When Was Land Rover Founded?

Many Fort Worth drivers have asked us at Autobahn Land Rover Fort Worth, “When was Land Rover Founded?” Our friendly team is always happy to answer the question because the Land Rover history is fascinating! The brand we know and love today as Land Rover goes back to 1885 where it got its modest start in Warwickshire, England, at a small shop where an entity called the Rover Company made bicycles. As the business grew and evolved, making bicycles became secondary as the company started to focus more on manufacturing automobiles. In 1948, the company introduced the Land Rover model series that it is known for today.

Land Rover Origins

The very first Land Rover design was traced in the sand on a sunny day in 1947 on a Welsch beach by Rover Company engineer, Maurice Wilks. When his brother saw the drawing, they realized it had real potential. Originally:

• Land Rover models were painted an ashy green color because of the surplus of paint from World War II military vehicles.
• The design was inspired by Jeep, and the prototype was built on a Jeep axle and chassis.
• Land Rover first secured a spot at the Amsterdam Model Show on April 30, 1948, where it proudly revealed its first models.

Land Rover Timeline

Dallas-Fort Worth drivers that enjoy the look and feel of a luxury vehicle may not know these facts about Land Rover history:

• 1967: Rover Company evolves to be Rover Triumph, under the great Leyland Motors (later British Leyland Motors).
• 1970: The first Land Rover Range Rover model is revealed to the public.
• 1976: Right before its 30 anniversary, the company celebrates the production of its one-millionth Land Rover vehicle.
• 1978: Land Rover Limited becomes an independent entity under British Leyland Motors.
• 1987: The Range Rover is introduced to the US market.
• 1989: The Land Rover Discovery comes on to the scene.
• 1994: BMW acquires the Rover Group.
• 2005: Range Rover reveals the Range Rover Sport.
• 2007: Land Rover celebrates the four million Land Rover vehicles produced.
• 2008: Tata Motors, based in India, acquires both Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford, eventually creating the modern-day Jaguar Land Rover subsidiary.
• 2011: The Range Rover Evoque hits dealership lots.
• 2014: The Land Rover Discovery Sport takes the place of the Land Rover Freelander.
• 2017: The Range Rover Velar makes its debut
• 2018: The Cortex project is announced, a Land Rover venture aiming to “create self-propelled car robots that can independently navigate off-road in all weather conditions.”
• 2019: The Land Rover Defender is resurrected and redesigned as the most rugged Land Rover yet.

Learn More About Land Rover at Autobahn Land Rover Fort Worth

Now that you know the answer to the question, “When was Land Rover founded?” and more about Land Rover history, if you want to experience Land Rover in person, contact us. Come see for yourself why Land Rover vehicles are in a class all of their own on DFW streets. You can browse our extensive inventory online and even apply for financing from the comfort of your home, so give us a call today!