Land Rover Defender, the Symbolic British Off Road Vehicle

Article Written By: Tyler Morris

The British motor industry has experienced some highs and some (more notable) lows over the past 65 years, but one of its undoubted successes has been the creation of the enduring appeal and market-leading off-road experience provided by the Land Rover Defender. While the Defender "badge" has only been in existence since it was first placed in 1990 (in order provide a point of difference from the Discovery) even the most modern Defenders are the direct descendents of the original Land Rover Series 1, which first rolled off the production line in 1948.

The original Land Rover was designed primarily for farm and light industrial use. As with subsequent models, the Series 1 was built using a box-section steel chassis and aluminium bodywork. The project was aimed at keeping the Rover Car Company busy in the depressed car market of the post-war years, while the Land Rover's construction was a reflection of steel rationing and the abundance of aircraft aluminium in the UK at the time.

The Land Rover Series 2 was introduced ten years later, featuring a 2.25 litre petrol engine, barrel sides and a wider track. The Series 2A model, which was launched in 1961 and continued to evolve throughout the decade, offered the choice of a 2.25 litre diesel engine as well as a 2.6 litre, 6 cylinder petrol engine on the 109" long wheel-base models. The Series 3 saw the arrival of a fully synchronised gearbox and, in 1976, the 1,000,000th Land Rover made its way out of the factory.

Both the Series 2 A and Series 3 were modified as the Land Rover Lightweight for use by the Ministry of Defence. These were capable of being air-lifted by the helicopters of the time and proved to be excellent off-roaders.

The modern-day Defender, as we know it, came into being in 1983 with many refinements - including constant four wheel drive, giving the classic off-road car real 4x4 status for the first time. The Land Rover has now achieved iconic status, with nearly 2 million manufactured since 1948 in 130 countries across the globe.

The latest Defender is still regarded as one of the most capable off-roaders on the market, with Land Rover using all of its 4x4 experience to create a vehicle that can tackle the everything from vertigo inducing drops and seemingly unassailable ascents to water-filled ravines and axle-twisting obstacles. It truly is a Great British engineering marvel.

About the Author

Tyler Morris - Silverstone and their driving experience days.

You Can Link Directly to "Land Rover Defender, the Symbolic British Off Road Vehicle" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//automotive/cars/land-rover-defender-the-symbolic-british-off-road-vehicle.html

This Article Has Been Published on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 and Read 317 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Cars

Does Your Firm Need Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors
A Cut-Down History of the Coupe
How to buy and sell used car in Brighton?
The Practicalities of Owning an Electric Car
How do Electric Cars Compare to LPG Cars?
Lamborghini Murcielago A World Class Car
Car insurance for the hybrid
Top 5 Reasons to buy a Hybrid
A Car Crazy World
Looking for Used Cars for Sale Melbourne?
What You Need To Know Concerning Extended Car Warranties
A Few Outstanding Tips For Buying Used Cars
Why Should You Choose Contract Car Hire
Business car leasing - A Mercedes
Tips when Buying a Used Car
The Proper Age For A Teenager To Own A Car
Land Rover Defender, the Symbolic British Off Road Vehicle
Great Choice For Your Car: Wireless Radar Detectors
Diesel Engine Cars Shows
Asanti Wheels For Style And Complexity
The Benefits Of Seeking Diesel Truck Repair Services From A Specialized Mechanic
The Car Wash: Washing away Legal Requirements?
The Top Cars For Aspiring Actors In Los Angeles
Your Guide To Bad Credit Car Loan
The New Ferrari 458 Italia