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This is just a small sample of the stuff I've done in my Land Rover(s).
It's a right pain you know - I scan some real nice photos, but lose all the detail when I zap the file size in an attempt to save you lot some money! So sorry if the picture quality is not wonderful - but I am saving you money!
Yeah, I know I could post thumbnail ones that you can click on to get the real version - but who would bother?
Anyway, here they are...........
| This is the first picture of me to appear on this web site! |  |
The dream machine is my 1977 (or thereabouts) ex military Series 3 109" FFR (Fitted For Radio). The FFR basically means all the electrics are 24 volt. Real expensive when owt goes wrong, but excellent starting after being parked up for months on end.
This shot is fairly early on in my ownership. It has been well battered since. I'm still just as handsome though!
The bear on the radiator grill?
The teddy has a very important role to play. If it's botty was where it's head should be then I knew I had rolled the car over!
| This was to have been a close up of the bear, but who could resist such a handsome machine? |  |
Why has this Land Rover become so battered? Apart from it's hated role as a mobile skip, I mainly use it for Trialing or green laning.
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A lousy shot of the Beast in action at a trial site just north of Helmsley, on the North Yorkshire Moors. No idea when, except it is sunny so must be in the summer time! |
| Playing in some forgotten wet sandy muddy place near Otley I think. It's not very nice leaning over in a soft topped Land Rover! I have a rollover bar fitted, but even so! |  |
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Back to Helmsley for the shot on the left. This side slope does not look too scary here, but it does when you are the mug trying to drive it! Still sunny though. |
Looks easy doesn't it?
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When you go down a slope like the one left all you can see is the bonnet and lots of hard earth! I am just coming out of the steepest part as this photo was taken. I think I was going a bit fast for the camera person - no way that I was going to stop. |
The type of trial that I do is classed as RTV (Road taxed vehicle). In other words you have to drive to and from the site in a fully legal motor. This means that the ground tends to be testing rather than outright terrifying, although it can have it's moments!
The idea then is that you have to drive through a series of 'gates' made up from bamboo canes without touching them, or stopping. The gates are numbered from 12 down to 1 to form a section, and the numbers represent penalty points if you fail to 'clear' that gate. All low box, slow and steady stuff, with the occasion al bit of power to get up banks and stuff.
Naturally to make it a little harder the ground you are driving over has been carefully chosen to fully test your driving skills. Lots of lumps and bumps to see how good you are. Or not! It always looks very easy when you see someone else doing it, until you are behind the wheel and the immortal cry goes out - "Motor On!"
The trial normally takes a day, and may have up to 12 of these sections to do.
My Land Rovering is not all about macho off-road stuff.
My daily transport is my beloved Discovery -
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This was taken on a skiing holiday in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Just short of 1000 miles door to door, but a piece of cake in this baby. Mind you, some decent tires are a good idea - I use BF Goodrich Tracedge in winter time. The standard Michelins are good general purpose items, but don't quite make it in the slippery stuff. |
Whilst on a snowy theme, other Land Rovers I have owned include a 110 Station-wagon.
| This is a shot of it on yet another skiing holiday - this time in Aviemore, Scotland. Nice car, but let down by the engine (2.5 Diesel Turbo). The model is much improved once fitted with the lovely TDi or TD5 units now available. |  |
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This is the first Land Rover that I have owned. Ex Military Air Portable, or Lightweight. It had been converted by a previous owner to a 3.5L V8 monster! Enjoyed that motor, but it was not at all practical. Good fun in the snow though - I like snow! |
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