• Initially in 1983 it was called a  110 DC., even though it had a 127 “ wheelbase
• In 1985 its name changed to Land Rover 127
• When the name Defender was introduced it then became a Defender 130 , still with a 127 “ wheelbase.
• Stephen Westwood  , LR Product Strategist , and Mike Gould dreamed up the concept .
• Mike was in LR military Product Planning.
• Mike drew a rough sketch on a scrap piece of paper , showing his idea for a basic double cab He had seen some double cabs  in Australia and thought this was an opportunity  to sell a few extra Landys.
• Stephen passed on the idea to a small company , called Spencer Abbot , over a glass of beer. Spencer Abbot agreed to build a prototype .Spencer Abbot  were given an early 110 , which they  cut in half , inserted a bit of chassis . They tacked on the rear tub from a Hi Cap Pick Up – a new Land Rover was born.
• Then Hardy Spicer were asked what was the longest rear prop they could supply. And this decided the length of the 127 . The prop shaft length determined that a chuck of the Hi Cap tub was removed . Otherwise we might have had a LR 135 …
• The demand was higher than anticipated , and so production was moved to LR Special Vehicles.
• Early customers included utility companies such as Southern Electricity Board .The British .Army used them as missile tractors.
  

“Although as long as a  super tanker , with a turning circle to match , the 127 is extremely comfortable to ride in . It’s completely untroubled by small bumps and irregular road surfaces , leaving the driver to concentrate on navigating through the sea of smaller , lesser vehicles that clutter the roads “ . LRO magazine.

Great vehicle for African Over landing ! Watch this space !

Dave Pretorius