landy90will
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Some thoughts on Defender.
Please share your best moments and stories that have made owning a defender special of you!
“You can go fast. I can go anywhere”
In the shadow of WW2, out of necessity Maurice Wilks could not have predicted that the evolution of what he first etched in to the sand on an Anglesey beach, stick in hand, almost 70 years later, would go down in history as possibly the most and iconic and successful British car that has, and will ever, be built.
A couple of days ago, the last Defender rolled off the production line at Solihull and marked the end of the Landy’s record breaking 68 years in production. Famous for it’s robustness and reliability, Variations of the Defender have served in every almost capacity imaginable; Used by militaries, emergency services, by doctors delivering well needed medical supplies, explorers, vets, Mountain rescue, farmers, tradesmen, even the Queen herself has been known to have owned and driven one.
It’s estimated that the first vehicle seen by 60% of the worlds developing population was the Land Rover.
Wherever in the world you go, across all continents, in the most unlikely places… guaranteed, somewhere, tucked away or being put to work, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of that unmistakeable silhouette.
As a young man surrounded by boy racers, hot hatches, and ‘subwoofers’, choosing to spend savings on a big, bulky, noisy, uncomfortable, slow, diesel drinking ‘Mechano set’ was bold, but what I got, was much more than that.
From the day it pulled onto the drive, solid van sides, laden with sheep droppings and bringing half of Yorkshire stuck to the chassis, it has been one long head over heals love affair. Anyone who knows me can tell you what that beautifully simple, unpretentious shape does to me.
In modern cars today there is no room for sentimentality. With ‘5 year warranty’ and ‘early part-exchange’ no longer do people develop a mechanical sympathy like that of driving a classic car, which the defender now is.
Owning a Defender, every journey is an adventure! Sitting in the awkward driving position right arm against the window, left, resting on the ‘Cubby’, Heavy clutch, and smile from ear to ear. Sat high in the “canopy” of the concrete jungle, looking down along the rows of cars, you fee relaxed and prepared for anything. Tools and towrope, jump cables and jack.
“Andy the Landy” as it’s always been, has personality. He’s been taken apart and put back together more times than I can remember. Upgraded, Downgraded battered and bruised, vandalised, repaired, and has endlessly filled my time as an owner with utter joy. ‘Defender ‘is a family and a community, which has today become ever the more exclusive. The subtle but uniform, raise of a finger off the wheel in passing, the flicker of a full beam, reciprocated, is something that fills you with pride as an owner.
I’ve carried, Friends, family, animals, belongings, bikes and tools, ‘towed’ trailers, boats, cars, trees, equipment, other 4x4s, you name it. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of those memories, when I got that dent, that scratch, the time ‘this’ happened. It’s impossible to look and not see it’s character and the memories made sitting at the wheel or under the bonnet.
In every situation thrown at my feet “Andy” has always seen me through, be it snowstorm or mud bath, flood or beach sand. He’s helped people in need and time again, brought that warm smile of relief to those in a tricky situation. An irrepressible chuckle, an inward celebration when you think you’re too far-gone. Approaching the little green mini listing in a ditch, deep into the Lancashire countryside with no one for miles. You couldn’t write it, two landmarks of British engineering, perfectly opposed, in this scenario. “Boy am I glad to see you… what are the chances”. It makes you proud, but It’s doesn’t boast; like seeing a reliable old friend, the defender has been there for people across the word and is a welcome sign of assurance.
Caked in mud and ‘sea rust’ or polished to a shine outside piccolino’s, it’s seen the Andee’s and the ‘school run’, the defender is ubiquitous; it can’t look out of place. Everywhere it goes it is greeted with modest respect and adoration. Pragmatic, and charming, it is both a ‘son’ and ‘Grandfather’ of Briton and has a place in the heart of the nation. It is the Bread and butter pudding, or the proud spitfire. With its matchless pedigree and performance capabilities, is it still first choice for many across the world who require a dependable sturdy friend. Due to ever changing emission regulations, and the fact that, lets be honest they’re not that safe, this is it… there wont be a comeback, and I’m almost glad because we love them just the way they are! It comes as no surprise that around 70% of all Defenders ever built, are still running today, and may they run for many, many more.
You been drinking?
