LIFES TOO SHORT TO DRIVE BORING CARS
Mad about Rovers
We are Mad about Land Rovers, on-road, off-road, 4x4, to work, street use, around town, we drive our Rovers because we love them, because there's nothing like them and the joy they bring when you’re behind the wheel. Anyone can go out and buy a Jeep, but if you want to stand out from the crowd and be different, then drive the best 4x4 by far. If you want to own a piece of history; if you want to make a sound investment that won’t depreciate the second you drive it away, drive an original icon. Land Rover Defender models are now becoming rare, vintage, and collectible vehicles, since Land Rover ceased production of the original Defender models in 2015, so prices are rapidly rising and are a worthy investment. Will they appreciate and prove to be good investments? The answer is almost certainly yes, since production of the original models has ceased and with the adage “they don’t make them like they use to” sure rings true today. Our focus is on great cars at fantastic values, and usually at prices that virtually everyone can afford. So that they can be accessible to all, enjoyed, and more importantly driven.
If you want a true to form original Land Rover and to be the king of cool when you drive down the road, you might have to handle the steering wheel being on the "Right" side. Right hand drive (RHD) vehicle controls are the same as a US left hand drive (LHD) configuration, gas, clutch, brake pedals and gear stick are all the same, except you are in a right-hand side driving position, for the ultimate street cred and using your left hand to shift gears. In a classic Land Rover, RHD feels a more natural and comfortable position. Nothing to unusual that you can't handle or get use to within 15-20 minutes with some practice. Once you are familiar with a RHD vehicle they are a pleasure and joy to drive on the open roads and highways of America. To us RHD are more engaging and exciting to drive in a Defender. They also feel the more natural side to be sitting, as it is a classic and quirky British vehicle after all. In a weird way when we have driven left hand drive Land Rovers, they feel more cramped, unnatural and just too boring on that side. You sit a little crooked too, on the left side as the gear box tunnel is shifted more towards the left so your body feels a little twisted in a LHD position operating the foot pedals. All LHD Defenders are conversions from a RHD designed vehicle. So, whether you decide to use these machines as a daily driver, or keep it as your weekend toy, or to use them for off-road, they will handle anything you can throw at them and at least you will look super cool while doing it. On the streets you may get some strange looks and at your local cars & coffee show you will most likely draw all the attention away from the Ferrari’s and Porsche's. Either way we are sure they will never disappoint to put a smile on your face once you’re behind the wheel.
Life's too Short to Drive Boring Cars!
A True Icon
Please be aware that 25+ year old Land Rover’s where never designed for comfort, speed, handling, smooth ride, or really any aspect that you can associate with a modern car today. You buy one because you like them; they are designed to go from point A to B and even if point A and B are separated by a desert, jungle, mud bog, mountain pass, off-road trail, and remnants of a once mapped road. They were designed to be serviceable in waist deep water and in the deserts and jungles of the world. They are rugged and charming; they are all over 25+ years old and as such have their unique ticks and rattles here and there. They are all mechanically sound and ready to be enjoyed. These are essentially farm vehicles, not luxury vehicles, so if you want fancy leather, A/C, cruise controls, ride comfort, then these vehicles may not be for you. If you want a vehicle that is fun, charming, and full of character, that will get you around with a bit of style and ultimately if you think “life’s too short to drive boring cars” then these vehicles could be for you.
What’s a Defender like to drive? It’s an experience to say the least you’ll never forget. Some drivers will love it, others will be so shocked they’ll bail out and run a mile. Even new Defenders can be considered noisy, uncomfortable, and unresponsive by the standards of a modern SUV. The Land Rover Defender is a British manufactured, utilitarian and fully analog truck created to go anywhere and do anything, in any environment. The charm of Defenders and old Land Rovers in general, is also their weakness. Old Land Rovers were not built for comfort, safety or to provide hi tech interiors. That would be missing the point, though.
These are serious off-road machines, built to tackle any terrain using a manually operated four-wheel drive system with high and low ratios for when the going gets tough. Nothing can beat it in the rough stuff. The short wheelbase 90 model has a choppy ride: the long-wheelbase 110 feels like a bus. Steering response, braking performance and vehicle stability all require a certain adjustment in driving style. But you learn to live with its quirks and many owners say there’s nothing they’d rather be driving. Mechanically speaking there is no reason why a Defender can’t go anywhere or any distance. There are some important expectorations that must be considered. Defenders, with their 200Tdi or 300Tdi engine will cruise comfortably and consistently at 68-75mph. If you are commuting long distances, daily driving is not ideal but not impossible either. The other considerations are again, comfort and safety. The Defender owners who get the most enjoyment from their Defender is typically using it as an extra vehicle for around town, at the beach or mountain cabin, or to just enjoy a as a fun weekend toy.
These are not perfect showroom quality vehicles, so please don't expect a perfect or like new vehicle. We are not a restoration shop, but we do occasionally offer beautifully restored Defenders for sale. So, before you purchase a classic vehicle like a Land Rover, please be aware they are ultimately 25+ year old vehicle and they are rough, tough, and rugged. An old car, Land Rover or other, will not be perfect. They are Land Rovers after all. Old ones. They were very agricultural to begin with and they always will be. A 25+ year old vehicle will do strange things, make odd noises, and require driving. Defenders look better with faded paint and some battle scars (love marks as we like to call them). A few dings and dents here or there only add to their overall patina, character, and charm. For the vehicles we sell, we like to make sure they are good to go and are in ready to drive condition.
Land Rover, it’s a way of life!
The Import Process
Why Mad Rover Imports? Once a car turns 25+ years old, it is eligible for importation. That doesn’t mean that a car can just be put on a boat and shipped over to the United States — there’s a procedure in order, and as you can imagine it’s a complicated and a tricky process. We know your time is valuable, so we spare you the headaches of importing. We handle all of the logistics and paperwork, as we are the direct registered importers of all our vehicles. So there’s no need to worry about importing, international shipping, DMV registration/title work or getting it through customs. We have taken care of all the complex and diligent work for you. Take advantage of these rare and iconic vehicles that are sold with a clean and clear DMV Title.
All vehicles have been legally imported to the USA. They have been inspected and approved by Customs Border Patrol (CBP), Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and have passed the Division of Motor vehicles (DMV) NC State Inspection and a NC Department of Transport inspection (DOT). All vehicles are sold with a clean NC Title. As we are NC dealer all our vehicles are required to pass a 3rd party NC inspection prior to sale. This process ensures that the vehicle you purchase is 100% legal and safe which adds security to your investment and tremendous value to the vehicle in the event you choose to sell it in the future. With all the intricacies surrounding buying and importing a classic car, having a professional on the case saves you time, money, and hopefully gives you peace of mind to acquire your own dream vehicle.