As the sun set on the inaugural Land Rover Legends show, held at Bicester Heritage over the Bank Holiday weekend we take a quick look back at the highlights and winners of the event which marked brand’s 70th year.
A central part of the show was the ‘live’ element inside the Bicester Heritage aircraft hangar, for outstanding vehicle parades and interviews with the people who have both made history and who have undertaken spectacular adventures in Land Rovers, along with a Star Cars feature hosted by television presenter and classic car enthusiast, Mark Evans.
The focal-point of Land Rover Legends was the inaugural National Awards, supported by leading classic car insurer Footman James, who presented the Land Rover Legends Award for the vehicle and story that depicts the true essence of the iconic marque and chosen by public vote.
The award winners were as follows:
The Footman James Land Rover Legends Award
Lovingly named ‘Dido’, this Land Rover has been a family fixture for over 40 years. Although not an immaculate example, the memories this machine has created make it truly special to the owner. From camping trips as child to teaching his own children to drive, this trusty Series 1 captures the essence of Land Rover ownership and captured the hearts of the public voters.
‘Most Original Vehicle’, in Association with Farer
1991 Land Rover Discovery 1 – Cherished from new, the owner of this black beauty has specified the car with every optional extra available and covered just 41,000 miles from new. Boasting full leather and wood, this example is entirely original and in exceptional, untouched condition.
‘Best Restored Vehicle’
1976 Land Rover 101-inch Forward Control – Full restored from the ground up over a period of 3 years some 20 years ago, this military machine still presents in incredible condition and has been restored to exacting standards.
‘Best Bespoke Vehicle’
1954 Land Rover Series I ‘Grip Karosse’ – Bodied under license in Sweden by conversion specialist Gripkarosserier AB, this coach built rarity features a fully-enclosed and insulated driving compartment built into the standard Land Rover bulkhead. Complete with powerful heater to withstand Swedish winters, this Land Rover curiosity is a truly special bespoke vehicle.
‘Best Club Display’
Land Rover Series 2 Club – Founded in 1984, the Land Rover Series 2 Club encompasses the whole United Kingdom and aims to ‘further the appreciation, restoration and driving of all Land Rovers built between 1958 and 1971’, and following a fantastic display at Land Rover Legends was the proud recipient of ‘Best Club Display’ award.
Brian Bashall MemorialAward
Presented to Adam Bennett for returning ‘Oxford’ to the UK. This very important Land Rover is one of the two vehicles used by the 1955 Oxford & Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition and was driven from London to Singapore. Lost for many years, it was found by Adam on the island of St Helena, in the South Atlantic. The award is named after the late founder of the Dunsfold Collection and presented to individuals, groups, companies, clubs or other entities that have made significant contributions to the preservation of Land Rover history and heritage.
The show will be back next summer for more Legendary Land Rover action at Bicester Heritage. For more information please visit: www.landroverlegends.com.
