Land Rover Legends

10

Nick Chivers

So goes the saying among owners; every journey in a Land Rover is an adventure. As the weekend of Land Rover Legends drew to a close, the ethos of Land Rover, the passion of ownership and the event itself, was eloquently summed up by the ‘Spirit of the Event Award’.

As host Mark Evans (vet, television presenter and all-round petrolhead) welcomed a slight-framed Frenchman to the stage, what struck me more than the exquisite pencil moustache, was the tale of tenacity and dedication he had displayed during his journey across France and England.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Sébastien Conte had planned a tour of towing his ’Pink Panther’ Land Rover Series IIa (of SAS fame) from France across to the show in England, collecting another ‘Pinkie’ en route and joining a reunion of these unique military vehicles at this celebration event.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

However, another Land Rover adventure had developed, which included the trailer carrying his pink Landy being impounded and multiple punctures to his car transporter, which had to be abandoned overnight, just a mile from the event. Thankfully, Land Rover loyalty won the day and the humble Frenchman completed his escapades. He joined the largest-ever gathering of these distinctive desert Land Rovers, to mark 50 years since their introduction into service.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

In addition to the military might, Land Rover Legends – now in its second year – marked anniversaries of notable models in the history of the green oval. It was the 40th anniversary for the extremely rare 100-inch prototype, with seven on display making a strong impression on visitors. Often noted as the best Land Rover never made, the 100-inch was an early foray into coil sprung suspension and various examples were evaluated for military use by both the French and Swiss.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Next in line, was a 30-year recognition of the Discovery, arguably Land Rover’s swan song of the 1980’s when the company was facing tough times. The former RAF airfield of Bicester Heritage was awash with 3 and 5 door model variants, of this most capable of lifestyle off-roaders. With a Range Rover chassis and drivetrain, the Discovery was an all-new model aimed at providing a more comfortable go-anywhere vehicle, priced keenly to attract a wider market and see off the competition. It worked. It worked very well.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

The instant success of the Discovery format was a hit with the family market, looking for a more ‘lifestyle’ product. Now in it’s 6th incarnation (including the junior ‘Sport’ model), the Discovery celebrations included its original designers taking to the event’s main stage, to discuss the vehicle’s concept, birth and early years.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Last but by no means least, was the marking of 25 years since the launch of the 2nd generation Range Rover (P38a). Notably regarded by many as either wildly underrated and deserved of a place in 4×4 history, or as a mechanical and electrical nightmare, plagued with a well-documented list of issues.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

When it broke cover from Solihull in the early 1990’s, the P38a stepped into unchartered electrical system territory and continued with the already brave air-suspension carried over from the outgoing Classic Range Rover. However, none of this dissuades an unwavering following of enthusiasts who have a quarter-century old community with a solution to every niggle in the book. Thankfully, a score of P38a owners were in attendance to proudly parade their pre-iPod era luxury bruisers, for the onlooking weekend crowds.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

The weekend festivities drew huge numbers of owners, restorers, specialist companies, enthusiasts and as witnessed and listened to first-hand, those with many years of fond Land Rover memories.

The action-packed event played host to curated and club displays, vehicle parade laps of the watchtower, a hanger full of auto-jumble and trade stands, and new for 2019, a dedicated campsite to accommodate tents to dormobiles, for those making a weekend of it.

Land Rover Legends, Bicester, Classic Car Event, Land Rover

Guests speakers took to the stage with presenter Mark Evans, to give visitors insightful and informative slices of Land Rover model history. Culminating in the National Land Rover Awards, a panel of judges rightly honoured those who had expended significant effort and dedication in restoration, preservation, modification and presentation.

Award winner for Most Original Vehicle and in my view the unofficial ‘best in show’ was the 1959 Series II, of Martin Port. Uniquely sign-written across it flanks, recording its historic journey from Cape Town to London (between 1959-63). To my mind, it is one of the most representative Land Rovers to summarise what it means to own one of these legendary vehicles. Whether out for a brief country drive or a well-planned overland expedition, every journey truly is an adventure.

 

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