TERRY SMITH recounts the history of this iconic 4x4.
Introduced after the Second World War in 1948, Land Rover are, after Jeep, the second oldest 4x4 producer in the world. They were actually built by Rover until a new company, Land Rover, was formed in 1978.
It was originally based on the WW2 Jeep as the designer, Maurice Wilks, had used one on his farm. Although military forces throughout the world would go on to purchase the Land Rover in huge numbers, its initial planned use was for farming.
Many versions followed the original design, but you could never lose sight of its heritage with even the last Defender models sharing the characteristic tapered clamshell bonnet. Many years ago, I worked in a garage that had just sold my shiny new demo car and, with no part exchanges with tax on them, I had to take the company's very old Land Rover breakdown truck home for the night. All I can say is that it wasn't the best vehicle that I had ever driven on the road; vague steering, noisy gearbox, and stupidly low top speed due to its very high gearing, but I really wanted to take it off road. Not much chance of that in the centre of Brighton!
Over the years, various companies have produced models of this British icon for their ranges. I remember getting a Corgi model with a Horsebox one Christmas as a child. Oxford Diecast have told us that the Land Rover is the most successful model they have ever produced and not surprisingly so, considering all the variations that they have made over the years. From the Series 1 to the final Defender model they have done them all, with variations, and you must consider the Oxford Diecast versions to be prime candidate for a collection.
They don't take up too much room, so there's no reason why you couldn't find space for what will be a sizeable and interesting display. To get cracking, there are two new versions from Oxford Diecast this month, both in Royal Navy colours. OD76LRL009 is a later SWB lightweight model in khaki, while OD76LAN2015 Land Rover Series II Station Wagon in the traditional Royal Blue finish. If you fancy a larger version then Oxford Diecast also distribute the Cararama range, which features some 1:43 versions and even larger 1:24 Scale Landies.
A beautifully restored Series 1 Land Rover. Now a collector's vehicle.
As child I had one of these as a present one Christmas in the early 1960s.
One of the latest 1:76 offerings of a Series ll Land Rover Station Wagon from Oxford Diecast.
Another Oxford Land Rover out soon the SWB Lightweight. There have been so many variants since the Series I to collect.
Modelled in the larger 1:43 Scale, this is a military ambulance version of the Land Rover Series III in desert livery from Cararama.
If you want an even larger model still, Cararama offer diecast models in 1:24 Scale. This is the Land Rover Defender Station Wagon in light green.