A critical element of the Land Rover brand's success is the power of its heritage, and the link between today's lineup and the original. I drive the latest lineup every day, but have always yearned to also experience Land Rover's rich heritage by going back, all the way back, to its original roots.
I?ve done just that in recently buying a 1956 Land Rover Series I, writes Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America.
To say that I've been enjoying this car is an understatement. With its canvas roof, fold-flat windshield and flat bench seating, driving really doesn?t get much more basic. Want air conditioning? Just take off one of the doors.
Initially, I had been looking for a Series II model from the late 50s, and last summer I was fortunate enough to go to the Goodwood Revival in the UK. As you may know, it?s a fabulous heritage event where everyone dresses up in retro-style clothing and turns-up in their classic cars. There I saw a lot of Series I vehicles and absolutely fell in love with them.
So with the help of Bob Burns, Land Rover?s 3d Experience & Events Manager and source of all Land Rover knowledge, we found a specialist in Vermont who had this grey-blue 1956 Series I with the optional hard top for sale. I went up to Vermont, drove it, and bought it right there on the spot.
It?s in great shape for a 55-year-old truck. It was restored around 10 years ago and now has this lovely patina. I didn?t want anything too precious as I want to use it, drive it and really enjoy it on the 11 acres of New Jersey woodland where I live.
Of course the timing for buying the Series I is really interesting. I?m sure you?ve seen the DC100 concepts shown at the Frankfurt and Los Angeles auto shows this past fall, which showcase the possible design direction of the new-generation Defender. Look closely and you'll see that the size, the proportions and a lot of the design details, really seem to echo those of the Series I.
Certainly, next year when we begin to hold customer clinics to get feedback on the DC100 designs - and determine the potential for bringing the next Defender to the US - we may end up having my Series I there as a reference point.
In the meantime, especially as the weather turns, I?m really enjoying time in my Series I. In true Land Rover tradition, its traction and its off-road capability are simply remarkable. It goes virtually everywhere and usually with me enjoying every minute of it behind that over-sized wheel.
