Story by: Jeffrey Aronson / Photos by: John Robison and Jeffrey Aronson



In the 19 years of the British Invasion, Vermont’s premier British car event, Land Rovers have generally played the role of the “country cousin” in the family. The 500 vehicles and thousands of people who attend the September event celebrate British marques and models no longer in production – MG, Triumph, Austin Healey, Sunbeam – or rarely seen – Lotus, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce. Look in the back rows, that’s where you find the green oval.



Land Rovers get relegated to the status of clowns (the Rover Polo games in the early ‘90s), barbaric brutes (carrying a cheating Mini-Moke into the woods during a tug-of-war), pack horses (Rovers North’s hilly trail rides), or mud wrestling entertainment (Rovers North trials course). Regardless, a cheery group of Land Rover enthusiasts drive up every year to entertain the Jaguar XK-E and MG T-series owners. Beer mugs replace champagne flutes and Rovers North t-shirts outnumber British Invasion regalia in Classes 48 (Series I – III), 49 (Defenders) and 50 (Range Rover/Discovery).



In past years, Land Rover enthusiasts have stuffed the “People’s Choice” ballot boxes to ensure that the rattiest Land Rover receives a prize from the disgruntled organizers. This year, Derek Chace, Underhill, VT, and his Series III lightweight made a spectacular splash as he kitted out his car SAS style, complete with cammo net, British cammo outfits and gun emplacement. Ted Woodward, Falmouth, ME, (Series II-A) and Kevin Murphy (Series III), Ridgefield, CT, took home the other “People’s Choice” plaques. Some very handsome Range Rover Classics, P 38-A’s and a pop-riveted Discovery showed neophytes the wide range of Land Rover enthusiasm.



Most strikingly, David Pound, Stowe, VT, and his cover-girl Series II soft top (featured in the Fall ‘09 issue of The Rovers North News) won a prize in the Concours class, a first for Land Rovers at this event. Amidst all the glittering restorations of great British cars entered into the competition, David’s entry – driven daily – brought honor and recognition to Land Rovers.



Who knows? Land Rover owners might finally be treated like royalty at next year’s event.

•