9781422270363

The Wilks brothers admired the American Willys Jeep 4x4 so much that they designed their own—the Land Rover.

military Jeep 4 × 4. Maurice Wilks owned a farm, which he worked himself. His brother, Spencer Wilks, worked for Rover Company and helped Maurice land a job there, too. The story goes that Maurice needed a hearty vehicle that could drive anywhere on his farm and haul heavy items. He knew of the World War II Willys 4x4 and knew that an American company produced a commercial version, but he cringed fiercely at the thought of needing to purchase an American Jeep to traverse his English farm. To avoid that, the engineer invented the Land Rover design. Origins—J.K. Starley & Co. Ltd. The many Rovers sometimes confuse those who are unfamiliar with British brands. Originally known as J.K. Starley & Co. Ltd., The Rover Company—the maker of Range Rover—dates back to the late 1800s.

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