Lisa’s Landy – The Land Rover Defender 300
A classic example of today’s single 30’s something independent woman, Lisa is slim, blonde, sports an impish grin and rather thick glasses. With a couple of university degrees in the bag, a great job and a home, what more could Lisa Ann ask for?
She puts down the assignment she had been studying.” Ask for?” I’ve already got it. A four wheel drive. I just had to be able to get away. And not just any 4×4. I needed one that could take me reliably out of the bush for extended camping periods, carry big loads, be easy for me to maintain and be easy for me to maintain and be safe and enjoyable to drive. I’ve done a bit of driving other than 4×4 work. A few trips around Europe, plus four years in London gave me some ideas on comfort and safety.’
Significantly, after many years of using Government and University off-road vehicles in connection with her scientific work in the outback, Lisa was in a position to know about the downsides of four wheel driving. This perceptive and rather proper young lady was somewhat fed up with the unpleasant handling, ride and rust propensity of the general run of 4×4 vehicles. Most were deficient in load space and carrying capacity. The so-called ‘soft roaders’ didn’t rate a thought. ‘There is a raft of people out there who will disagree with me. That’s their privilege’ she grinned.’ But I think about the innards, not just the gloss’.
’The choice that beckoned was the Land Rover. My family has several, from Range Rover to a County. In fact, I cant remember a time when my parents didn’t cart me everywhere in one or another Landy. They were all quite remarkable vehicles in comparison to other breeds. I finally bought a second hand Land Rover Defender 130 Crew Cab turbo-diesel. It’s got four doors, a huge alloy utility tray, airconditioning and it handles fantastically well. The body is clad in rust proof Birmabright aircraft alloy. Great for fishing. With a gross mass of 7.5 tonnes including trailer, I haven’t looked back’.
En route to a photo location we came across a wild orange Land Rover Discovery parked in Mitchell Street. This beast was a rare and rather potent Dakar diesel version with UK registration, optioned out for every eventuality. English tourist Toby Boulter was on a self imposed 12 month mission to single-handedly travel the worst and most obscure outback tracks that his GPS could throw at him. The planning alone took 2 years. Why do it? “Cause I could.’ Said Toby. He agreed to join us on our photo hunt. These Landy owners seem to be rather odd breed. They strike up conversations with each other. They seek each other’s company, swap notes and share secret spots. They even wave as they pass. ” Of course we lift a finger when we pass each other” said Lisa. It’s just a matter of courtesy”. There aren’t that many to finger anyway. The marketing gurus seem to have forgotten that there are a lot of reel women out there who have the same motoring requirements as men. Many have a good knowledge of what makes a vehicle tick, and they expect it to last. The size of the stereo, the soft aroma of leather and silky body curves are not major issues. Toby chose his because, like Lisa, he considered it to be the best for the job.
| VEHICLE Land Rover Defender 300 TDI 130 inch wheelbase. Alloy utility back, 4 door, 5 passenger crew cab. 2.5 litre intercooled turbo diesel. GVM 7.5 tonne with braked trailer. Vehicle payload 1.5 tonnes. Coils all around, 2 spare wheels, aircon, power steering ECONOMY |
The Land Rover Defender series vehicles are similar to the Army versions. Built like an overgrown Meccano set, the body shape is still uncomfortably similar to the original 1940’s Series 1 version. Hidden within however, are the beautifully engineered mechanical systems that are as modern as tomorrow. Defenders are widely acknowledged as the most capable off-roaders on the market.
Once in the bush, Lisa and Toby sized each other up and tackled some ominously steep and slippery climbs for the camera. “The thing to remember when in four wheel drive mode”, said Lisa whilst flicking the centre differential into” lock’, “is that if only one wheel spins, you stop. By using this centre (or third) differential lock, at least one wheel at the front and another at the back must slip at equal speeds before the vehicle will stop due to loss of traction”. Land Rovers have permanent four wheels provide positive traction but ‘one spinning wheel’ rule holds true.
Raw cloud faced us as we crested the hill. The bonnet plunged down but without a glimpse of terra firma I tried to crawl further up the back of my seat. “It’s also great for going down. Nothing worse than watching your tail pass you whilst going downhill.” I watched. My tail remained in place.
Maintenance of such vehicles is important especially after water and mud work. So is a daily check of all fluid levels, tyre pressures and underbody bits. Lisa and Toby maintain their own. A good set of tools, adequate spares and the workshop manual are must-haves. “You’d look pretty stupid if you were days away from help and couldn’t change a wheel bearing, or fit a set of brake pads” said Lisa. DIY takes on a whole new meaning. Any guys out there need lessons?
Story by Terry Knight
Photography Chris Knight
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