Series IIA reputed to have the most expensive paintwork ever applied to a Land Rover
• A 90 with the engine from a BMW – and the suspension from a Disco 2
• Two very different home-built overland 110s – and a stunning boutique 130 camper
• 11 pages of the latest and best parts, accessories and tools for every Land Rover
• One of the first 90s to get the best from air suspension
• Fitting a galvanised chassis in one of the country’s leading Land Rover workshops
Brought back from the brink of oblivion, this Series IIA has probably the best paintwork ever applied to a Land Rover
• A restified Range Rover with the sort of engine that makes a Rover V8 look tiny
• A roundup of the latest restorations, premium EV conversions and much more
• The biggest ever gathering of Land Rovers from behind the gates of the Royal household
• Exploring Europe in a whistle-stop Discovery expedition
• The trip of a lifetime reaches its conclusion as a pioneering Range Rover reaches Cape Town
• London to Liberia in the sort of Series III you’d normally treat as a restoration project
Say Goodbye to Sagging Cloth Headliner:
Our kits are manufactured to replace sagging or deteriorating cloth headliners, giving your Defender’s interior a much-needed facelift.
Rigid Composite Material for Durability:
Constructed from a robust composite material with a textured finish, these kits offer enhanced durability and longevity, outperforming traditional cloth headliners.
▲ Defender 90 - 1987 - 2016 with Alpine lights
DA3694 Light Grey
DA3871 Black
⊳ Defender 110 - 1987 - 2016 with Alpine lights
DA3745 Light Grey
DA3870 Black
Easy to Clean Surface: The wipe-clean feature of our headlining kits makes maintaining a clean and hygienic interior effortless.
Simple Installation with Existing Clips: Designed for convenience, these kits can be easily fitted using the existing clips in your vehicle, making the installation process quick and hassle-free.
Moulded for a Perfect Fit: Each headlining kit is moulded to ensure a precise fit, adhering to the contours of your Defender for a professional and smart appearance.
Lightweight Construction: Despite their rigidity and durability, our headlining kits are surprisingly lightweight, ensuring they don’t add unnecessary weight to your vehicle.