LANDROVING IN KZN

January 2006

LAND ROVER NEWS.

Ford buys Rover name
Ford has secured the rights to the Rover name from BMW. The name was used under licence by MG Rover, but was not sold to the Chinese along with the designs of the Rover 25 and 75. Ford claims its aim was to protect the Land Rover brand; it did not want to see 4x4s out in the marketplace badged as Rovers. Some sources suggest that Ford will now use the Rover name on a crossover vehicle that could be marketed as a sub-brand of Land Rover.

Aston Martin may go, probably not Land Rover
Ford has announced that it is exploring strategic options for Aston Martin, with particular emphasis on a potential sale of all or a portion of the company. This move apparently takes the heat off the twin brands of Jaguar and Land Rover, which had earlier been tipped for sale as a pair to help Ford restore its ailing finances. 

According to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford, "The objective of any sale would be to position Aston Martin within a structure and resource base sufficient to allow it to reach its full potential, while enabling Ford to efficiently raise capital for its other brands."   He added, "Regarding our other Premier Automotive Group brands, we've made no decisions, as our review of strategic alternatives continues. However, we continue to be encouraged by Jaguar's progress and by the strength and consumer appeal of the Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo product line-ups."

High-tech demonstrator on the way
Land Rover is working on a demonstration vehicle using the engine stop-start technology that was showcased on the Land_e concept at the 2007 Geneva Show.
Details will be made public in the next few months. We can reveal that the host vehicle is a Discovery 3, but that this was chosen for convenience rather than because the technology will appear first in the Discovery.

Land Rover Defender.  Back in North America in 2007!

It appears the rumours are true: The legendary Land Rover Defender will be re-introduced to the North American market in late 2007 (as a 2008 model). How different will it be? For starters, it will have the requisite air bags - a major cause for it being pulled back in 1997. It will have to be easier to assemble - the previous style was largely built by hand. And it will have a newer, more modern body design on a steel frame. More good news: Short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase, and soft-top versions are in the works, although it is still unclear how many of these versions might be bound for North America. The downside? No V-8's are projected. Gasoline engines will come from Ford: a direct-injection four with variable timing, a 3.0-liter Duratec V-6, and for the U.S. only, a 3.8-liter V-6. Peugeot will supply a 2.7-liter turbo diesel V-6 for Europe (though the in-the-know Rover enthusiast crowd in the States has already started the grumbling about no Tdi diesel )

Defender’s from Russia

It has been rumoured that Defender production may be moved to Russia. This comes after speculation that both Land Rover and Volvo vehicles might be produced in a Russian city. The obvious choice for such a move is the Defender because it is largely hand built meaning that cheaper labour means cheaper manufacturing costs. 

DID YOU KNOW.  Land Rovers do not have recovery points as standard equipment? Which means that you probably do not have adequate recovery points. In 2007 the LROC KZN is going to enforce the rule that on certain trails only Land Rovers with recovery points will be able to do the trail. The 1^st trail to be run under this new rule will be the Tembe Elephant Park Trail.   Look at your vehicle and do something about it NOW.

Getting stuck and not having the correct recovery points can end up damaging your vehicle, the recovery vehicle and  injuring people trying to help you.

Future Events for your Diary

TRAIL GRADING All our events from now on will have a Trail Grading according to the 5 grades below.

1.       Complete novice soft dirt road trail, no low range required. Suitable for all Land Rovers including the Freelander.

2.       Limited low range required but suitable for the novice driver. Suitable for all Land Rovers with certain trails not suitable for the Freelander.

3.       Low range and limited off road knowledge required. Suitable for all Land Rovers except the Freelander.

4.       A low range technical trail suitable for the experienced. The inexperienced will be able to do the trail, as assistance will be available from the more experienced members. Suitable for all Land Rovers except the Freelander.

5.       Extremely technical, suitable for the experienced only with the possibility of vehicle damage. Only suitable for "Series" Land Rovers and maybe a few others.

It’s AGM time again and now is the time to have your say in the running of the LROC KZN. The date is 24 February 2007; the place is the Eston Farmers Club. Please all make an effort to attend. Contact a committee member for more info.

TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK    27 April – 1 May 2007. 

The Lodge in Tembe Elephant Park is a Private Concession. There is no Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife accommodation in the park. BUT the LROC KZN is in the process of setting up a trip with the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers. The trip will be a fundraising event organised by the Honorary Officers where ALL proceeds go back into the park,

This is a special once off trip as camping is not available in the park. Take note of point 5 below, we will be able to explore the complete park and with a few days to do it makes this trip even more exciting.

• Booking is essential and a deposit to confirm your place will be required.
• Cut off date to book and pay your deposit will be the LROC KZN 18^th AGM at ESTON FARMERS CLUB, 24 FEBRUARY 2007.
• The trip will be restricted to the 1^st 25 Vehicles to book with Gary and pay the deposit.              

Give Gary a call if interested in the Tembe Trip.

Costing per person for the long weekend will be R455.00.

 A few points to note:

1. You will be required to sign an Indemnity form upon arrival,
2. Tembe Elephant Park is a Big 5 Park,
3. The terrain is sand forest ( SOFT BEACH TYPE OF SAND. ),
4. Tembe is extremely hot and carrying water is essential,
5. We have special permission to use the entire park (not just the bottom third which is all the general public are allowed access to),
6. The nearest petrol station is approx 65kms away,
7. Very little cell phone signal in the park,
8. We will be camping in the Parks Ranger camp, which has ablutions and a communal kitchen with a freezer and gas stove. A maid will be available to clean up.
9. As getting stuck in the soft sand is a possibility the LROC will insist that each vehicle will be required to have a recovery point on the front and rear. Plus each vehicle to carry a recovery strap and 2 shackles that fit the recovery points. A 4m tow strap that costs under R100.00 is NOT a recovery strap.

There will be a presentation given at the LROC AGM in February by the Honorary Offices on the TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK.

This is an Africa that tourists seldom see, where an abundance of game and rare species live in an environment The name speaks of untamed Africa - where nature still holds sway and life beats to the ancient rhythms of a timeless continent. This is the Africa of Tembe Elephant Park, where the real Africa of the wild begins.

The largest elephant park in South Africa, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 190 sq.mi. park on the Mozambique border.

The park is situated in the sand forests of Maputaland, on the KwaZulu-Natal, South African boundary with Mozambique. Tembe is known and appreciated by only a select few visitors. Restricted access to the park means that few people have the opportunity to experience the majesty of Tembe's elephant population of 130 and the park's profuse diversity of flora and fauna.

The magnificent elephants, more than 140 in number - from massive full-grown adults to juveniles - are Tembe`s main attraction and make for spectacular viewing. The larger adults are physically the biggest in South Africa and signs of their presence are everywhere, clearly evident through the broken branches and foliage left behind from their voracious foraging.

Tembe`s mosaic of sand forest, woodland, grassland, and swampland, comprises an ideal habitat for highly-visible elephant spotting, enabling them to be observed at close-quarters from game-drive vehicles or from the discreetly-located hides which overlook their watering holes.

At 300 square kilometres in extent (190 square miles),Tembe is the third largest game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, home not only to the unique elephant population but also to a profusion of wildlife - including the Big Five.

Black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo, serval, eland, zebra, giraffe, hyena, jackal, wildebeest, nyala, kudu, water buck, reed buck, red duiker, warthog, and other small mammals thrive in abundance.

Tembe is also home to the rare and elusive suni antelope, one of the smallest and shyest species of buck in southern Africa, and the patient game-viewer is often rewarded with a sighting.

Tembe is a bird-watcher`s paradise, with more than 340 species recorded in the park - including the rare Rudd`s apalis, the rufous-bellied night heron, the Natal nightjar and the Woodward`s batis. unchanged by time.

As the year draws to an end, its time to look at the LROC KZN committee for 2007.

Above is the current committee and the portfolio’s that will be vacant. Henry, Rob, Dave and Don are not available for re-election. As per the Constitution of the LROC KZN a committee member stands for a period of 2 years and must then stand down. The member is then entitled to make themselves available for re-election. Selwyn, Jimmy, Gary and Mike Lauterbach have served 2 years and are available for re-election. They are proposed to retain their portfolios for 2007.

To be eligible for election, a nominee must have been a member of the LROC KZN for a period of not less than 1 year preceding nomination and have paid his/her membership fees up to date. Please contact George Goswell if you wish to stand for a portfolio or wish to nominate a member. Please clear the nomination with the member first.

18^th Annual General Meeting

Date                 : 24 February 2006

Time                : 15h30 for 16h00

Venue              : Eston Farmers Club -   Eston

The AGM weekend will take the form of a camp over weekend. For the non campers Eston is close to PMB or Durban to attend as a day event. The plan for the weekend is as follows :

·         Camping is available from Friday afternoon, 23 Feb .

·         Saturday 24 Feb :        09h00 1^st Gates Event for 2007 in the quarry above the Club.

·         Saturday 24 Feb :       15h30 for 16h00. The 18^th AGM of the LROC KZN in the Eston Farmers Club House.

·         Saturday after the AGM a LROC sponsored braai for the members who have booked with George Goswell on the lawn in front of the club house. Booking cut off date for the braai is Friday 16 February 2007.

·         Sunday 25 Feb :  09h30. A scenic valley trails drive from the Eston Club through the surrounding valleys. A byo braai for lunch along the trail. Trail grade 1 – 3.

 NOTE :

·     The Eston Farmers Club has offered the LROC the use of the facilities for free providing that we support the Club. The Club has a full bar and kitchen and all meals can be arranged at a very reasonable cost. Please do not bring along your braai’s to braai on the Clubs premises.

 ·         The Clubs sports field ablutions will be available for the campers.

 ·          Camping is free for those who support the Eston Farmers Club.

·          It’s your Club and now is the time to complain or contribute to the success of the LROC KZN.

·         BE AT THE AGM OR ELSE.

Chairman’s Report

To the 18^th Annual General meeting

Of the

Land Rover Owners Club SA -  Kwazulu Natal.

Its four years since I was pushed into the role of Chairman of the LROC KZN. I have to admit that I have enjoyed every second of it. It’s been a lot of work at times, but never a dull moment. The LROC has grown over the years due to the effort of the committee and the support of the members.

The type of person who owns a Land Rover has changed over the years from the Series fanatic to the adventurer looking for a vehicle that offers a lifestyle. The LROC has tried to satisfy all the “Land Rover Owner’s”.

51 Land Rovers at Broadleaze, between 30 & 40 vehicles at each of the 4 Gate’s Events with 20 odd vehicles competing and Land Rover took the Land Rover / Toyota trophy. What a year we have had with a special thanks to the committee and all the members who have shared in the LROC experience in 2006.

“ What is a Land Rover worth”? For me, so many memories, my Land Rover is worth way more than the sum of the parts.

 Summary of the LROC 2006 calendar year. 

• January             Marshalling on the Duzi Canoe Race.
• February           17^th AGM with a camp over at Eston, 1^st Gates event for 2006 and a Day trail.
• March               Day Trip. High Stakes 4x4 track, Cato Ridge

• April                  Camping Trip. Jozi Dam

Camping Trip. GPS weekend with Mike Lauterbach, Wartberg area.

• May                  Day Event. Cars in the Park. PMB

Day Event. 2^nd Gates Event, Eston.

• June                 Camping Trip. St Bernards Peak and a day trip into Lesotho.

• July                  Camping Trip. Shu Shu hot springs in the Tugela Valley.
• August              Day Trip. Snow trip up Sani Pass

Day Event.  Cars in the Park Toti.

Camping trip. Eagles View, Wartberg.

• September        Day Event. 3^rd Gates Event, Eston

• October             Camp Over/ Day Trip. The Broadleaze Adventure.
• November          Day Event. 4^th Gate Event, Eston.

Day Event. 3^rd Land Rover vs Toyota Challenge, High Stakes, Cato Ridge.

• December         Camping Trip. Hidden Valley, Mooi River

Camping Trip. 10-Day trip along the Transkei Coast.

The total number of members as at end of December 2006 stands at 148. We lost a few members during the year and gained a few. The net result is that we end the year with 17 members more than we started with.

Regalia is available through Jimmy Oates and is reasonable well supported. There are still too many members at LROC events without the Club Regalia. The regalia is passed on to the members at cost.

The LROC KZN Web Page continues to be one of the best 4x4 sites on the web and an advert for the LROC. Many people have made contact with the LROC through the Web Page. Mike Lauterbach has done a superb job and has made himself available to continue with the Web Page portfolio.

Newsletters went out as planned at the beginning of each month. It was “never late” because it’s done in the Editors spare time. A few members “missed a few” copies due to address changes and not informing Henry of the change. Eric McMillan came to the party with 5 articles, Don Erwin 3 and a few others with 1 article. Betty Gordon can always be relied on to supply an article in great detail on their adventures. Thanks to all who contributed.   

The clubs finances are stable and no increase in subs is planned for 2007. The financial report by Selwyn Ambler will highlight the past year.

A few members have reached the end of their term on the committee and have elected to stand down. Rob de Robillard, Henry Cochrane, Don Erwin and Dave King will be missed on the committee. Thanks for all you have contributed to the successful running of the LROC KZN, for without your effort many members would not have used their Land Rovers for what they were built for. Thanks again.

George Goswell
Chairman LROC SA – KZN
February 2007

How to Identify A Classic Range Rover

By Benjamin Smith
 

Range Rover Classic (1970-1995): Range Rovers say so in the leading edge of the bonnet. The bonnet is boxy in nature, takes up the whole area from side to side, and extends down some 6 or so inches down the sides of the front fenders. At the base of the bonnet near the windshield is what appears to be a fresh air intake. Unlike the Discovery and Series Land Rovers, the spare is normally carried inside. The headlights are round. Range Rovers built after 1 October 1979 have a VIN number that begins "SALLH" or "SALH"

The "new" Range Rover (mk2)(1995 onwards ): The VIN number begins either "SALLP" or "SALP".

Identifying Characteristics
 

• If it is a 2-door is was built before 12 Jan 1984
• If it is a four door, it is a probably a post 1981 vehicle. (Some companies did conversions prior to this, but 1981 marks factory made 4doors)
• If the flooring on the tranny tunnel is PVC, then Rangie is pre January 1973. If it is carpeted, then it is post January 1973
• If the gearshift gaiter is rubber, then the Rangie is pre October 1974. If it is carpeted, then it is post October 1974.
• If it has power assist steering, it was built in January 1973 or later.
• If it has air conditioning and the unit is not mounted on the roof, then it is a 1979 or later model.
• If there is polished wood on the inside or it is an "in Vogue" model, then it was built in 1981 or later.
• If it has a 5-speed manual transmission, it was built in 1983 or later
• 1983 model Range Rovers have burred-over ends of the twin tail pipes. Previous models did not have this.
• If the front doors have one piece windows, it was built in 1984 or later. If it has a main window and forward triangle window in the front doors then it is a pre 1984 Rangie.
• If the Rangie has headlight washer jets, it is a 1985(?) model or later.
• In 1986 the hand brake lever was relocated to the top of the tranny tunnel.
• In 1986 the longer (~2 foot) gearshift lever was replaced by a shorter (~1 foot) one.
• In 1986 the fuel filler was with a flap.
• Factory anti-roll bars were introduced in fall 1990.
• If you can see the front door hinges, it was a 1990 or earlier model.
• If it is has a wheel base of 108" (as opposed to 100") it was built in autumn 1992 or later.
• If it has airbags, it was built after March 1994.

Front Grill:

• Vertical bars: 1970-1985.
• Horizontal bars: 1986 and on.

Shocks:

• Staggered twin rear shocks: 1985 and earlier.
• Twin forward facing rear shocks: 1986 and on.

Dash area:

• 1984 models and on: centre mounted clock flanked by vents. RPM gauge (first use), a passenger grab handle was fitted, and larger instrument binnacle

Seat belts:

• Inertia-reel seatbelts first made available: Jan 1973 (mounted to seat)
• Front seats do not have inertia-reel seatbelts: built before September 1979.
• Inertia-reel seatbelts mounted to centre door pillars: 1985 and on (for 4-door models).

Front Bumpers:

• 1970 to August 1979 models carry a chrome front bumper.
• September 1979 and later models have black front bumpers.
• Front bumper ends were introduced in 1982.
• Made standard for 1983 and later models

Gearbox:

• 4 speed manual: 1970 to May 1983. LT95
• 5 speed manual: May 1983 and on.
• Automatic: August 1982 and on.

Door locks and door handles:

• 2-door to at least 1981 had the door hand on the trailing edge of the door about halfway down (was about 6 inches high) and the lock just above and slightly forwards of the handle.
• 4-doors: door handle in the upper back part of the door. Lock located on the trailing edge of the door, halfway between top and bottom. 1981 to May 1983.
• 4-door: handle and lock put in same unit (with advent of central locking) May 1983 and on.

"Range Rover" lettering (bonnet and tailgate:

• Individually mounted letters--pre 1979 model.
• adhesive plastic strip--1979 or later model.

Side mirrors:

• mounted in the wings--built before 1984
• mounted on the door, aerodynamic, narrow base--built in 1984.
• integrated with leading lower corners of the front door window aperture (wide base)--built in 1985 or later.

Steering wheel:

• 3 Spokes: built before September 1979.
• 4 spokes with a small centre piece: built between September 1979 and 1988.
• 2 spokes and a slightly larger centre piece: built between 1988 and March 1994.
• 4 spokes and a large centre piece: built after March 1994.

5 Hour recovery at the back of Botha’s Hill. Full story next month.