From its humble origins as a “farmer’s car” when the Series I was launched in Britain back in 1948, Land Rover has grown into something of an SUV empire over the last six and a half decades.
Making vehicles that can tackle all sorts of terrain has been at the core of the British marque since the foundations were first sketched in the sand by Maurice Wilks, the man who conceptualised the original Land Rover off-road utility vehicle.
His vision has spawned six model ranges available today – Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque – covering almost very conceivable niche in the SUV market.
Land Rover recently marked its 65th birthday with a celebratory event at Packington Estate near its Solihull home in the UK, where around 150 Land Rovers were hauled out of museums and private collections to be displayed and driven.
Taking pride of place was “HUE 166”, the very first Series I Land Rover, affectionately nicknamed “Huey”.
The vehicles highlighted major events in Land Rover’s history, including some 4x4 world firsts such as ABS anti-lock brakes, adjustable air suspension, electronic traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response and Stop/Start technologies.
Through the years Landies have been used for everything from ploughing farm fields, to adventure expeditions like the Camel Trophy, to emergency and military services, making Land Rover one of the world’s most versatile brands.
Its latest innovations include a new Electric Defender research vehicle and the world’s first nine-speed transmission for a passenger car.
Debuted at the event was a Special Edition Defender, the LXV (65 in roman numerals), with exclusive body and cabin detailing.
The Defender was used as the special-edition model as it evolved from the original Land Rover in 1990 and this iconic family of utility vehicles – Land Rover Series I, II, III and Defender – has now sold in excess of two million units. Unfortunately the LXV won’t be available in South Africa.
Here’s a brief Land Rover historical timeline:
1948– Land Rover Series I, the “farmer’s friend” makes its debut in post-war Britain.
1949– Army Edition; British Army orders its first Land Rovers.
1953– Long Wheelbase version introduced.
1958– Series II Land Rover unveiled with more refined styling.
1970– Range Rover; Land Rover’s iconic model is launched in two-door format.
1971– Land Rover Series III launched.
1976– One millionth Land Rover built.
1981– Camel Trophy uses Land Rovers exclusively.
1981– Four-door Range Rover released.
1983– Land Rover goes coil sprung.
1989– Discovery, the third Land Rover model, is launched.
1990– Original Landy relaunched and renamed.
1994– Second generation Range Rover is introduced.
1997– Freelander, Land Rover’s fourth model makes its debut.
2001– Debut of third generation Range Rover, the first one with a monocoque.
2004– Third generation Discovery is launched.
2005– Introduction of the Range Rover Sport, the smaller version of the marque’s luxury SUV.
2006– Launch of second generation Freelander.
2009– Discovery Four is introduced.
2010– Range Rover Evoque takes its bow as the brand’s new small premium model.
2012– Fourth generation Range Rover makes its debut, featuring a lightweight aluminium body.
2013– Second generation Range Rover Sport is introduced, also with an aluminium body, to make it the most agile Land Rover ever. - Star Motoring
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