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T.J.C. Landrovers of Norfolk, UK

History of Land Rover and TJC

History of the firm
History of Land Rover

Who we are

TJC LandRovers was first formed in 1993 and since that date has had to move on three occasions. The company has rapidly expanded to become probably the largest independent Landrover specialist in Norfolk. However, it is still a small family run business.

The company was formed after its owner, Tony Cable, decided his hobby of many years was to be his career.

Tony comes from a farming background so Landrovers were always present in his early years, especially through his teens, until at the age of 18 he finally owned his first Landrover. This was a Series IIA, but it was soon replaced by a friend's Series I V8. Since then Tony has owned almost every variant. At present he runs a 110 double-cab built by the company and a rather natty Range-Rover based racer nicknamed "The Cherryade Express".

In 1996 the company, then very small, moved into farm buildings at Titchwell on the North Norfolk coast. This only lasted two years, and in 1998 the company once again moved, this time to Heacham.

Larger premises and more land still weren't enough to cope with the ever-increasing demand for the services of the company, especially its rebuilt vehicles. TJC LandRovers moved again late in 2000, this time to a 6,000 square foot workshop with plenty of land. The company may have expanded but the service is still what you would expect from a small family-run business: polite, courteous and personal.


The Land Rover Stable

The Land Rover series sets the standard when it comes to off-road capabilities. It is the best off-road vehicle and is known all over the world as its ruggedness is unmatched. The Land Rover shape is globally recognised. You will never be driving an unknown vehicle.

Series I.

The Series I began the Land Rover story, which started in 1948 and led to the current model Defender. The first Land Rover produced came with one seat and one wiper with passenger seat and roof as extras!

Available in four wheelbases (80", 86", 88" and 107") and three engine choices (2 litre diesel or 1.6 litre or 2 litre petrol) these vehicles are now the true collectors' dream, especially early genuine models.

Series II and IIA.

The Series II began production in 1958 and was soon superseded by the IIA in 1961. It was available in two wheelbases, 88" and 109", with three engine chioces, the 2.25 litre petrol, the 2.25 litre diesel and the not so common 2.6 litre straight six petrol, offered only in the 109". The Series IIA only introduced cosmetic changes.

Series III.

The Series III was introduced in 1971 and brought around many radical changes. Although the shape hadn't changed, the Series III was a more user-friendly and versatile vehicle. It was introduced to appeal to more than just the farmer. Some of the changes included a more car-like dashboard, a better heating and demisting system, effective wipers and a new synchronised gearbox. This seems to be the most popular of the Series models.

Although a lot more up to date than the previous models, they were designed as a utility work vehicle and are much happier ploughing through mud and traversing adverse terrain. This does however mean that the ride and feel of the vehicle is not comparable with modern cars. This doesn't detract from the vehicles' popularity. A refurbished Series III from TJC Land Rovers offers a classic reliable go anywhere on/off road vehicle, with comfort and safety in mind, at an affordable price.

Lightweight.

Also known as "airportables", these vehicles were designed for the Ministry of Defence with the prime role of being dropped from aircraft and helicopters to provide transport for frontline troops or even troops in enemy territory. These vehicles offer exceptional off-road capabilities and are very rugged and durable. They are often purchased by military enthusiasts, collectors, off-road enthusiasts or just people who love their appearance. It is getting difficult to find good examples but once put through our workshops they can either be a good, reliable rugged transport that provides lots of fun or a classic showpiece the envy of many.

Land Rover 90 / 110 Defender

Built from 1983 onwards, the new Land Rover revolutionised the 4WD market and made Land Rover a major player. These vehicles retain the original shape which dates back to 1958, but the rest of the vehicle featured many, many changes, more than any other development in Land Rover history. Some exterior changes include an one piece screen, flat front and wheel arch eyebrows. The mechanics and overall feel and driving capabilities of the vehicle are much more modern. They offer a five-speed gearbox, permanent 4-wheel drive, diff lock for when the going gets tough, optional power steering, coil suspension, uprated interior, disc brakes on the front and a choice of 8 engines from a 2.25 litre diesel to a 3.5 litre V8 petrol.

With the introduction of the Defender came new diesel engines, even more refined interiors, county and freestyle options and disc brakes all round. Even more recently, with the introduction of the TD5 engine came ABS, traction control and a whole host of unfriendly electronics, a certain way to keep you visiting the main dealer.


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