text: Jeffrey Aronson
photos: Nordel Gagnon & Jeffrey Aronson

I spent a month away from home in the Conway, NH, area, with my Land Rover, the QE I. On my island town, I’m the only year-round resident with a Land Rover, so I’m used to waiting until summer before other Land Rovers appear on our roads. Traveling to a month’s study to become a Wilderness EMT at the Solo School, I hoped to meet up with other Land Rover enthusiasts.

By Jeffrey B. Aronson
While driving the QE I, my ’66 Series II-A 88” SW, down Vermont’s I- 91 late one winter, I noticed the power dropping off dramatically. Good fortune dictated that this would happen right near a rest area so I coasted in and opened the hood. Nothing looked amiss electrically so I pulled a spark plug, and then all four. Each plug resembled a licorice stick. A sooty, oily gunk covered up what should have been the electrode gap. I cleaned each plug in turn, screwed them back in, started up the car and continued on my way.

Two questions sprang to mind. How did the plugs get so coated, and how on earth did the car keep running? The latter question underscores one of the endearing qualities of Land Rovers. Unlike their owners, they don’t show their age.

By Jeffrey B. Aronson Whenever I change the oil and filter on either Land Rover, I also check the fluid levels in the transmission, transfer case, overdrive, front and rear axles, swivel balls and steering box. It’s very telling that the latter items – professionally replaced on the QE I by East Coast Rover with [...]

Story by Jeffrey B Aronson Photos by Matt Martin It comes as no surprise that the iconic shape of a Land Rover graces so many advertising catalogues. However, in a decision certain to shock the Land Rover community, L. L. Bean chose the QE I, my Land Rover, for their Spring Outdoor Enthusiast Catalogue. As [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson A fisherman friend came up to me in our island’s village parking lot, a wharf on the edge of the main harbor. “You know, Jeff,” he said, “You can actually buy cars made after 1980.” He then touched the door handle on his family minivan and watched the door slide open [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson The required automobile inspection – an annual ritual in most states – invokes all the fear of your significant other telling you, “We need to talk.” When your Land Rover is 42 years old, the mechanic can always find something to discuss. The requirements vary from state to state, and even [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson Oh the weather outside is frightful But my Rover’s so delightful When other cars won’t go Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow Oh, boy, it’s the beginning of December and this island has received its first substantial, it’s-going-to-stick snowstorm. The snow fell so hard and thick that the [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson Photo: Calef Letorney So you want to buy a Defender? Join the club – it’s a rare Land Rover enthusiast who does not covet one of the NAS Land Rovers. You don’t have a lot of choice. Officially, only two models made it into the North American market. The Defender 110 [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson There are two famous sites in Kennebunkport, ME. One is the summer waterfront home of the Bush family; the second is the home of Leyland British Auto Repair. Recently I made the 3 hour drive to Kennebunkport and passed by the former to visit the latter. Erik Van Sickle has been [...]

Story By: Jeffrey B. Aronson Photos By: Land Rover It’s impossible not to want one. Not only has Land Rover proved the iconic standard-bearer, but they’ve even returned the name “Land Rover” to the front of the bonnet. Just like in the days of Land Rover 90’s and 110’s, the name behind the Green Oval [...]