Thanks to their tough build, amazing stability and off-roading capacities, Land Rovers have remained one of the most reliable off-roading vehicles in the world. Due to their ability to traverse tough terrains, these vehicles have been used by militaries in the past, mostly as emergency vehicles. Besides, they are a symbol of prestige and are owned by some of the richest people in the world.
Moreover, Land Rovers have been part of many off-road races and the tough vehicles have been featured in different movies. Let us go through the most legendary Land Rovers ever built.
7 Legendary Land Rovers and Their Significance
History of Land Rovers has it that the first SUV was made for farm work as a vehicle that was more versatile than a tractor. The first Land Rover came into existence in 1947 as an agriculture vehicle, since then several Land Rovers entered the auto market. Of the various models in the market, we list down seven legendary Land Rovers based on their significance.
1. Legendary Land Rovers: Camel Trophy 110 Defender
The famous Camel Trophy event spanned for a period of twenty years from 1980 up until 2000. This was an annual off-roading competition. It took place in various places including Borneo, Madagascar, Mongolia, Siberia and Zaire. Even though Jeeps were part of the event, somewhere onwards 1981 every vehicle used was a Land Rover.
Then in 1989, British explorers Joe and Bob Ives won the legendary 876-mile Amazonian trek event. They won the race in a Land Rover 110 Defender earning the vehicle a top spot in the legendary Land Rovers of all time.
Though the terrain was challenging Land Rovers modified features including safety, underbody protection, range of recovery and expedition, upgraded car suspension and transmission components made the win possible.
2. Legendary Land Rovers: Land Rover Cuthbertson Series II Tracked
Developed in 1958 by James A Cuthbertson, the tracked Series II looked like a Land Rover with a tank. Initially, it was built to make hostile working conditions easier for farmers. Later, the British Army brought some of these Land Rovers for land mine clearing.
Cuthbertson was an early manufacturer of rubber tracks. He developed a four-track kit instead of standard wheels for Land Rovers so that they could traverse the peat bogs easily. He made just twenty of these SUVs. These vehicles were lighter than tanks and were used by the military where heavy lumbering tanks couldn’t go.
3. Legendary Land Rovers: Land Rover Series IIA Pink Panther
The British SAS (Special Air Service) was a well-reputed elite force known as a tough and effective special force unit. History has it, SAS produced the Land Rover Series II – The Pink Panther in 1968. Also known as the “Pinkie”, these were heavily customized SUVs that were used by the SAS in a guerrilla war in south Oman from 1971 to 1976.
The pink color was associated with the color for camouflage in the Middle East grounds during dusk and dawn. These Pinkies had four fuel tanks, heavy-duty suspension, a heavy-duty chassis, front and rear differential plates, sand tires, and a front-mounted spare tyre.
The roof, doors, and windscreen of the vehicle were removed, to add spotlights. The Land Rovers were also fitted with grenade holders to survive in a warzone. Other features include rifle carriers, smoke canisters, an anti-tank weapon, shovels, sand ladders, and a general-purpose machine gun.
A total of 72 Pinkies were used in the military service, but only 20 of them survived. Today, they are among highly sought-after Land Rovers worldwide.
4. Legendary Land Rovers: 110 SVX Spectre Defender
On its 80th anniversary in 2008, Land Rover launched the Defender 110 SVX. The SVX featured a special bonnet, side decals, heated seats, Recaro seats, 37-inch diamond-turned five-spoke alloy wheels, tough suspension, hydraulic handbrake, leather steering wheel, tubular side-steps, reinforced aluminum front under shield, sunroof and an aluminum gear knob.
The iconic Land Rover was used in the 2015 James Bond Movie, ‘Spectre.’
5. Legendary Land Rovers: Defender TD5 110
This is another famous Land Rover. Land Rover converted one of its Defender TD5 110 SUVs, especially for the movie Tomb Raider. The automaker customized the vehicle, fitted it with 3.5 V8 carburetor engines, an automatic transmission and a custom paint finish, with lots of plates and accessories, to create a ‘fantasy’ expedition vehicle.
The TD5 110 was used in the movie as a prop and it wasn’t intended for sale.
However, after the film hit the box office and became a success, the interest of car lovers in the Land Rovers introduced in the film increased. Thanks to its growing popularity, the company introduced a Tomb Raider Limited Edition. The limited-edition was introduced in both 90 and 110 formats and it still remains a desirable collector’s car.
6. Legendary Land Rovers: Range Rover TACR2 Six-wheel Fire Engine
Fire vehicles are very important in airfields. Therefore, when the RAG wanted a rapid response rescue vehicle, they opted for a six-wheeled Range Rover. The TACR2 had a ladder on the roof along with some lights. A few of these ultra-cool yet ultra-righteous vehicles survive on modern airfields.
7. Legendary Land Rovers: Trans-Americas Expedition Vehicle
When it comes to iconic Land Rovers one cannot forget the Trans-Americas Expedition Vehicle. In 1971, a British explorer, Major John Blashford-Snell, took part in a small expedition from Anchorage, in Alaska, to Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of South America.
This was a tough trek, thankfully two Swiss-market Range Rovers helped complete the 28,970-kilometre journey. The Legendary Land Rovers also crossed the Darien Gap’s treacherous jungle. Both the Land Rovers survived the swamps, mountains, rivers and are alive to date.
That is all about some of the most notable Land Rovers ever built. If you are an SUV enthusiast, explore these used Land Rovers for sale in the UAE.
For more on legendary car brands and their importance, stay tuned to your favorite auto blog.
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