MY FATHER: LAND ROVER VISIONARY

I feel most strongly that I offer an amplification regarding the substantial role achieved by John Cullen, my late father, in the conception, design and launch of the first Land Rover.

Indeed, John Cullen’s role was significantly more than being just Arthur Goddard’s “right-hand man who had taken on the testing duties” (Land Rover Legends, LRM April issue, page 98). In this context, I would also refute Goddard’s assertion that he “was the only one who knew anything about them”.

In terms of John Cullen’s contribution to the success of the Land Rover, my father was responsible for the development of the hydraulics and braking systems, in addition to being the test driver. Therefore, he fulfilled a more substantial role than “taking on all the driving and testing duties”. Indeed, my father was also significantly involved in the conception and development of the MIRA test track.

In fact, in common with Arthur Goddard, John Cullen was also a qualified and experienced engineer, having been an aeronautical engineer with Rolls Royce prior to joining Land Rover.

When John Cullen left Land Rover during the late 1950s, he joined David Brown-lagonda. I understand that David Brown-lagonda invited my father to expand the 4x4 market to produce a recreational vehicle for country pursuits.

I do hope that this information places John Cullen’s contribution to the success of the Land Rover into perspective.

In this vein, I would also like to mention other members of the original Land Rover team that I remember, including an Irish engineer called Bob Hudson and Harry and Vi Dellar who were involved with the seating and trim. Dr Penny-anne Cullen