Ref. Editor

One of the world's most versatile and engaging vehicles is celebrated in this Ludvigsen Library book. Conceived by Maurice Wilks of the Rover Motor Company as Britain's answer to the ubiquitous Jeep, the Land-Rover made its bow in 1948. In accord with Wilk's desires it was more versatile than the Jeep, making it the ideal farming and countryside vehicle — perhaps the first-ever sport-utility. An explosion of different body styles and wheelbase lengths soon enriched the range of this popular off-roader, as did diesel and even V-8 engines. The Series 2 version was introduced in 1958 and the Series 3 in 1971. Special forward-control and military versions only increased the range of tasks this amazing vehicle could accomplish. The original Land-Rover rolls on into the 21st Century, now styled as the Defender. Rare and original photos from the Ludvigsen Library and Marshall of Cambridge depict the evolution of this globe-girdling 4x4 over half a century, amplified by an introduction by ""Landie"" expert Paul Woods.