12 minute read

Sightings

t’s Spring in Northern New England, which means the s-l-o-w growth of flora, the dissolving of dirt roads into mud, the end ofI Spring skiing and the resurgence of biting insects. As we go to press in May, we still need a woodstove at night, but at least we can look forward to the promise of warmer weather. That has clearly put all Sighters, regardless of where they live, in great moods, as we’ve seen a resurgence of Sightings.

As always, it’s useful to novice Sighters and veterans to review the rules of the contest:

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Rule #1 — All Sightings receive recognition and our appreciation, but not necessarily a mug. We reward only those Sightings that capture the unique qualities of Land Rovers as well as their owners, and display them in a distinctive way.

Rule #2 — If your Sighting doesn’t really surprise you, it won't surprise us, either — thus, we can’t award you a mug. We're delighted, but not surprised, that Land Rovers appear in British television programmes, British publications, films with British themes and shows about African safaris. These Sightings are appreciated, but not mug-worthy.

Rule #3 — At an ever-changing date before publication, we close off the Sightings; for this issue it was April 30, 2021. If we've mentioned the Sighting in an earlier issue, we might not mention it again. If you're new to the family of Land Rover enthusiasts, you may not have seen your Sighting in an earlier issue.

Rule #4 — If you qualify, one mug per Sighting per issue. No more than two Coveted Mugs will be awarded to the same person per year.

Rule #5 — Sightings that are Land Rover references in books go to our Literary Land Rover Editor for mention, but only when space permits.

Rule #6 — Psst... email submissions — remember we can't send a mug by email. To be considered for a Coveted Mug, send us your real name and shipping address too.

Rule #7 — Snail mail sightings must be sent to: Editor, Rovers Magazine, P.O. Box 90, Vinalhaven, ME 04863

Rule #8 — Grudgingly, very grudgingly, the Editor admits he might have made an error. Let us know if you think you've been jobbed.

Television programs know that they’ll draw viewers if they include Land Rovers in their episodes. The British series Wheeler Dealers featured a Series Land Rover, noted Brenton Lane, Saco, ME. Robbie Goodall, Henrico, VA, noted that the producers of the Spanish program Money Heist have “good taste in vehicles” – meaning Defenders.

Advertisers adore putting Land Rover’s iconic designs in their ads. Paul Kennington, La Grande, OR, spotted the outline of a Range Rover Classic in an Autotrader online promotion for the Super Bowl. Adam Setliff, Flower Mound, TX, wrote that he explained the reason for the presence of multiple issues of Rovers Magazine on his coffee table to his new girlfriend. She told him of her favorited store, Anthropologie, and — low and behold — there’s a Defender on the cover of their catalogue. Derek Leith, St. Louis, MO; Sherry Block, Hadlyme, CT; Bo Prillaman, Richmond, VA; and Robert Alley, Marietta, GA enjoyed the Defender 110’s prominences in a Principal Financial Services television commercial. Derek wrote, “Principal must know that Land Rovers are valuable, and well worth it!” Derek and John Bufton, Galveston, TX, also noted that the 2021 Arkansas Travel Guide features an RoW Defender on the front and rear covers. Chuck Breiner, Troy, NY, enjoyed seeing a Defender 110 online on a Broteboard surfboard site. Chuck and Adam Setliff, Flower Mound, TX, also noted the use of Defenders online for Blundstone and the Australian firm, R.M. Williams. Milton Milner, Hendersonville, MC, and Jason Sheehy, Mt. Sterling, OH, spotted the Defender 110 in the Baschierei & Pellagri ad for shotgun shells in Sporting Classics magazine. Jason Sheehy also enjoyed seeing a Verizon ad online via Yahoo with a model in the rear of a Series Land Rover. Brian Jones, Raleigh, NC, spotted a Stance sock ad online with the model standing atop a rear door spare tire on a Defender.

Here’s an unusual, but much-appreciated Sighting. David Russ, Lyme, NH, spotted a shout-out to Les Parker and Rovers North in the March issue of Land Rover Owner International. Keith Comess, Portland, OR, wrote that he doesn’t want another mug, but he shared a contentious online debate about tequila production that featured a nice photo of a Series III. Terry Imm, Kelowna, BC, noted that Michelin now runs television ads featuring Defenders – a first for that tire company. Jeremy Swanson, Brier, WA, appreciated seeing a RHD Defender 110 in a Snowpeak online ad. This magazine’s brilliant Creative Director, Thompson Smith, spotted a new Defender 110 in a Thule roof box ad. When he should have being paying attention to traffic between S. Lake Tahoe, CA, and Reno, NV, he shared a photo of a PartsVia.com trailer truck with a Defender on the rear door. Lastly, while eyeballing a potential outdoor shed purchase, Thompson spotted a Heartland Shed website with a Land Rover 110 beside it.

ROVERS MAGAZINE / SPRING 2021

For sightings rules & submissions, visit www.roversnorth.com/sightings

George

Hughes, Flemington, NJ, enjoyed an internet report that included a Land Rover 109 at work in a South African mine back in 1972. Rob Gatnik, Milton, MA, spotted a Harvey Traveler Series III doing pop-up store duty in Boston’s Seaport. Keith Comess, Portland, OR, called the Sighting of Miley Cyrus seated on the hood of a RHD, British-plate Series III in Vogue, the “Sighting of the Century!” Fun Sighting on a British vehicle, but the article celebrates the return of the mesh trucker’s cap — a dubious honor. Jesse McCoy, Richmond, VA, was surprised to see a Defender front and rear in the catalogue for the Theodore Roose-

velt Conservation Partnership. Rob Daino [see Rule #6] wandered around the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles and enjoyed spotting a handsome Dormobile. Brian Liang, Pasadena, CA, spotted on online ad for Consumer Reports that used a photo of an RoW commercial Defender 110 to warn against buying a car without consulting their magazine/website. Humbug, we say! The Discoverer Blog features a Land Rover 110 on its headline, which does draw your attention, noted Rob Marsh, Vass, NC. Jeremy Vimislik, Seattle, WA, noted that Eddie Bauer now has a t-shirt featuring a Defender 90. P T Schrader, Churubusco, IN, reported that the trade magazine The Shop has a cover with a Defender and a discussion of LS installations in Land Rovers.

We’ve mentioned these Sightings before, but we thank Sighters for sharing them with us again. Brenton Lane, Saco, ME, and Jay Martin, Vallejo, CA, spotted a Land Rover in a Huckberry online promotion. Everett Stiles [see Rule #6] enjoyed seeing a clip from The Gods Must Be Crazy on Facebook. The British clothing firm, Boden, has returned a Defender to their catalogues, noted Hattie Buck, Birmingham, AL; Saylor Schimikowski, Westborough, MA; Eric Brumwell, Bainbridge Island, WA; Marco Zambezi, Lebanon, NJ; Brian Jones, Raleigh, NC; and Cole Atkinson, Williamstown, NJ. Cole and Patrick Holder, Atlanta, GA, and Greyson Schimikowski, Westborough, MA, enjoyed seeing the Puma Defender on the front cover of a Vineyard Vines catalogue. Jessica Jackson, Lewiston, MT; Keith Comess, Portland, OR; Richard Betts, Holly Ridge, NC; and Saskia Comess, Portland, OR, enjoyed seeing the Defender in the PrAna catalogue. Gregg Pollack, Camdenton, MO, noted that a local tire dealer in Missouri ran a Cooper Tire coop ad that featured a Defender — an unusual but delightful choice, he thought. Scott Copeland, Summerville, GA, spotted a topless Series I in a Marriott Bonvoy promotion. Benjamin Boerum, Washington, DC, spotted a Shorland armored Land Rover at work — sadly — in Northern Ireland with the resumption of civil unrest there. Bo Prillaman, Richmond, VA, spotted the black Defender that appears in Wayne Carini’s Chasing Classic Cars garage every so often.

Michael Lend-

voyi, Washougal, WA, and Kraig Mackett, Perrysburg, OH, enjoyed seeing a Defender 90 decal in a Yeti promotional magazine. ///

Winners:

Brian Jones Raleigh, NC

Terry Imm Kelowna, BC Canada

Sherry Block Hadlyme, CT

Bo Prillaman Richmond, VA

Jeremy Vimislik Seattle, WA

Jason Sheehy Mount Sterling OH Milton Milner Hendersonville, NC

John Bufton Galveston, TX

Robbie Goodall Henrico VA

Rob Gatnik Milton, MA

Chuck Breiner Troy, NY

Adam Setliff Flower Mound, TX

specialist vehicle equipment

Spare Wheel Carriers

RNA2553

The best tire carrier we've found. If you use your rear door even occasionally, you'll appreciate how this tire carrier makes access to the cargo area much easier and takes the stress and weight off of your rear door hinges. Easy to use! Simply open the rear door and the wheel carrier automatically swings out of the way. Smooth action is aided by a strut. Features Heavy duty tubular steel construction and hinge hardware, zinc phosphate and black polyester coated. Kit includes all necessary mounting hardware and instructions. Rear door mount spare wheel carrier opens with door. Fits Defender 90, 110 with rear door. Fits Series with modifications. Mantec Spare Wheel Carrier....................................................................... RNA2550 $ 579.00 Swing Away Wheel Carrier, Defender Half Door...................................... RNA2553 $ 349.00 Defender Moulded Tire Cover...................................................................... RNX832 $ 193.43 Swing Gate Wheel Carrier Conversion Kit.............................................. RNA2552-1 $ 139.95 Stainless Steel Bolt Kit, Rear Tire Carrier................................................. RNA0155 $ 13.50

Towing Gear for your Land Rover

RNA1022 RNA2550

RNA2552-1

PLK611

RNK0211

RNA091 LR3, LR4, L320 Sport RNX570

RNA082 TJA3500 RNS557

Perfect for towing or recovery, our class III receiver hitches bolt onto RNH110 the rear frame member. Includes mounting hardware. Lifting Towing Ring Front Bumper, Series II-III, ProLine.............................. PLN959 $ 29.99 Receiver Hitch, Defender 1984-1998 ................................................................. RNH110 $ 289.00 Front Lifting Ring Set, Series II-III, ProLine (front pair, hot dipped galvanized Receiver Hitch, Defender 1999 -2013 ................................................................. RNA091 $ 298.95 finish, includes all hardware)........................................................................ PLK611 $ 89.50 Receiver Hitch, Series IIA, III Standard Chassis............................................. RNA084 $ 289.95 Recovery Loop Kit Defender, Genuine.............................................................. RNK0211 $ 109.95 Receiver Hitch, Series IIA, III Military Chassis................................................ RNA086 $ 329.95 Tow Ring Military J.A.T.E Defender, ProLine.................................................. PLK0211 $ 27.50 Receiver Hitch, Series IIA, III 109” S.W............................................................. RNA087 $ 259.95 Safety Pin Kit for NATO Pintle Hitch.................................................................. RNA0104 $ 14.95 Receiver Hitch, LR3, LR4, L320 Sport, Genuine................................................ RNX570 $ 589.33 Trailer Towing 7 to 4 Pin Adapter, Genuine ..................................................... RNS557 $ 59.29 Bracket Tow Hitch, Range Rover P38A............................................................ RNH349 $ 138.73 Trailer Towing 7 to 4 Pin Adapter, ProLine ........................................................ PLS557 $ 35.95 Receiver Hitch Plug, “Land Rover”................................................................... RNN397 $ 12.16 Trailer Towing Plug 7 Pin, ProLine....................................................................... PLQ614 $ 5.95 Hitch Pin, 5/8” with clip......................................................................................... RNE231 $ 4.40 Harness Trailer Wiring, Discovery II, Genuine............................................... RND241 $ 359.00 Receiver Hitch Adaptor, Tow Jaw.................................................................... RNA082 RNN397 $ 89.95 Harness Trailer, RR Sport L320, 7 & 4 Pin Socket, Genuine .......................... RNY037 $ 251.72 Tow Jaw Assembly Kit, 7,700 lb Camel Trophy Style.................................... RNF408 $ 119.95 Harness Towing, LR3, LR4, RR Sport L320, 7 Pin, Genuine............................ RNY038 $ 229.24 Shackle Mount, 2” Receiver with Hitch Pin.................................................... RNA1022 $ 69.95 Harness Towing RR Sport L320 2010-on, 7 pin, Genuine ............................... RNY039 $ 91.12 Lift Ring Front Bumper, Series IIA & III Late Type, Genuine........................ RNE426 $ 59.57 Towing Electric Kit, Defender ............................................................................ PLX985 $ 32.85

Genuine Land Rover Workshop Manuals

RNN220

Series IIA Parts Manual ............................................................................. RNF256 $ 54.95 Series IIA, Owners Manual......................................................................... RNE250 $ 27.95 Series III 1972-85, Workshop Manual....................................................... RNC816 $ 69.95 Series III Parts Manual................................................................................. RNF257 $ 61.43 Series IIA, III, 109 V8 Parts Manual Optional Equipment ..................... RNF258 $ 44.95 Defender 90/110 300 TDI 1996-’98, Workshop Manual......................... RNN220 $ 99.95 Defender 90/110 TD5 1999-’05, Workshop Manual................................ RNI188 $ 119.95 Defender 1983-92, Rest of World, Workshop Manual........................... RNX152 $ 98.95 Defender 1993-95, Workshop Manual w/Binder.................................... RWM905 $ 89.50 Defender 90 1997, Workshop Manual w/Binder .................................... RWM907 $ 103.95 Defender 110 up to Aug 1986, Parts Manual........................................... RNS952 $ 59.95 Defender 1993-1995, RoW............................................................................ RNS723 $ 119.95 Discovery I, 1994-98, Workshop Manual................................................. RNS847 $ 124.95 Discovery II, Workshop Manual Insert 2 vol........................................... RNN219 $ 104.90 Discovery II, 1999- Workshop Manual 2 vol w/Binder.......................... RWM992 $ 179.00 Discovery II, 1999-02, Parts Catalog.......................................................... RNS945 $ 59.95 Range Rover Classic 1992-94, Workshop Manual w/Binder ............. RWM924 $ 189.00 Range Rover Classic 1986-91, Parts Manual Insert .............................. RNS953 $ 81.22 Range Rover Classic 1987-92, Parts Manual Insert .............................. RNS954 $ 79.95

Genuine Land Rover Manuals on USB

Series I-III 1948-1985 ........................................................................... LTP3001USB $ 105.95 Defender 1983-2011.............................................................................. LTP3003USB $ 105.95 Discovery I 1989-1999.......................................................................... LTP3004USB $ 105.95 Discovery II 1999-2004......................................................................... LTP3006USB $ 105.95 LR3 2004-2008 ........................................................................................ LTP3016USB $ 105.95 LR4 2009-2012 ........................................................................................ LTP3017USB $ 105.95 Range Rover Classic 1970-1995 ........................................................ LTP3002USB $ 105.95 Range Rover P38A 1994-2001............................................................ LTP3005USB $ 105.95 Range Rover Sport 2005-2009............................................................ LTP3015USB $ 105.95 Range Rover L322 2002-2010.............................................................. LTP3008USB $ 105.95

EXT382-44

Canvas Wheel Cover Storage Bags

Universal fitting for any Series I, II, IIA, III or Defender soft top with a vertically mounted spare wheel. Available in Sand, Khaki, or Black canvas from the same 18oz canvas we use on our soft tops with matching solid brass buckles. Specifically designed to maximize the storage of your vehicle with deep heavy duty pockets. The Canvas wheel cover storage bags feature a large central pocket with an elevated row of three cam buckets allowing large items such as tents to be stored on the rear of your Land Rover. Sand EXT382-41 $ 197.30 Khaki EXT382-44 $ 232.37 Black EXT382-45 $ 232.37 Series IIA & III Parts Catalogue Supplement USA

RNY132 $ 64.50

1987-2006 Defender 90, 110, 130 Parts Catalog

RNY092 $ 109.95

1983-1990 Land Rover Nintey, One Ten Owner’s Manual

RNE249 $ 26.95

Series II, IIA Repair Operation Manual Defender Workshop Manual 1993-1995

LDAWMEN93US $ 49.95

4-Ring Workshop Manual Binder

PLE239 $ 39.99