It was about 1959 I think, when I saw my first landrover ........

[wedgetail37]

It was about 1959 I think, when i saw my first Landrover............

I was a young tacker at Primary School in Nottingham, England. There were 2 cars that caught my eye parked near the school. One was an E-Type jaguar, so sleek and beautiful. The other was a Landrover, not so sleek but to my eyes absolutely beautiful. I fell in love with both these magnificent machines of the fifties and sixties. ( I just googled when the first E-Type jag was made and it was 1961. So, i must have been 10 years old and in my second to last year at Primary School).

I watched and read everything I could find on these machines (no internet yet).
Which way would I lean? towards the sleek cat or the rugged practical Beast.
I have always liked Jaguars and always will, but the Landrover stole my heart 100%.

I dreamt of them as a kid and my passion to this day has still not waned. They represent freedom and individuality to me. 'My machine'
Over the years I have owned Landrovers and other 4x4's and really liked them but have never had a love affair with any of them except the Landrovers.

I went to Grammar School in England and I remember always looking at the big map of Australia in my book in the Geography Class. It set my imagination on fire. Such a big exciting country with so much to explore. Perfect for me, but of course not possible. I loved everything about this big exciting country. I read everything I could about Australia.
Then one day after school, my Dad said to me, "Hey son, do you want to go to live in Australia?". Wow, my dream had come true. I said a sad goodbye to my then 'life long friends' and never looked back. The rest is history.

I have crossed all the deserts in Oz, gone twice around and done most all things related to 4x4 camping etc. I have had a great life. I love Australia.

The only really sad and soul destroying time was when my wife of 39 years passed away from Cancer. This destroyed me. I was so hurt and I thought I would never recover. But my passion for Australia and Landrovers was strong enough to help me get back on my feet amongst other things (my kids of course)

Now to the point: At the age of 62 I now have a Landrover Discovery 1998 diesel and I am so very pleased to be back in a Landy. My 2 oldest sons bought the Discovery for me as I am on a disibility pension with limited funds. My favourite is the Defender, but dollars and availability had to be taken into consideration. But the truth is, as long as there is a Landrover badge on the car I am happy.

I told my sons they have to salute the Landrover when they pull up at the house. I will leave it to your imagination as to their response hahahahahahaha. They probably just think the silly old bastard has dementia!!

Some people will understand what I am saying and a lot of people will not, but I reckon if you want a 4x4 that is dinkum and original, then buy a Landrover with all its warts and wrinkles. Take care of it and it will take care of you. See ya all sometime in the Bush or even maybe at a Shopping Centre in Albany.

[bob10]

How are the wildflowers near Albany? I think you have it fairly spot on. Keep smiling, Bob

[wedgetail37]

How are the wildflowers near Albany? I think you have it fairly spot on. Keep smiling, Bob

Hi Bob, A bit early for the Wildflowers this way, although the Wattles have been blooming for about 3 weeks. Need a bit more sun like yesterday (22 degrees). Thanks for the post and have a beaut day mate. See ya - Gerry

[harro]

"Take care of it and it will take care of you"


And if (heaven forbid) your Landrover doesn't take care of you I am sure the Landrover community will.

Look after yourself Gerry and thanks for brightening my day.

Cheers,
Paul.

[wedgetail37]

Thank you paul. You brightened my day also. Take Care - Gerry

[rocmic]

I know what you mean about Land Rovers. I fell in love when I was 4 (back in 1964) when I was driven home from kindergarten by a soldier in his work car.
I was 48 before I got my first - a D3, I am still loving.
What I would like is a 1959 series, just have to keep dreaming I guess.

A great post
Cheers
Mike

[Redback]

My story is similar to rocmic, but I was 5 and it was 1960, after a very long and slippery trip from Moree to weemelah(sheep station and the old man was a shearer) in an old Ford Prefect, the owner met us at the gate in a Land Rover, it would be 45yrs before I would own one though, in 2005, thanks to this Forum we purchased a 2001 Discovery 2, now own a Discovery 4 and love it.

Baz.

[wedgetail37]

Good dream Mike. I want one also. Maybe I should have stole that one outside my school many years ago. Its a Landrover, so there is a fair chance that one is still running. Especially it being in England and the parts being 'Holden priced' in comparison. I bet there is still a few in sheds etc around the world that need a good owner.

So, anybody that is reading this and have an old 1959 Landrover in the shed contact Mike first and if you have 2, then I bags second hahahahahaha.

have a beaut day Mike and thanks again for your post. keep loving that D3 See ya mate - Gerry

Ps. I have a sticker on my landrover that say, "Wanted. Woman who can clean, cook and have own Landrover. Please send pics of Landrover.

[wedgetail37]

Hi Baz. Some get a landrover early and some get one later in life. That doesnt matter as the only thing that does matter is that you got one. I feel sorry for the ones that haven't had the Landrover experience yet or maybe never will. A D4... beautiful mate. and whooo a Ford Prefect. Now that was once a popular car. Have a ripper day and thanks for the post. See ya - Gerry

[wedgetail37]

www.australianoutdoors.com

Just out of interest, anybody remember the website above?? I created and run it for about 7 years and sold it about 7 years ago. Just interested as I hope I made my mark a little in the Australian Outdoors scene. BTW, the guy I sold it to just didnt have the time to pursue it and it died, so there is no point looking at that address. See ya - Gerry