Description
By: Martin Hodder .
It took less than a year to take the first Land Rover from concept to production, an astonishing feat compared with the huge investment in time and money deemed necessary for a new vehicle today. The project was processed on a shoestring because Rover was short of cash, and the four-wheel-drive utility vehicle was seen as no more than a stopgap to help Rover through the harsh realities of survival in post-war Britain.
Yet when the Land Rover was introduced at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show it caused a sensation. Far from simply overcoming a short-term production deficit, this became one of the greatest success stories of the British motor industry, and was destined to remain the world's most respected name in the increasingly important four-wheel- drive market. Alongside the commercial success story there has also developed a passionate enthusiast movement. Today, Land Rovers enjoy an almost religious status among many thousands of devotees around the world.
Martin Hodder looks at the entire Land Rover phenomenon, from the initial inspiration through to the Range Rover. one of the most technically advanced vehicles ever built. He tells the fascinating inside story of the development of the original Range Rover. shattering a few myths along the way. He also examines the enthusiast movement in great detail. recounts the marque's earliest days, checks out the current vehicle range, and advises on off-roading.
This is neither a deeply technical book, nor a dry history. Instead it revels in the sheer passion that Land Rovers evoke, and enthusiastically celebrates the first 50 years of the world's most famous 4x4, the Land Rover — simply the best.
Martin Hodder, editorial director of LAND ROVER enthusiast magazine, is a professional motoring journalist and has been an enthusiast of the Solihull marque for more than 40 years. He lives in the Burgundy region of France.
