Dear Rovers North,
I’ve enclosed some pictures you don’t see too often. Two of my former students asked to use my 1962 Series II Land Rover as their getaway vehicle at their wedding this past month. It is parked in front of Lynn Memorial Church on the campus of Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. My wife took charge of the car’s decorations, but thanks to your organization for all your help in obtaining parts for my frame-over job the past few years.

Chuck Thompson
Heather Hill Farm
Fayette, MO

[The bride and groom certainly started marital bliss in the right way, aboard your Series II. Congratulations and best wishes to them –ed.]

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Dear Mark,
This past summer I purchased a Mantec raised air intake and a skid plate for my G4 Discovery. Since I no longer am capable of doing the work myself on my vehicles, I use an off-road shop, National 4- Wheel Drive Center, in my hometown to do the work. The owner, Brad Gates, related to me that since he seldom gets a Rover in the shop, he really appreciated the tech assistance of your staff in the recent installation of the above items. They faxed us diagrams, which along with their overall information, was very helpful.

Thanks again for the professionalism and courtesy.

D. Dale Shaffer
York, PA

[Many enthusiasts don’t have the time, space or capacity to work on their Rovers, but they still want the best for their vehicles. We’re delighted to work with professional shops nationwide and internationally –ed.]

Dear Rovers North,
I was delighted to spot a Defender 130” Crew Cab and camper body near New Orleans. I couldn’t find the owners, but the vehicle tags were from Switzerland. By the way, I retired from my dentistry practice in Morrisville, VT, after 30 years. I miss Vermont but not the cold, cold winters. In fact, to make things better, I purchased a winter home in Taos, NM, which has mild winters, great skiing and great off-roading.

Ed Kollan, DDS
Natchitoches, LA

[OK, so it’s warmer in Louisiana but wasn’t it easier to pronounce Morrisville than Natchitoches? And Morrisville is less than 30 miles from Rovers North –ed.]

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To Whom This May Concern,
Thanks again for the Rovers North News; the new format is awesome. I look forward to placing a few orders for my Series III SWB as soon as the budget allows.

Peter Whelan
Cranford, NJ

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Dear Editor,
Very nice publication – great tone and content. Congratulations! I’m a recent addition to the Rover family and having a blast. I bought a former soccer-mom’s statusmobile and have returned it to its roots with lots of dirt roads, beach launchings and tight spots.

I love it!

Thanks in advance and regards to you and your team for a job well done.

Patrick Kleimen
Berkley, MA

[Wow – a town spelled just like an old British sports car! Welcome to the world of Land Rover enthusiasts. We’re delighted that you rescued and adopted your Land Rover. The new look of our magazine is due to the hard work and considerable talents of Matt Martin, our Marketing Manager. Make certain to wash the Rover after those salt water dunkings –ed.]

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Dear Rovers North,
It is a rare occasion that an American 4×4 publication has anything offered about Rovers but the November issue of FOUR WHEEL DRIVE & SPORT UTILITY has sa picture on the cover of a 1957 Series I on the Rubicon Trail in California.

Speaking of the “jeep” mentality, Eric Colliers, the author of a 1950’s book entitled Three Against the Wilderness, speaks of his son convincing him they should buy a keep to use on their remote British Columbia homestead. When Veasy, the son, returned from World War II he was taken by the Jeeps he saw in use in Europe and convinced his father they should replace some of their horses. The interesting thing is that in all the photos of the “Jeep” in the book they show a Series I Land Rover.

The BBC show Rosemary and Thyme doesn’t qualify as a Sighting, but the mystery of two female gardeners also features prominently a Series II Land Rover. My favorite Rover role was when being chase by the murderer in his Italian sports car, the gals in the hard shifting, tranny driving Rover 88”, escaped his pursuit but pulling into a farmer’s paddock and crossing the field. The sports car, however, hit the grass and mud and became bogged down over its door sills, effectively trapping the murderer in his car until the police arrived.

David Thodal
Belgrade, MT

[Not just Italian sports cars – I once had to use my Series II-A to pull my Triumph Spitfire out of a mudhole in my driveway. Sounds like a fun show –ed.]

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Dear Rovers North,
I thought it’s about time that I write you all and declare my excitement as a new Rover owner. I have been searching for nearly 5 years to locate a vehicle that was, to say the least, up to my standards. I am a historical archaeologist and a former museum curator. Details do not escape my attention.

In the course of my search I have seen everything from a “showroom” to a bare frame. Then, by chance, I came across you website’s Vehicles for Sale section; 1973 Series III 88” with 56,000 original miles, third owner, and a California vehicle. Needless to say, I contacted the owner via email and after five months of exchanging photos and negotiations, my kids and I were ready to purchase our first Rover.

Prior to the acquisition, I had the opportunity to visit Rovers North. My first inquiry to Rovers North was via telephone to inquire if indeed visitors were welcome. The call was taken by a very cheerful lady who was rather enthused that I would be arriving from El Paso, TX, in a couple of weeks. She took the time to discuss my concerns and made a very favorable impression on me. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a very courteous gentleman, introduced to me as Les [Parker]. We spent the better part of an hour in a crash course I’ll call “Rover 101.” I left with knowledge that would serve me well and several pieces of literature that added quite nicely to my library.

Upon arrival sometime later, I was more than prepared to give the Rover a thorough going over. What I found was a real gem, a very well cared for Series III with a canvas top. We, the kids and I, wasted little time in purchasing the vehicle and that afternoon, loaded it on a trailer for the long drive home. The rest is family history!

Chuck Carrig
El Paso, TX

[You can’t live in New England and not be fascinated by historical archaeology; some of us live in old houses that are relics already! Welcome to the Land Rover world and enjoy your new acquisition –ed.]

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Hey Rovers North,
I just read the J. D. Powers Used Car Durability results in the Wall Street Journal (8/10/06). Once again, Land Rover winds up on the bottom of a “dependable cars” list. It’s based on the “number of problems reported per 100 vehicles.” I think it’s time Rover owners spoke up and Rovers North created a bumper sticker that reads “100% Satisfied Land Rover Owner.” I know I’m preaching to the choir but I’d take my Rover over any of the vehicles listed on that stupid list!

Jeff Foland
Clarksville, OH

[J. D Powers acknowledged that Land Rover’s low standing resulted from brake and power window problems on the 2003 Discovery II and far more issues with now-dropped Freelander. I’m with you in spirit – I put a “I Love My Corvair” sticker on my ’64 Monza –ed.]

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Dear Rovers North,
In August a F3 tornado had the very poor taste to “eat” my garage and take a chunk out of my house. We had just moved “home” to southern Minnesota after a 26-year absence. The tornado gift-wrapped my wife’s Discovery II with the garage door (ouch!) into a corn field. The 109” has been the focal point of all the news outfits since it survived with just a scratch or two. “Old Growly” (as my 4-year old son calls it) was photographed sitting regally out in the debris field as if it were leading the way. You can see it at the Minneapolis Star- Tribune’s web site www.startribune.com

Tracy Rolstad
St. Peter, MN

[A tornado is no match for a 109”. I hope that both cars are back on the road –ed]

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Dear Mark,
Land Rover people tend to see Land Rovers in the most curious places. My wife Karen and I were driving south on I- 25 from Denver, CO, to Raton Pass. As we were coming into Walenberg, CO, I spotted an interesting rock formation. There, high on a mesa I saw the shape of a Land Rover carved out of stone. It certainly brightened my day.

Leighton Ogg
Houston, TX

[See? You don’t need built-in DVD players to enjoy a trip. Just open your eyes and look at the scenery. Maybe you can get the US Geological Survey to rename the mesa –ed.]

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Hello Rovers North,
During the Tour de France last year, I had a wonderful time as part of a promotional caravan that precedes the racers throughout the event. I saw living proof that Italians love their Land Rovers; I spotted Defender 90’s in use by the Italian Coast Guard and Police forces.

Chris Baldewin
Fullterton, CA

[Hey, Chris, maybe you can bring one home with you next year! –ed]

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Hey Rovers North Crew,
Thanks for continuing to support classic Rover owners!

Lane Davis
Santa Monica, CA
1973 Series III swb
1993 Range Rover Classic swb

[Thanks to you for keeping your classics on the road with Genuine Parts! –ed.]