87 ECUS too far

IN reference to a letter published in issue 277 ‘Defender of the faith’, I find the reaction alarming. If Land Rover has made a choice of revolution over evolution then they must cop some flack.

A decision to adopt a monocoque chassis with independent suspension and 87 ECUS (this number seems to vary depending on which report you read) does smack of over complications and is a far cry from what I was expecting in a Defender.

Beam axles might be oldfashioned but they are simple and do have an advantage over independent suspension when the vehicle is taken off the tarmac, as shown in the Land Rover Owners Club magazine of 1961, written by Lt-col. J H Pogmore, Asst. Chief Engineer (Land Rover).

The comment “reflecting the modern era” is not wrong but is it right? If I wanted to follow that path, then the Discovery would have covered that.

I couldn’t afford to upgrade to the last of the old-style Defender, but when I heard that a new model was coming out I put money aside in anticipation. Disappointment would be a gross understatement. Maybe I’ll stay with my old 300Tdi Defender. Rick Cook South Australia

There are plenty of enthusiasts sticking with their 300Tdi and Td5 Defenders, that’s why values remain so high – Pat.