Land Rover National Rally Raffle truck

[Solihullsociety]

This year the Solihull Society decided to spice things up a bit. They decided to have a raffle truck. However, there was a decision to be made. The Rover was going to be raffled at either the 2011 Land Rover national Rally in Breckenridge Colorado, or at the Royal wedding of William and Catherine. Thanks to a bit of luck in a coin toss, the Rally won out!

This year’s raffle truck is a 1995 Range Rover Classic County SWB. This was the last year that the truck was produced in the US. The Classic body style gave way to the P38 in the later half of the year. The raffle truck is a great example of this Iconic body style by Land Rover.

Through the generosity of the Solihull Society and our amazing sponsors, the truck will be undergoing a transformation. Brian Williams of British 4×4 Ltd. has agreed to donate a rather large chunk of time to do the majority of the mechanical upgrades to the truck. A really cool dude named Rob of Thunder Customs will be cleaning up the body and repainting the entire vehicle completely free of charge. Rob is not the guy that you take your Corolla to when you have a fender Bender. He participates in 6 figure rebuilds of some of the coolest cars ever to hit the road.

In addition to this, several sponsors have already committed to participation in the Truck build. Jeff Corwin, the club president, Eli Spigler of Camel 4×4, and Atlantic British just to name a few have already agreed to donate parts and equipment for the project. It is worth noting that, with a few rare exceptions, you have to Sponsor the Rally and participate in the raffle in order to participate in the truck project. So these sponsors, and the sponsors that are still in the process of deciding how they want to help are going way above and beyond.

There is a lot of this going on in the Land Rover community. Land Rover Owners are a special breed and tend to be some of the most interesting people you could meet. So it is no surprise that they would go well and above the norm to support events and each other.

A special blog site has been constructed specifically for the Raffle Truck. You will be able to view still photos and videos of the entire truck build on the Raffle truck blog. There will be information about the Sponsors themselves, the products they donate, and the actual installation of the donated items. You will also find information about the project in The Overland Journal and on the Expedition Portal site.

Raffle Tickets on sale for rally attendees only. Tickets may be purchased as a cash donation only. Tickets are available during registration, the Cocktail Party, the Vendor Event.


Visit – http://lrnrraffletruck.org Be sure to Follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook page so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. More Rally info visit http://landrovernationalrally.org/

 

[Solihullsociety]

Vendor Spotlight-Camel 4x4

As you probably guessed by visiting the 2011 Land Rover National Rally Raffle truck site, we are raffling off a Rover this year. Thanks to support by our amazing sponsors, The truck is being revamped.

One of the first sponsors to commit to our project, Camel 4x4 has agreed to some pretty awesome donations. As I have said in the past, Most people that are passionate about Rovers tend to be interesting folks, worldly, and adventurous. This particular sponsors' story is no different.

This is an excerpt from the Camel 4x4 site under the about section-

"Founder Eli Spigler has been a 4x4 enthusiast for over 20 years. An Australian transplant now living in the wilds of suburban New Jersey, Eli is returning to his roots as an off-road warrior, bringing his expertise to Camel 4x4 and Outdoor. Born with a love and passion for cars, his hands-on knowledge began as a teenager when he completely rebuilt his car's engine on his own. Eli went on to serve in a special-forces unit that specialized in off-roading and field navigation. Throughout his army service, his passion for off-roading grew. He purchased his first 4x4 vehicle and began enjoying the sport on his off hours. Eli started racing in events: desert rallies, Pharaohs Rally and Jeep Jamborees among others. After his service, Eli returned to his hometown of Melbourne Australia to travel the country in a 4x4 and race in several Australian rally events. Now a married father of two, he is thrilled to be working with 4x4s again and sharing his years of experience. "

Eli visited Denver this week. He stopped By British 4x4 to say hey, and talk about the project at hand. I learned a little more about his love of Rovers. Camel 4x4 has a vast inventory of parts for other vehicles such as Toyotas. But as much as he likes these very capable vehicles, Rovers are his real passion, his favorite vehicle, and they hold a special place in his life. Some of his fondest memories took place in Rovers. Eli has had many off road travels and adventures in nature. However, Taking his children home from the hospital in Land Rovers is one of the many wonderful times that has endeared these vehicles to him beyond all others.

I suspect that we all have all have special memories in our Rovers. last years Moab rally stands out in my memory. I pushed my truck further than I ever had there and was amazed at how able these truck are off-road. As a photographer, my truck has been my companion on many road trips and been party to some of the most awe inspiring natural scenes I've ever experienced.

Some lucky winner at this years rally will have a new best pal to create memories on adventures of their own. Eli has generously agreed to provide a suspension kit, bushing kit, and a dual battery set up to make sure that this is a capable truck as you undertake your own travels.

We expect the parts very soon and you will be able to view photos of the equipment, get more information about them, and see actual photos and video of the install.

Businesses that support the Rover community tend to be of a different breed. It is not like going to the chain parts store. As you will see, the companies that support our rally are a fun bunch and provide top-notch service. You will see many examples of this as we write about the sponsors that participate in the Raffle truck build. Camel 4x4 definitely fits this description. Aside from the great customer service I have seen when parts were ordered for a Rover not related to the rally, Eli has a very cool accent!

You can Visit the Camel 4x4 site at camel4x4.com

Be sure to check back real soon to get the skinny on these camel 4x4 parts.

 

[Solihullsociety]

Vendor Spotlight-Atlantic British

Three years before I was born, I had no idea what my mother and father
were up to. However, I do know that in 1970, Atlantic British was busy
doing what it still does today. There is order to the universe. I
firmly believe that the reason Atlantic British came into being was
because 40 years later, I would be in need of a heated windscreen for a
Range Rover Classic. Like honest politicians and network news casters
with integrity, these things are nearly impossible to find these days.
After searching the globe, literally, I found 2 of them at Atlantic
British.

There happened to be another fellow in Colorado that needed one. The
company that was going to replace his and mine could not find them.
Being the stubborn bugger I am I kept hunting. I passed the info about
the glass onto the windshield folks and both were shipped here. If you
are reading this and you were the other guy that got the 2nd windscreen,
I would love to know who you are.

In addition to saving my cookies on the glass for the truck, Atlantic
British has agreed to sponsor the 2011 Land Rover National Rally. And
in addition to that, they have supplied us with a brand spanking new
power steering pump and the power steering hose kit that they offer.
Now, I know what you are thinking; you are saying to yourself: “There is
no way that a Rover would need a new Power steering pump, those things
never leak!” As rare and impossible to believe as it is, there was a
slight leak.

Atlantic British carries parts for just about everything Rover. From
the dirt up to the roof, chances are they have it. It is great to have
them on board. I’ve spoken with several people there over the years,
and with Eric and Chris regarding the Rally. Knowledgeable Rover
enthusiasts all! Atlantic British is a great resource and I know that
the the Solihull Society appreciates their support of the Rover
community and our Rally.

Visit AB at roverparts.com

 

[Solihullsociety]

Vendor Spotlight-British4X4LTD.

British 4x4 LTD. is located in Aurora Co. It is an independent Land Rover Service Shop servicing anything Rover. Brian Williams is the owner and is an ASE certified and former Land Rover GOLD certified Master technician. You Never know what you will see at Brian's Shop. Last week there was a Discovery Trek edition truck parked outside next to a 1962 Series Land Rover. Today I stopped by and there were two Range Rover Classics, another Series truck that is being checked out for a guy in Hawaii, and one of the coolest D90's I have seen in a while. Brian offers Service for Land ROver vehicles, and also installs accessories and after market products like bumpers, racks, lights, and many other items.

This year, Brian is participating in the Raffle truck by servicing and installing all of the goodies we are receiving from our many Sponsors. His shop will be doing all of the mechanical and installation on the 95 Range Rover Classic. In addition to doing this, he is also contributing some parts for the rebuild. You will see more about this as the information is posted.

Thanks to British 4X4 LTD. for participating and donating both a huge amount of time and several parts. Brian has owned many trucks including Range Rover classics, Series trucks, Defender 90s, Defender 110s, and the Later Discover series II. The above photo is of Brian and his son Ian in Arches national Park last year at the 2010 Land Rover National Rally in 2010. Be sure to check back for photos and video of Brian installing parts.

You can visit Brian on the web at
www.british4x4ltd.com

Or, stop by his shop In Aurora
426 Norfolk Street
Aurora, Colorado 80011
Phone - 303-345-3866
E-mail - brian@myrovertech.com

 

[Solihullsociety]

Be sure to check out Roverracks.com for some very cleverly designed and highly durable, functional racks. Rover Racks provides custom solutions to your expedition needs. You will find a fantastic line of roof racks for Disco 1 and 2, LR2s, LR3 & 4, Ranger Rover Classics, Defenders, Older Series trucks and 110s. Other products available include Ladders, Rock Sliders, body panels and custom flooring for racks.
From their site-

Rover Racks, LLC. has the solution to your cargo management needs.
Let us make your life easier!

Our Voyager roof racks do more than just carry your cargo. They increase safety by keeping bulky, damaging items out of your passenger cabin. Items such as recovery gear (axe, shovel, Hi-Lift Jack), water, flammable substances (fuel), kayaks, skis, snowboards, bicycles, construction or remodeling materials, luggage and even furniture can now be securely tied down. Cargo management is our specialty and is much easier with the right equipment. We offer accessories ranging from flooring to jerry can holders and light bars to ladders.

Call us today to custom build the roof rack for you.
There is no request to small. More then 70% of our roof racks are custom built to fit our customers needs.

Be ready for your next adventure! Whether that adventure takes you across the state or across the country, let our products be there for you.
Be the next to enjoy a Rover Racks Voyager Roof Rack.
Rover Racks is providing their custom designed Range Rover Classic rack for the 2011 Land Rover National Rally raffle truck. Can't wait to see it installed on the Rover! For more information on this rack and to view other products offered by Rover Racks, visit www.roverracks.com



941-235-7225
email: info@roverracks.com
www.roverracks.com

 

[Solihullsociety]

Vendor Spotlight-DCC works

Every once in a while you come across someone that is a true artisan. Peter Budzinski is one such person. Over the last couple of weeks I have gotten to see first hand just how passionate and skilled he is at his craft. Colortuned/ DCCWORKS provides specialty powder coating, media blasting, and custom vinyl wrap services. But more than that, Peter offers custom design and fabrication for all sorts of vehicles.
His current project may interest many of you Disco owners. Peter sculpted a custom hood scoop design for the Land Rover Discovery in clay. Seeing this part of the design process was amazing. The precision and artistic ability evident at this stage captivated me. I have made several trips to see other portions of this project. Be sure to see the follow up portion of this post to view stills and video of the entire creative process. You can see the original clay design and the casting process.
Peter graduated from design school with a degree in Industrial Design. He has recently returned from Europe where he worked with some very high end car manufacturers.
You will see some fine examples of his work on the raffle truck this year. Colortuned will be providing custom powder coating on the rims and maybe a few engine parts as well as the sponsor graphics for the Range Rover.
While visiting the shop, I learned a little bit about the powder coating process. I was amazed to find that the selection of colors and finishes is rather large. I've seen the black in several finishes and a few other key colors, but take a look at the color swatches below to see just how many possibilities there are.

Be sure to visit Colortuned/ DCCWORKS on the web @ www.dccworks.com
COLORTUNED,INC
14824 E. Hinsdale Ave. Unit A
Centennial, CO 80112

Email: mail@dccworks.com

 

[Solihullsociety]

Vendor Spotlight-Drift cameras

Have I got something COOL to show you! In an effort to share the spirit of the Solihull Society, the Land Rover culture, and the down right awesomeness of these vehicles I contacted Drift Innovation. Drift has created something amazing. What’s even better, they have provided a couple of their latest cameras for us to use during the Rally.
They provided 2 cameras, two suction cup mounts that stick to all sorts of places on the vehicle, two external microphones, two telescoping monopods, 2 additional batteries, and two waterproof containers.
When the cameras arrived there was a bright yellow D-90 at the shop. Being the photo geek that I am, I just had to mount it to the Defender to see how it works.

Below you can read the official information from the Drift Innovation site. Below that, you will be able to see several photos I took of a camera mounted to different areas of the Defender. Did I go a little overboard? Maybe. But seriously, how cool is this thing?
More posts will follow to show the rest of the gear they so generously shared along with video created with the Drift Camera. Those posts will go into greater detail about the functions and abilities of this system. Can’t wait to get started!
A Special Offer From Drift Innovation ONLY for Solihull Society members and Rally Attendees.
The 2011 Land Rover National Rally will be capturing all the action this year with the Drift Innovation HD170 Stealth Point of View Cameras. The HD170 Stealth has everything off-roaders and Land Rover enthusisasts look for in a high definition point of view video camera: an integrated LCD screen, wireless remote, slow motion technology with 60 frames per second (fps), 170 degree field of view and intuitive operation. Stay tuned and sign up for our newsletter to receive a promo code discount on www.mypov360.com.
As a member of the club and participant of the rally you will get a $30 dollar discount and free shipping.
Visit this link to see some sample footage Drift Innovation has provided-
http://vimeo.com/23923264

Drift Innovation Unleashes the New Stealth and Raises the bar in Action Sports Helmet Cameras

 

[Solihullsociety]

Parts Truck came today.

Camel 4X4 has donated several items for the raffle truck this year. The first is a great a suspension kit. I have seen this particular kit installed on a couple different vehicles. A fellow I know put a really heavy bumper and winch on the front of his Disco two. It sagged a little bit so He had a full set put on to make up for the extra weight. The springs leveled the truck out perfectly and also made for an incredible ride. The lucky winner will get to experience this first hand.
Check this stuff out at www.camel4x4.com
Camel 4x4: SUSPENSION KITS

 

[CliftonSmith]

Camel 4X4 has donated several items for the raffle performance parts for trucks this year. The first is a great a suspension kit. I have seen this particular kit installed on a couple different vehicles. A fellow I know put a really heavy bumper and winch on the front of his Disco two. It sagged a little bit so He had a full set put on to make up for the extra weight. The springs leveled the truck out perfectly and also made for an incredible ride. The lucky winner will get to experience this first hand.
Check this stuff out at www.camel4x4.com
Camel 4x4: SUSPENSION KITS

Cool! I haven't tried using a Camel suspension yet, but many says that it has great experience in the stability, ride quality and load carrying ability.

 

[atancreti]

I wouldn't know.. I am still using stock D I 1995 suspension that was apparently made in French! That what my front shock says! Glad to see the British and the French get along now days! lol JKJK THATS A JOKE BY THE WAY.