Story by: Calef Letorney Photo by: Matt Martin

In the Spring 2008 issue of The News, Michael Koch educated us on the brief history of Land Rover Classic Parts (LRCP). Michael also explained how Rovers North bought out a large portion of the LRCP inventory carrying on the Classic Parts Legacy here in North America. What Mikey selfishly hid from his faithful readers is that Rovers North bought many of these Genuine Land Rover Parts at discounted prices. This matters because Genuine Land Rover Parts are forced to compete in a spare parts market where they are pitted against low-cost, mass-produced imitations. With the ability to purchase Genuine Land Rover Parts at discounted prices, Rovers North now offers many Genuine Land Rover Classic Parts at “discount part” prices, making it a better time than ever to choose Land Rover Genuine Parts direct from Rovers North.

This decrease in cost aids the resurging popularity of the Range Rover Classic and Discovery I despite rising fuel costs and the evercontagious “hip to be green” philosophy that is spreading faster than Zebra Muscles in Lake Champlain. I’m all for greening it up, but I’m disheartened by the negativity our marque receives due to the poor fuel economy of the gasoline engines needed to accelerate our sturdy vehicles in a somewhat timely manner. So if you are not willing to sacrifice your Landy, but don’t want to look insensitive, I suggest visiting the Glen Beck online studio store to find his “Hydrocarbon Powered Eco-Vehicle” bumper sticker. You will feel a little better about your pig every time the person at the pump next to you admiringly inquires about your “hydrocarbon conversion.”

But we don’t need smart-ass bumper stickers to keep the passion alive. I can’t tell you how many readers told me they saw a bit of themselves in Mike Koch’s article, Simply Irresistible (The News, Winter 08). Despite guiltlessly appropriating the title of Robert Palmer’s 1988 Rock hit Simply Irresistible, Mikey passionately describes the rousing and chicly, adventurous life-style that a $1,100 Range Rover Classic can afford a young adult. His enthusiasm is tampered with a respect for the number of common RR Classic failures that could yield a repair bill greater than the vehicle’s purchase price. Armed with a “run it till she quits, then buy another one” attitude, Mikey is determined to enjoy the affordable luxury found in the Indian summer of the Range Rover Classic. The abundance of cheap older Range Rovers is no secret.

Classic prices are kept low by hordes of non-enthusiasts who are no longer enamored with their aging status symbol. To most, the Range Rover Classic and Discovery 1 are nothing more than mechanically liable gas-guzzlers. Perfect! This means more inexpensive Classic vehicles on the market for the discerning enthusiast to choose from. While some of these fine vehicles are kept in a relatively stock form, many are transformed into inexpensive off-road beaters that are arguably the most capable Land Rovers on the trail.

Not unlike the $2,000 stereo systems I occasionally see (or hear!) fitted in a $500 hoopty, many Classics and Discovery I’s are kitted out with trail accessories worth substantially more than the vehicle itself. The off-road ability of a disposable vehicle is truly amazing. Few would argue that Classic vehicles are physically more capable than Defenders, but off-roading isn’t just about the vehicle; owner psyche proves a powerful factor when conquering obstacles.

Here in the USA, Defenders are ten or even twenty times more valuable than Classic vehicles. Dented Defenders necessitate repairs to avoid a decrease in value and pride of ownership. Personally, the fear of defacing my Defender all but keeps me off the trail. I cringe every time I hear the shrieks of branches scratching their way down the side of my 110. A long time ago I made the conscious decision that I would off-road endlessly to get to remote places but I would limit my recreational off-roading. I go to Land Rover events and run trails with the soccer moms in stock vehicles because I spent weeks doing paintwork when I restored my truck. Why would I want to create more work for myself?

Classic vehicles are worth next to nothing to begin with, so Classic owners push harder with less fear. It’s like the scratches on my “rock skis:” at one time the skis were new and I cared to avoid the rocks, but not any more. Not all Classic owners prescribe to this logic, but the ones that do have true off-road prowess because they just don’t give a damn. For these folks, few good dents are evidence of an active retirement for their Classic. Needless to say, I don’t even get on the trail with these types. I know I can’t hang. When I decide I’m ready to get serious about wheeling, you know what I will do? Find a disposable Classic vehicle.

Whether it’s for the off-road ability or high society style, love for the Range Rover Classic is truly abounding. In fact, some enthusiasts restore Classics knowing it will cost them several times the value of the vehicle. I was curious about this phenomenon, so I interviewed a prominent Classic enthusiast, Taylor Congleton of T. Congleton Rovers. Taylor is our unofficial resident grease monkey here at Rovers North and at 24, he has a veritable fleet of vehicles that require regular injections of Classic Parts. Besides the Discovery I with one foot in the grave, Taylor has two Classics. One is a beautiful example of a stock LWB and the other is a kitted out workhorse that gets regular off-road exercise. When I asked him why he loves Classic vehicles so much, Taylor had this to say: “The Classic does for me what the Mustang does for the older generation. It’s all I want to drive, so why would I want anything else? It’s the Classique.” Rather than justify, Taylor simply reminds us that we don’t get to choose who we love. Sure, Taylor would like to have a Defender and a Series or two, but that is in addition to his stable of Classics.

With pricing and availability better than ever, the revival of the Classic is tremendous; you could even call it a renaissance. And regardless of why you love your Classic or how you use it, Rovers North has the parts you need at the best prices. Supporting evidence of our claim to low prices can be found below. As always don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our product specialists about the 45,000 other parts we carry for your Land Rovers.

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