Land-Rover Series S1 S2 S3 Land Rover Defender

1947 Land-Rover Prototype with Centre Steering

Replica of the Centre Steer prototype Land-Rover at Gaydon in 2010 Clearly visible is the chain solution of the Centre Steering Land-Rover

If there had not been any Land-Rover, there would not been any Range Rover launched in 1970, either.

1948 Land-Rover Series 1

After the WWII there were a need for all kind of products, and especially the need for vehicles were huge. There was rationing of steel because the war industry had spent nearly all iron and steel that were obtainable. However, there was a lot of aluminum plates available after warplanes industry.

The British government demanded that automakers started making cars for export, in order to bring in badly needed foreign currency to England. If automakers did not manage to sell abroad, they were not assigned quotas of steel and iron, which they needed for production.

Aluminum has very special characteristics in that it is strong, lighter than steel and resists corrosion better than steel. At the end of 40-years were needed, however, a strong steel chassis to mount the aluminum plates on and it was not the same ration of aluminum as it was on steel.

Rover needed to come up with a model that they could produce over a shorter period of time and suitable for sale overseas. The nearby was looking at the possibility of a tool suitable for use in agriculture, industry and craftsmen. Something close to a tractor that could be used both for use in the field, used as a power station for various equipment, and to be used for regular use on the road, as a "Land Rover ".....

The Rover Company's managing director Maurice Wilks and his brother Spencer Wilks had an ex-military Jeep at

their estate in Anglesey which they used almost everything with of work at the farm. The Jeep needed a replacement

and the legend told that it was in the spring of 1947 that the idea that Rover could build a vehicle like the Jeep was born.

Within 1947 a centre steer prototype based on the frame of a Jeep but with with the later Land-Rover shapes were

built. In fact the first protype had so much of the later Land-Rover that very much additional developement were not

needed. The centre steering has gone on the production model and the prototypes were scrapped.

This replica belongs to Dunsfold Museum in UK.

An agricultural driving position with Centre Steer

Link to brochure:

1948 Land-Rover

Highlights from 1948:

- Production of Land-Rover began in July 1948

- External door handles

- Alloy truck cab available

- Land-Rover Fire Engine introduced

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, iron cast cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

Land-Rover Fire Engine, one of many conversions

Highlights from 1954:

- New 2.0 litre engine replaced the 1.6 ltr type (August '51)

- Marker sidelights moved from bulkhead, just below front windscreen to front wings

- Production of Tickford Station Wagon ended

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, iron cast cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

Rear view of a 1950 Land-Rover at Solihull UK at Heritage Run in 2010

Highlights from 1952:

- Removeable metal hardtop available

- Improved seats

- The freewheel deleted and replaced by a dog clutch type

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 1.6 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1595 cc IOE R4, 69,5mm bore x 105mm stroke

Max power: 50 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 80 lb/ft at 2000 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

From May 1950 the front lamps got cut outs in the wire mesh

Highlights from 1951:

- New option: Single fresh air vent available

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 1.6 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1595 cc IOE R4, 69,5mm bore x 105mm stroke

Max power: 50 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 80 lb/ft at 2000 rpm

Manual Transmission with permanent four-wheel drive with freewheel in front driveline:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.47; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

The original Land-Rover Station Wagon remain rare, due to high price

Highlights from 1950:

- Front lights through the wire mesh grille (May 1950)

- First public show at Amsterdam Auto Exhibition

- 80" inches wheelbase

- Tickford Land-Rover Station Wagon introduced Oct 1948

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 1.6 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1595 cc IOE R4, 69,5mm bore x 105mm stroke

Max power: 50 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 80 lb/ft at 2000 rpm

Manual Transmission with permanent four-wheel drive with freewheel in front driveline:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.47; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.88:1 (4.7:1 from mid-1948)

Price of Land-Rover 80" in July 1948: £ 450 in UK

Land-Rover 80" in Oct 1948: £ 540 in UK

1948 Land-Rover at the RRC 40 Anniversary Heritage Run in May 2010

Highlights from 1949:

Link to brochure: Link to brochure:

1954 Land-Rover 1954 Land-Rover "No Road"

- New 2.0 ltr engine with revised cylinder bore arrangement (Oct. 1953)

- Land-Rover 86" model introduced with extra 9" in load area totally 25% increase of load space.

- Twin fresh air vents introduced

- New facia with bigger instruments

- Improved brake system

- New 7-seats Station Wagon introduced

- Safari roof standard on SW and optional on other models

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, alloy cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

1954 Land-Rover with longer wheelbase 86" and new mesh grille

Highlights from 1955:

Link to brochure:

1955 507 Land-Rover

- Land-Rover 107" Pick-up long wheel base model introduced

- Land-Rover 88" regular wheelbase introduced as "Regular" (Autumn '56)

- Land-Rover 109" long wheel base model introduced as "Long" (Autumn '56)

- Land-Rover 107" Station wagon stayed in production untill Sept. 1958

- Diesel engine available

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, alloy cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

Engine 4 cylinder Diesel, CAV fuel injection type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 22.5:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

2052 cc OHV R4, 85.7mm bore x 88.7mm stroke

Max power: 51 bhp (net) at 3500 rpm. Max torque: 87 lb/ft at 2000 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

Original 107" Land-Rover Station Wagon from 1957 from Norway

1958 Land-Rover Series 2

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

1956 Land-Rover is beautiful and fun to drive, as this Norwegian 86" shows

Highlights from 1957:

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, alloy cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

- Blue and Grey colour available in addition to the original dark green.

- Glass in side screens instead of Perspex

- 10-seats 107" Station Wagon introduced

- Safari roof standard on SW and optional on other models

Engine 4 cylinder Petrol, Solex carburettor type:

- 2.0 ltr R4, Compression ratio: 6.8:1, Three-bearing crankshaft

1997 cc IOE R4, 77.8mm bore x 105mm stroke, alloy cylinder head

Max power: 52 bhp (net) at 4000 rpm. Max torque: 101 lb/ft at 1500 rpm

Manual Transmission - Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive in high range, four-wheel drive only in low range:

- 4 speed and transfer box, high (1.148) and low (2.89) ratio. Central differential lockable

Gear ratios:

1st. 3.00; 2nd. 2.04; 3rd. 1.38; 4th. 1.0; R. 2,54 - Syncromesh on 3rd and 4th gear

Front and rear differentials ratio: 4.7:1

In 1955 the Oxford & Cambridge to Singapore Expedition were held

Highlights from 1956:

Link to brochure:

1959 568 Land-Rover

The new Land-Rover SII 88" with soft top and capstan winch

Nearly 70% of the Land-Rovers were exported to the whole world

Publicity picture shows 88" Truck Cab from British Colombia in 1959

Link to brochure:

1961 609/D Land-Rover

Land Rover 2.25 litre Diesel Engine - Towing and Power Supply

"The 2.25 litre diesel engine gives much increased pulling power which will be of great advantage in the hauling of heavy trailers. In the arrangements shown here, in use by the Birmingham Mass Radiography Service, a long wheelbase diesel Land-Rover tows a trailer fully equipped with the X-ray photographic equipment.

Power supply for the X-ray equipment is supplied by a large alternator driven from the Land-Rover power take-off. The total payload of the trailer and alternator installation in the Land-Rover is approximately 3.5 tons. The 2.25 litre diesel engine applied to such a purpose will give much improved road performance together with econmy whilst towing and also during the long hours of stationary running whilst power is generated."

PR text from Land-Rover in 1961

Land-Rover used as towing vehicle and power station for X-ray in 1961

Land Rover 2.25 litre Diesel Engine - Mobile Workshop

"A long wheelbase Land-Rover is shown here, converted into a mobile workshop, complete with a power take-off driven 15 c.f.m. compressor and a 10 K.V.A. alternator which supplies the main electrical services of arc welding, power tools and lighting. The vehicle is fully fitted out with tool and parts storage facilities, an external workbench, as shown, and an internal workbench for use with the folding roof elevated.

Extreme mobility and speed are the requirements of such a unit and the additional performance of the 2.25 litre diesel engine will be of great advantage thereby."

PR text from Land-Rover in 1961

Land-Rover used as mobile workshop with Dormobile elevating roof

Land-Rover Series II 109 Dormobile the ultimate Camper from Solihull

This British Leyland photo shows the little changes through the 60's

Pre-Range Rover Classic - Before the launch of June 17th 1970

Prior to the launch of Range Rover in June 1970, you find here the model range of the Rover cars as well as the utility vehicles of Land-Rover. Nearly all the publish materials before the launch of Range Rover show separate brochures of Rover cars and the Land-Rovers.

The introduction of sport utilitarien vehicle Range Rover in 1970 filled the gap in the model range between the personal cars and the workhorse Land-Rover. In many brochures in the following years the Range Rover was more often showed together with Rover, Triumph, Jaguar and Daimler; the cars for the executives, than with the Land-Rover.

Please enjoy these fantastic brochures and PR material of Land-Rover, Range Rover and Rover through the 25 years of production of the best ever SUV; the Range Rover Classic.

1969 Rover Brochure 1970 Rover Brochure 1970 Land-Rover Station Wagons 1970 Land-Rover 109" Wheelbase 1969 British Leyland