75 YEARS OF LAND ROVER
THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Land Rovers really did change the world, bringing transport where there was none, while their infinite adaptability created several incredible one-offs. We look at the classics that sparked a legend
It’s 75 years since the first Land Rover was shown to the world in Amsterdam, and while other names in the British motor industry have disappeared, Land Rover is still here. Today’s models have a different focus from those early classics, but they still embody the go-anywhere ability that made the marque famous.
From farmers to explorers, squaddies to royalty, skint students to wealthy landowners, the marque has offered so much to so many. From the beginning it was intended for export, and there are few countries today where you won’t find a Land Rover – even if it’s a derelict machine that has already led the hard life it was built to tackle.
1947 CENTRE-STEER ‘MULE’
Sadly, the original Centre-Steer ‘mule’ built on a Jeep chassis in 1947 no longer survives, but this faithful replica does. The steering wheel was in the middle to avoid having to build separate left-hand and right-hand drive types, but when the hood was up, following drivers couldn’t see the hand signals!
1948 A ROYAL 80
You can’t get a better endorsement than from the Royal Family, and Land Rovers have been closely associated with the Crown since 1948. This was the first one that King George VI owned, and here he is reviewing the Territorial Army from the back of it.
1949 A FAMOUS 80 INCH
Don’t cry for me, Argentina… An early adopter of the Land Rover was dictator Juan Peron, and here he is in the middle of the picture with his wife, Evita (Eva Peron). Land Rovers were light green and had a stubby 80-inch wheelbase at this stage, without a long-wheelbase option.
1950 AN ARTICULATED 80
Versatile and adaptable from the start, the Land Rover soon became available with all kinds of conversions to satisfy a wide range of customers. Not this one, though... This fascinating articulated unit was specially made to transport the Rover gas turbine car, JET 1, normally under a canvas tilt on the trailer unit.
1951 OLD 80s NEVER DIE
When old Land Rovers became cheap and plentiful, they were snapped up by trialling enthusiasts, and a whole club movement was born – and still thrives. This picture shows an 80-inch being driven hard in typical surroundings at a 1970s event, with the tubular rollover cage demanded by safety regulations. It still survives.
1952 DESERT PATROL 80
The British Army was an early adopter, ordering Land Rovers in the standard peacetime dark green. Rover decided it was easier to paint all Land Rovers that colour from mid-1949, but n
