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 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 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 [...]

Land Rover ownership is not for the bashful. Don’t become a Land Rover enthusiast if you crave anonymity. To quote Martha and the Vandellas, “nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.” A vehicle as distinctive as a Land Rover – any model will do – does not blend into the landscape; it stands up and testifies [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

By Jeffrey B. Aronson A friend in Vermont once asked me, “Why do you own such anti-social cars?” Her statement stunned me. “Antisocial? Moi?” Perhaps she had a point with my ’80 Triumph TR-7 Spider; after all, it will only seat me and one friend. Given my short list of friends, that’s often proven to [...]