The 109 was vehicle 47 of about 120 in today’s 60th Anniversary Run, starting at the factory in Solihull and ending at Land Rover’s head quarters and the British Motor Heritage Centre at Gaydon.
The event started from the “Home of the Legend” visitors centre at the plant, starting with registration and a short briefing. The route was along a mix of A and B roads, through Solihull town and a few other local towns and villages. The local police had a few officers on bikes to control traffic, allowing the procession to pass junctionns unhindered by traffic from other roads. It was amazing to see other traffic being stopped to make way for the procession, even allowing us to pass through red lights!
The convoy then arrived in the Gaydon site, where it came down the main driveway onto the museum’s main entrance area, then continued a lap of the show before returning to reserved parking at the front of the museum.
Some of the other Land Rovers in the group were typical examples of all ages and models, but there were also some amazing examples of lovingly restored SIs, Lightweights, a Pink Panther and the original prototype Shorts armoured Land Rover.
Driving down the main driveway in the procession was interesting, with spectators crowding both sides of the roadway. Quite a few took close up photos of the 109, but we also overheard a few peoples’ scorn of how I had fitted Defender parts – I don’t think they realised that with all the sound proofing and the rebuilt engine’s reduced noise we’d be able to hear their comments to one another! Still, it takes all sorts, and I can understand their view – I share it when it comes to rare or historic vehicles. Before you call me a hypocrite, remember that my 109 was just another plain hard top with no point of interest historically or mechanically.
The rest of the show was a typical, if relatively small, Land Rover show, with a few of the typical merchandising, accessory, military surplus and auto jumble stands behind the club areas. The Camel Trophy Club and Tomb Raider Club were well represented, and there were plenty of ex-military vehicles on display.
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