Land Rovers
Created | Updated Mar 16, 2002
Did you know that a soft-top short-wheelbase Land Rover is narrower than a hard-top short-wheelbase? By about two inches, I think
I know this is true because I measured it!
Next fact - Any Land Rovers you see in WW2 movies - don't believe what they're showing you. They were first built in 1948.
If you find one in a shed with its steering wheel in the middle - let me know. That was the original prototype, now thought to be lost.
Land Rovers owe their original existence to Jeeps - the guys who invented the Landy saw Jeeps after the war and thought - "What a
jolly good idea, lets nick it. " So they did, and the Defender is the successor of the original Jeep-inspired design. If you want one,
here's a few tips.
Unless you're a real enthusiast, car mechanic or masochist, don't buy an early Landy. (ie before about 1983/4) Go for a Ninety or
One Ten model. Do Not Touch the following:
2 1/4 litre petrols especially 110 models
Naturally aspirated (ie non-turbo) diesels
High-mileage V8's
Turbo's with dodgy servicing record.
If you do buy a Landy, please wave to me when you drive past! And to the miserable gits who don't bother - sod you then!
I know this is true because I measured it!
Next fact - Any Land Rovers you see in WW2 movies - don't believe what they're showing you. They were first built in 1948.
If you find one in a shed with its steering wheel in the middle - let me know. That was the original prototype, now thought to be lost.
Land Rovers owe their original existence to Jeeps - the guys who invented the Landy saw Jeeps after the war and thought - "What a
jolly good idea, lets nick it. " So they did, and the Defender is the successor of the original Jeep-inspired design. If you want one,
here's a few tips.
Unless you're a real enthusiast, car mechanic or masochist, don't buy an early Landy. (ie before about 1983/4) Go for a Ninety or
One Ten model. Do Not Touch the following:
2 1/4 litre petrols especially 110 models
Naturally aspirated (ie non-turbo) diesels
High-mileage V8's
Turbo's with dodgy servicing record.
If you do buy a Landy, please wave to me when you drive past! And to the miserable gits who don't bother - sod you then!
