As Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon would put it, it’s time to get happy, people. Happy 60th birthday, Land Rover. On this day in 1948 the British off-road icon launched its first vehicle — simply dubbed the Land Rover — at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The name would be later used to brand several different models.
Since its launch in 1948, Land Rover ownership has traded hands several times, but is now the crown jewel in Tata Motors’ growing automotive empire. Tata Motors — India’s leading automaker — purchased Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford earlier this year.
But while the marque has switched possession over the years, it has never lost its off-road heritage. To this day Land Rover is still considered one of the world’s premier 4×4 brands.
However, the next 60 years look to be a challenge for the Land Rover brand. With stricter emissions and fuel economy standards being enacted worldwide, Land Rover will have to continually look for new technologies to keep its SUV both on and off the road.
The off-road marque is reportedly working on lighter and more fuel-efficient models for the coming years, including a Bentley-esque $200,000 Range Rover model.
04/30, 6:17 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Amd I still don’t want to touch one with a 10 foot pole.
04/30, 7:00 PM
posted by:
Mr. Azza
I don’t see what AMD have to do with it, they weren’t even mentioned in the article….. wierd
Landrover still eats American 4wd and is on par in performace with the best Japanese. They just are prettier on the inside. and come with a supercharged V8
04/30, 7:06 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Mr. Azza- Depends on what terrain your talking about. Americans are great on trails, Land Rover good all around, and the Japanese… some of their more traditional SUV’s are pretty rocking.
04/30, 7:58 PM
posted by:
Mr. Azza
The Nissan Patrol and Toyota Landcruiser shouldn’t be SUV’s but unfortunately they are. they are proper 4wds for proper 4wd work
04/30, 8:37 PM
posted by:
autonut
I don’t know how Land Rovers are used outside of US, I hope as intended, but in US it is a status symbol for those who could afford Land Rover and something else for the time when Land Rover serviced (often). I see them very often on top flatbeds made by International. I wonder: how does it perform in Africa, where tow truck is less common then in NY?
04/30, 11:57 PM
posted by:
Asish Mathew Jose
I have heard from somebody in the UN mission that Land Rovers are simply the best. The other alternative they used, Mercedes G-wagon, for a while had serious trouble with the differential in continous off-road usage. They had to replace some expensive part every 10,000 kms. The Toyota are better but according to him Defender still rules!
05/01, 1:14 AM
posted by:
AMGoff
They’re perfectly capable machines… when they work. Otherwise I’ll stick with my old Grand Wagoneer…
05/01, 8:17 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
We still use defenders, discoveries etc for offroad use here in the UK… Range Rovers saved for posing.
05/01, 9:27 AM
posted by:
xyunya
How can you afford to drive defenders, discoveries in UK with gas prices so high and 10-12 mpg mileage? And why? Aren’t roads decent in UK? Romans were building them 2000 years ago.
05/01, 9:55 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
60 years of being broken down in the mud. Whoopeee!
05/01, 10:05 AM
posted by:
Syrax
^^90% of defenders are diesels.
05/01, 11:31 AM
posted by:
shaver
Defenders are badass. But…..
You can build two bad ass Jeeps for the price of one Defender.
1st gen Broncos, CJ5s, FJ40s and IH scouts are all awesome 4×4s. ‘85 4-runner is another great one (last year solid frnt axle/1st year EFI).
05/01, 12:06 PM
posted by:
cfishgo
No… older short wheelbase 4×4 like the CJ5, IH Scouts, etc., aren’t as good as the LR Series (pre-defender). Defender is more comparable to the pre-coil sprung Wranglers (and better too). They are seriously cool for off-road use. Weird considerations on the older Series 4×4’s: chuck bit on the crank for a crank start. Twin stick transfer case. Full floater axles. Full box frame. PTO’s. The body had a ton of removable panels so you could pretty much field strip the car without much effort. It even sits 7 people in a 88″ wheelbase.
I’ve got a ‘80 IH Scout II& a ‘73 LR Series III 88…. The LR is my favorite.