In the fifth of our ‘Seven Wonders’ feature, Adrian Hearn presents seven fantastic facts on the famous 4x4.

Launched in 1948 with four-wheel-drive, the Land Rover has been a phenomenon. With its unmistakeable design and incredible durability, millions of Land Rovers have been sold all over the world.

The car originally designed in a shed in Anglesey has spawned offspring including the groundbreaking Range Rover.

The prototype
The first Land Rover was built by Maurice Wilks using the chassis from the iconic Willys Jeep with Rover providing the engine, gearbox and clutch.

Engine changes
The first Land Rover was available as a 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engine. Today’s Defender uses a 2.4-litre turbodiesel, while the top-end Range Rover boasts a massive 4.4-litre V8.

Unbreakable
It’s claimed over 70 per cent of all Land Rovers are still on the road.

Variety
In 1970, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover – a luxury off-roader. The Land Rover brand now makes the Defender, Range Rover, Discovery and Freelander.

Worldwide phenomenon
Over 1.9 million Land Rovers have been sold in 140 countries since 1948.

Celebrity owners
Sir Winston Churchill was given a Land Rover as a gift on his 80th birthday. The late Pope John Paul II had one specially made for him, which included a bullet-proof kiosk.

Up for sale
Land Rover the company has had its fair share of owners including British Leyland, Rover and BMW. Ford bought Land Rover from the German giant in 2000 for £1.8 billion.

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