Land Rover

By: Ben Fogle

Narrated by: Rupert Farley

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

As quintessentially British as a plate of fish and chips or a British bulldog, the boxy, utilitarian Land Rover Defender has become an iconic part of what it is to be British. It is said that for more than half the world's population, the first car they ever saw was a Land Rover Defender.

It mirrors many of our national traits - stiff upper-lipped and slightly eccentric. The car has remained relatively unchanged for nearly seven decades and has spawned an industry that includes dozens of publications, car shows, clubs, associations and even model car collectors who dedicate their lives to the Land Rover.

To understand this national love affair, Ben has travelled the length of the British Isles in an old series one Land Rover, spending time with Defender enthusiast Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the Royal Marines and the Dartmoor search-and-rescue teams.

His journey continues via the Bristol dockyard from where thousands of Defenders are dispatched around the world and onto the Western Isles of Scotland and Islay, the island used as a testing ground by Spencer Wilks in 1947 to put several of the early series Land Rover prototypes through their paces.

After 67 years and 2 million vehicles, the Land Rover Defender has ceased production, and this book is a fitting tribute to this most British institution, which has stood as a beacon of durability and Britishness across the world. Every Land Rover has its own unique story to tell.

This is the story of the world's favourite car.

©2016 Ben Fogle (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

Praise for Ben Fogle:
"Funny, entertaining and really rather inspiring, too." ( Daily Mail)
"A great escapade told with refreshing frankness." ( Independent on Sunday)
"Passionate and well-researched." ( Tatler)
"A must-read for anyone with an interest in the history of man's relationship to dogs, regardless of breed, and Fogle's typical adventure-style storytelling keeps the narrative light and entertaining." ( Independent)

Covers it all, though jumps around a bit

Rather than a year by year chronology, this book describes phases or chapters within the Land Rover timeline. As a Series Rover owner myself, I had heard of many of the stories but not with so much detail. Plus I learned way more about others items not often mentioned elsewhere. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to other LR junkies.

Overall very good

Very good book although a bit disjointed in bits. As a freelander and evoque owner for about 6 years I read / listened but wouldn't have done otherwise I guess that's why I gave such a highish ranking. I picked up things like the Khan model etc. Overall I'd recommend for landrover / Range Rover owners but don't think many, apart from anoraks, would be that interested.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great for all Land Rover lovers

A very personal look at the beloved Land Rover in all its series and types.
I thought it was a great read/listen.
Not sure if it was me or the book but some parts seem to be repeated but this might just be my phone but will be listening again soon.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

About the author

The book seems to be more about the author than the car. I listened only the beginning and it just wouldn’t start to be about the car. So I stopped. Shame...as I was curious.

Ben's passion for the landy is addictive

The stories and anecdotes Ben tells are brilliant. I learnt to drive in a lwb series 3 many years ago. Having now finished this excellent book I find myself wanting, no needing to get another Landy.