The label fits
Few vehicles deserve to be labelled iconic, but the original Land Rover definitely qualifies.
The venerable four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicle celebrated its 70th anniversary on Tuesday, and it has since spawned a range of practical and luxury off-road capable models.
On the rare occasion the Queen has been photographed behind the wheel of a vehicle, it has been either a Land Rover or a Rover car.
And the latest edition to the Royal family, Prince Louis was picked up from hospital by his father Prince William, driving a Range Rover.
The latest models are often photographed with Hollywood celebrities behind the wheel.
The Land Rover has also been a significant player in New Zealand’s motoring history, with Jacqui Madelin recording a local fan’s attachment to the brand on p20.
In January, Land Rover revealed plans to renovate one of the world’s most historically significant unrestored models — one of three TONY VERDON
pre-production cars from the original Amsterdam motor show launch on April 30, 1948.
During that 70 years, Land Rover has helped pioneer technological advances which have gone on to become almost essential features of modern off-roading vehicles, such as hill descent.
Land Rover is marking its 70th anniversary with an exclusive Defender Works V8 model, revealed earlier this year with only 150 being produced.
Since the end of Defender production at Solihull in 2016, each of the specially engineered V8-engined derivatives will be produced by Land Rover Classic in Coventry.
The celebrations have also been marked by the introduction of the luxury two-door, four-seat Range Rover SV Coupe´ , revealed at the Geneva motor show in March.
REGULAR FEATURES THE GOOD OIL ME AND MY CAR
MOTORSPORT CAR ADVICE BUYERS’ GUIDE ABOUT US Editor Editor at Large
Tony Verdon Liz Dobson
Contributors
Cameron Officer, Matthew Hansen, David Kavermann, Bob McMurray, Jacqui Madelin, Donna McIntyre, Ted Baghurst
Cover design Driven advertising Photos
Jennifer Adams Matthew Hansen Darryn Els (022 305 2354)