Land Rover Monthly August 2017

“I was literally staring down several barrels at once” The interview for our cover feature on page 42 got me thinking about some of the crazy trips I have done in a Defender 130. At the top of the pile has to be a trip through central and west Africa a decade ago. We flew into Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), on a military plane. Our mission was simple: drive a Defender 130 pick-up back to Ghana via Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and finally Ghana. There were six of us, including me, plus kit, and I got to sit in the open back with our guide. We wanted to see the lowland mountain gorillas and Pygmy tribe, which was not a good idea as they…

Arkonik have been restoring and sourcing Defenders to bespoke specifications for customers all over the world since they were founded in 2007, and their latest project is the perfect example of what they do best. A Defender 110 Station Wagon, the one-off Boulder has a wealth of exterior enhancements including a Front Runner roof rack with ladder, KBX grille, A-bar and front light guards, as well as Fire & Ice side and NAS rear steps. Finished in a dark Bonatti Grey with Java Black wheel arches, wing mirrors and Kahn 1983 wheels, this truck certainly looks more imposing than when it left the factory. The Somerset-based specialists have worked their magic inside too, re-upholstering the front seats in grey leather, while an Elite Loc-box separates the two premium high back…

BEACHED DISCOVERY ACCORDING TO Sky News a 20-year-old male got into trouble when his Discovery started to sink in the sand after trying to take photos of it by the water. Police and a tow company were called out to Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, after its owner had tried to unsuccessfully dig the vehicle out with a shovel. The Land Rover was pulled to safety as the waves started to crash into it and he managed to escape a summons due to the fact he had a mobile sport fishing permit, which allows him to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle on fishing beaches. He probably wasn’t so lucky to get away with any damage, however, with the engine making strange noises as he insisted on driving away.…

THE THREE amateur restorers taking part in this year’s eBay Car Challenge have until July 10 to complete their classic restorations, having begun in April. For the second year running now, eBay generously gave each restorer £4000 to return their vehicle back to their former glory using parts and accessories sourced from the famous online marketplace. Interestingly, for readers of LRM, one of the projects is a 1964 Series II. Belonging to Dan Goude of Manchester. The Land Rover, affectionately known as Bertha, needed a total overhaul. The owner is mindful of the fact the iconic 4x4’s heritage should be preserved and having already removed the roof and front section he’s now in the process of rebuilding the engine. Unbelievably he managed to find an eBay seller making original specification…

WHEN INEOS founder Jim Ratcliffe announced plans to develop a follow up to the Land Rover Defender earlier this year, it was exciting news for the UK manufacturing economy, with the director, Tom Crotty (pictured), saying they hoped to create lots of jobs. According to Sky News however, the petrochemicals giant has held talks with a number of prospective partners in Europe as it looks for a manufacturing base for a new 4x4 vehicle outside the UK. While the UK is still the preferred manufacturing base, it may make more business sense for Ineos to look further afield, especially if Britain fails to secure a tariff-free deal and open borders to allow products and parts to flow freely. As Brexit negotiations get underway watch this space to see who Ineos…

ACCORDING TO a report in the Coventry Telegraph, a local firm specialising in the car repair, servicing and restoration of Land Rovers has been told by Jaguar Land Rover to hand over its web address. Alan Olner, the company’s founder, was ordered to transfer the domain name (thelandyclinic.co.uk) over to the car maker after an internet watchdog ruled in its favour. JLR own a large number of trade marks including Landy and its representatives said “the web name could cause confusion for internet users in that they may be led to believe the website was connected with them and that the repair firm was officially authorised”. They also added using the term Landy took unfair advantage of the reputation that they had built up and exploited its goodwill and prestige.…