Please select the feature of your choice.
Our archive is constantly being expanded, so please visit again soon.
1948
The everlasting stop gap
Production gets off to a slow start as steel stocks are rationed but demand for the new ‘go anywhere’ vehicle takes off.
1949
The military takes an interest
Although production began to increase, the majority went overseas leaving few vehicles for the home market.
1950
The problems begin to get sorted
Engineers and customers called for improvements in suspension and lighting but the quest for more power led u a blind alley.
1951
Door handles and experimental bodies
more torque and power, strengthened floor and a metal truck cab all added to the Land Rover's desirability.
1952
Bigger engine and a milestone reached
Sales impetus is renewed as both miltary and civilian customers react t power plant improvements. |
1953
A few extra inches makes all the difference
The first really significant style change gave the Land Rover extra loadspace and saw the first long wheelbase.
1954
Ten seats and a new 2-litre engine
Longer wheelbases and detail changes made this a busy year at the Rover factory.
1955
Production slowdown
The year began well but there were no new models, though military sales made significant strides.
1956
88s, 109s and 107 station wagons
A right muddle of wheelbases kept the Land Rover engineers on their toes.
1957
A slow start
As the Suez crisis bit, Rover found it hard to sell Land Rovers in a depressed market.
1958
The Series II
In the past Land Rover had never been styled, the looks just happened.
1959
Difficult times
Apart from the hovercraft and Fidel Castro, not much made the news in 1959.
1960
Getting better
While the Beatles played in Hamburg, the Solihull order books began to fill up.
1961
Left on its own
An improved engine and a ‘A’ suffix was about the limit of Land Rover’s activities in '61.
1962
Twelve seats and a forward control
Two brand new model types to keep business users happy.
1963
Steady sales as the first V8 arrives
Maurice Wilks dies and the new MD makes a trip to the US.
1964
Sunshine summer
Everything looked bright for the Rover Company in 1964 as sales boomed.
1965
Trouble with competitors
Midlands merger mania begins and Rover find themselves somewhat disadvantaged.
1966
Busily getting on
Forward Control makes progress and a ‘lightweight’ is planned
1967
The V8 in production
The air portable Land Rover arrives with a 1,000 vehicle order.
1968
Range Rover tested
Production increases, but there’s uncertainty in the workforce.
1969
A small step for a man
Mankind reaches for the stars while Land Rover plod on with the Series II.
1970
A most significant year
The all-new vehicle from Solihull owes a debt to Rover’s car line-up.
1971
A new vehicle...?
As the Series II begins to show its age, Solihull make some revisions.
1972
Most versatile vehicle
Funds are in short supply, so improvements are slow to happen, if at all.
1973
Mixed fortunes
Unrest, war, confusion, but there’s a waiting list for the Range Rover.
1974
Changing times
Nixon quits the White House while BL heads for Downing Street and, around the world,
prices surge.
1975
Ryder report
Land Rover left out in the cold again, as profits are switched to the car makers.
1976
Million mark
A better year for the old Rover company as Land Rover and Range Rover sales continue to grow.
1977
Restructuring
Michael Edwardes takes control and Cinderella finally gets a ticket for the ball.
1978
A fresh start
a new boss, with a new vision as Land Rover Limited becomes a division in its own right.
1979
V8 power for Series III
Red, blue, green and yellow – extra colours to brighten up the V8 Series III.
1980
Stage two
Work begins in earnest to shape Land Rover’s future.
1981
Four doors
The Range Rover begins its life as social climber.
1982
High capacity
Developments begin to speed up on both model ranges.
1983
Historic times
The fruits of major investments begin to show through.
1984
The 90 is born
Short wheelbase coiler joins the 110 as the Range Rover continues to move further up market.
1985
For sale again
as the 90 is fitted with the V8 engine, along with many other product improvements, the government looks for a new buyer and the company is on the market once more.
1986
Ripe fruit
As the Range Rover gets a diesel engine, Land Rover fans fight to 'Keep Land Rover British'.
1987
Hits and misses
Range Rover Efi hits the US while the Turbo Diesel conquers the Camel Trophy but the Llama fails to impress.
1988
Boom and...
British Aerospace move in and there's plenty of money around, as new vehicle sales soar.
1989
Future arrives
The vehicle that saved Land Rover is unveiled and is an instant success as a truly versatile family vehicle
1990
Name change
As the Discovery continued to rocket up the sales charts, we first learned to use the word Defender.
1991
War in the Gulf
A huge collection of Land Rovers gather in the Saudi desert for the inevitable conflict against Iraq
1992
Financial Gloom
Black Monday on the financial markets did nothing to inspire confidence and vehicle sales suffered along with the economy in general.
1993
Good Planning
Rising petrol prices and taxes spelt gloom for motorists, meanwhile Land Rover brought out a more economic Discovery.
1994
Sold Overseas
BMW take over and it's the year of the Range Rover as the second generation flagship is launched alongside the Classic.
<< BACK TO LIST |
