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. (…)

Front Kit shown PLA6100KV
Timm Cooper Disc Brake Conversion Kits, quick links:
FRONT:
Genuine - RNA6100KV
ProLine - PLA6100KV
REAR:
Genuine - RNA6101K
ProLine - PLA6101K

Now you can install the latest Defender disc brake components onto your trusty 88” or 109” Land Rover and enjoy amazingly quick and controlled stopping power. Front kits are based on a new hub
assembly and new swivel ball housing, cast from ductile iron with a minimum strength rating of 80,000 pounds per square inch, this kit is an engineering masterpiece. The front caliper mounts are cast into the housings, just like Defender, to handle the massive 4 piston Defender calipers that grab 12 inch vented Defender discs, just like the NAS 90 enjoys. Timm’s rear conversion kit uses the same hub assemblies with solid Defender rear discs and 2 piston Defender rear calipers. (…)

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 sits boldly on the prow of the car. What’s standing in the way of importation into the US market? One impediment comes from the powertrain end. The Td5 delivered impressive performance and longevity, but was replaced with the Ford Transit motor because of emission reasons . As Mike Gould of Land Rover Lifestyle writes elsewhere in this issue, the regulatory focus of the EU is carbon dioxide levels, while the fractured US regulations focus on particulates and nitrous oxide levels.
Land Rover must also confront the potential instability that will arise whenever new corporate parents are found for Land Rover and Jaguar. (…)

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived in Virgina for the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown colony and the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. Before they left Great Britain I requested that they include a 2007 Defender in the royal baggage.
Their last trip was in 1991; within two years, we had the Defender 110 NAS. Just in case history should repeat itself, put your order in now.
Consider grant theft auto. Think about illegal importation. Find a good lawyer now. Whatever it takes, this car is worth the risk. My shameless display of illegal behavior was matched only by the mewling and whining I undertook in a failed effort to get Rovers North to send me to England to test drive the latest Defender. Neither groveling nor begging moved the cold hearts of Westford. That’s forced me to drool over my laptop’s keyboard as I’ve gathered information on this latest incarnation of the iconic vehicle. (…)

By Jeffrey B. Aronson
Recently, the New York Times quoted Nicole Farhi, a French designer working in London. She owns a 1956 Mercedes 190 cabriolet and claims “no one else is allowed to drive it. Old cars only recognize one driver. You have to know how to coax it. I drive my Mercedes every day to my office off or Carnaby St., and always get a lot of thumbs-up.”
Series Land Rover owners will recognize the validity of her statements. Even Range Rover Classic and Discovery owners can find themselves having to give more detailed instructions than “make certain you put gas in it” when they loan out their Rovers. I have let others drive my two Series II-As, but never with enthusiasm or confidence. An offer to “take my car” is accompanied by a long list of starting, accelerating and stopping instructions that usually lead the recipient to say, “Never mind, I’ll walk.” Even in rain, snow and sleet! (…)

Story by: Jeffrey B. Aronson Photos by Calef Letorney & Jeffrey B. Aronson
Forget March – February is the cruelest month. Yes, it’s short and for many people, it includes a vacation weekend to buy cars in honor of forgotten Presidents. There’s a small sop to romance with Valentine’s Day. It’s also brutally cold [whoever heard of a February thaw?] and this year, much of the continental US witnessed its first major blizzard. Forget frozen pipes! Forget the pain of the simplest errands! It’s February and time for off roading. There are numerous events around the country held this time of year, but for the northeast corners of the US and Canada, it’s hard to beat the Maine Winter Romp.
For 11 years, Bruce Fowler of Unity, ME, has lent out his time, Land Rovers and his land for the President’s Day weekend event. (…)

Story by Jeffrey B. Aronson / Photos by Matt Martin
For the past 16 years, British car enthusiasts and enterprising innkeepers have conspired to entice over 500 sporting machines to travel to Stowe, Vermont in mid-September. That’s just after the summer tourists have packed their bags and before the leaf peeper migration begins later that month.
The end result is a riot of colors – Old English white, British racing green, Royal Navy blue, British Leyland “England Swings” mod tones – that competes effectively with the nascent foliage changes Mother Nature mixes together every fall. The event also celebrates the fascinating, enchanting vehicles created and constructed by the British auto industry. Happily, that still includes Land Rover. Lastly, the weekend also immerses you in the qualities of people who identify themselves as British car enthusiasts. (…)