WYOMING

A 1966 Land Rover, Electrified

MAY, 2024 - PERSONAL

In life I find that there are certain parings that strike a chord within me - things so well matched that when they come together a little bit of magic seems inevitable. Such it is with the mountains and a classic Land Rover - a vehicle that has long stood as the definitive go anywhere, do anything kind of off-roader. True, they may not be famed for their reliability or even ride quality, but the experience of driving one goes well beyond anything rational as the individual personality of these remarkable vehicles shine through.

58 years ago this particular model rolled off the assembly line in Solihull, England and has recently found a new lease of life in the Northwestern corner of Wyoming. The restoration went far beyond cosmetic improvements since an electric motor now sits where the original engine used to be, and a bank of Tesla batteries give it a range of around 120 miles. Despite the modern advancements, the electric motor still sends power to a 4 speed manual transmission complete with a clutch. The driving experience is further preserved with a notable lack of power steering and other driver aids. This simplicity, paired with the open air design, allows you to take in the mountain air and immerse yourself with the stunning views all around. A little bit of magic indeed, and a whole lot of perfection.