Apparently it is not uncommon to name one’s old Land Rover. This is Fergus and he (it?) belongs to a new acquaintance in the Kansas City area.

You can’t look too close- it needs a frame, and isn’t restored but is set up to take it into the forest for firewood. We left the dents in the body, rough cut the rear bulkhead out for more legroom, added comfortable suspension seats, and lifted it a bit with parabolics and OME sport shocks. One day I will take it apart again for a frame swap and better engine. The 2.25 gas just doesn’t have enough power to be safe on the highway. I lose 10 mph just going up hills!

I believe this is a Series IIa and I think it’s beautiful. I’m fond of the bikini top and will probably go that route next next spring. Here’s another angle on Fergus.

I can’t get too snooty about these “new and improved” Defenders since my Series III was produced in Santana, Spain. Far from merry olde England. But there is something so very appealing to me about having an old truck that has been lovingly and meticulously restored. As opposed to a spanking new model that “looks like” the old ones.

A long time coming, Automotive News is now reporting details sourced from Land Rover about a brand-new Defender (UK production of the old model ceased in January 2016). The new Defender should debut in 2019, and is intended for all global markets. Multiple body styles will be available, and the company assures us the new Defender will look plenty Defender-y, without falling into the retro design trap.

Unlike the old Defender’s aluminum panels stamped over a steel frame, the new model will be a modern aluminum unibody, much like the current Range Rover. While many will surely bemoan the Defender’s loss of a traditional frame, it’s quite necessary for crash ratings, emissions standards, comfort, practicality, platform sharing, and probably 210 other reasons. Full story »

And these new Land Rovers will probably be produced in Slovakia.

I’ve been hanging out on some Land Rover forums and getting lots of advice, ranging from “this will be the most fun you’ve ever had,” to “Don’t sell the MINI.” Probably the most interesting came from Matt:

Your first driving experience in a Land Rover is likely to seem a massive let-down; what have I done? you might think. After driving modern cars the Land Rover will seem like some kind of antediluvian torture device but give it some time. You will need to learn how to drive all over again. It isn’t a driving experience like you’ve become used to. You will have to slow down, don’t expect it to keep up with modern traffic, especially as yours is a 2.25 diesel. Driving a series LR requires a lot of driver input, both physical and mental. It is REAL driving. Same goes for the maintenance but that will lead you gently into becoming more mechanically competent. Levels to check, fan belt to check etc. Give it time and you will probably end up loving your Land Rover.

If there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on it’s hanging on to the MINI. Was gonna sell it sooner rather than later but now think I’ll keep it for a year. By then I will know if keeping it is the right thing to do or that I’ll do just fine with only the truck.

I won’t be doing a lot of this (driving across England) but I can see the appeal of this kind of adventure. Who knows, I might develop a taste for this.

What comes after the rapidly dying 30 second commercial? Brilliant marketing like this.