Introduced in 1978 to replace the 6 cylinder models, the Stage 1 brought V8 petrol power to the Land Rover, but only in 109″ wheelbase. De-tuned from those found in the Range Rover, the Stage 1 still had the V8 roar. To tame the increase in power the Stage 1 had permanent four wheel drive.

This military only model was introduced in 1968 in Series 2a format and continued into production as a Series 3 until 1984. Based on the normal Land Rover underpinnings this short wheel base only model had body panels that could be easily be removed to reduced its weight for air transportation. It was also the first vehicle I ever drove.

The forward control was brought to the market in 1962 with the first deliveries being 1963. Based on the 109″ Normal control Land Rover, albeit with different chassis, transmission and axles, the Forward Control had an increased payload capacity. Initially available in petrol only (either 2 1/4 four cylinder or 2.6 litre six cylinder), the Series 2b Variant offered the 2 1/4 diesel from 1967. The Series 2b was made until 1972 making it the last production leaf sprung Land Rover.

Featuring the same engine and gearbox as the Range Rover, the 101 Forward Control was only ever made available for the military. All production models left the factory as general service specification soft tops but a number were converted into hard top Ambulances and Radio vehicles by aftermarket companies. The 101 Forward control remains the only production vehicle Land Rover have ever made with six wheel studs.

As iconic as the Land Rover, the Range Rover set the standard for luxury off road driving and has done so ever since. The off road vehicle for the discerning adventurer since 1969, the Range Rover had amazing wheel articulation thanks to its coils spring axles and the power to go anywhere thanks to its 3.5 litre V8 engine.

The original Discovery brought Land Rover to the lifestyle market and in 1998 that market was treated to the Discovery Series II. With the same 100″ wheelbase as its predecessor, the rear overhand was increased to allow for two forward facing rear seats. The Discovery II was available with either a petrol V8 or the brand news TD5. A five cylinder Turbo Diesel engine that was the first ECU controlled Diesel engine Land Rover produced. This means the tuners could, and did, have some fun with it! Now a firm favourite with the off road community, the Discovery II has a huge following.

The OG Land Rover, the Series 1 could only manage the 4th spot in our poll. In production for 10 Years, and only called the Series 1 retrospectively once the Series 2 was introduced, the Series 1 has a certain lovable charm to it. Available in five different wheel bases and three different engines, the Series 1 cemented Land Rover as the go anywhere versatile vehicle we all love today.

Whilst the coil sprung Land Rover was introduced in the early 1980’s, it only gained the moniker Defender in 1990 following the launch of the Discovery. With a production span of 26 years (33 years if you include the Ninety, OneTen and One Two Sevens) makes it an all time great. Tough as old boots, the Defender is a legend, and certainly worthy of its 3rd place in our poll.

When the Series 3 was brought to the market in 1971, it was hardly a revolution. A few styling cues improved the door and windscreen hinges. The heater vent now had a mesh inlet in the front wing and the front grill was now a moulded plastic design rather then the wire mess grill of old. Interior wise, there was a dashboard which now placed the dials in the view of the driver instead of the more traditional central position. To drive the gearbox was now fully synchromesh, meaning double de-clutching and heal and toe were now a thing of the past!

1st Place

Series 2 / 2a

So, the favourite Land Rover of all time for the Land Rover Life community is the Series 2 / 2a. I can see why, I have three myself – and no the results weren’t fixed.

The Series 2 is the quintessential Land Rover. The David Bache body styling is still evident in the L663 Defender by way of the barrel sides introduced in 1958 with the Series 2, a feature of all Land Rover Series and Defenders ever since. It even had a nod with the design of the Freelander. The lights in the grill is another old school Land Rover feature that you just can’t help but love. They were moved to the wings partway through the Series 2a production due to legalities. With the robust 2 1/4 litre petrol and diesel engines the Series 2 / 2a would get you anywhere. Sure driving ergonomics wasn’t really a thing when the Series 2 came along so all Land Rover drivers had to get used to a bruised elbow, but that’s part of the charm right? Every time I get behind the wheel of one of my 2a’s I smile. It is the worst vehicle I have every drive (Diesel Maestro aside) and for that I adore them.