Start the book now. Always interesting to read of people's work lives.I'm a bit late in this thread but I worked at the Land Rover lode lane from the early 70s until the early 80s.
The SD1 factory was built on the site of the old test track that was adjacent to Elmdon park, that test track was a great place to let the Stirling Moss in you free no speed limit there .
I watched the trees come down and bulldozers move in to prepare the site.
The SD1 factory was a massive single span building , on nightshift we would cycle up and down the quarter mile length on old fashioned delivery bikes with a basket carrier on the front .
The paint shop next door was a marvel to walk around all those stairs and the heat on the top floor from the high bake paint ovens was high the normal sprinklers heads used to operate regulary .
The only time I drove any SD1 cars was to move them away from blocking escape routes or fire hydrants etc , I preferred the older P8 to drive.
Said enough for now , my experience at the Land Rover was very interesting and I don't think working in this day and age will ever be as interesting or memorable for the present work force.
There's a book in me somewhere just got to assemble it before all the memories dissolve into time and are forgotten.
Start the book now. Always interesting to read of people's work lives.
I worked in the Land Rover experimental for a short time doing engine endurance testing, like a 2000 rally engine with twin SU's that had to do 100 hours at 6,000 rpm. They were trying to develop a 5 cylinder version of the 2000 engine, but it never got anywhere, like the batch of 2000 drophead coupes which were scrapped off.The SD1 had Denovo run flat tyres fitted, and a bump switch that isolated the fuel pump if involved in an accident, this caused a lot of problems for drivers not aware of it if they had a small bump and had to get assistance to rectify it .
Hi Rover folk, I also worked at The Rover, Solihull - 1974 to 1978 when I moved to Japan for a while. After serving an apprenticeship at P J Evans in Birmingham. My reason for moving to a factory was for better money to save to buy a motor bike - my dream in those days was a Kawasaki 900 Z1 which I bought while there. I began by working on the track (P6) I worked for about 9 months on 2 week shifts. From putting two wheels on each vehicle every 6 minutes to working on the hoist dropping in complete engines every 6 minutes - two guys underneath the car securing the engines - what a team!. I recognise the description of life on the track described earlier in the posts!! I then applied and got a job in the transport section working on the transport vehicles - diesel lorries ect, that would move the cars/parts around the country etc. I loved my experiences (many) in that garage - but never intended to stay. Small section of guys that stayed for life (they felt great job and well paid). One guy saying as I arrived 'you will never leave here until they take you out in a box', lol.I'm a bit late in this thread but I worked at the Land Rover lode lane from the early 70s until the early 80s.
The SD1 factory was built on the site of the old test track that was adjacent to Elmdon park, that test track was a great place to let the Stirling Moss in you free no speed limit there .
I watched the trees come down and bulldozers move in to prepare the site.
The SD1 factory was a massive single span building , on nightshift we would cycle up and down the quarter mile length on old fashioned delivery bikes with a basket carrier on the front .
The paint shop next door was a marvel to walk around all those stairs and the heat on the top floor from the high bake paint ovens was high the normal sprinklers heads used to operate regulary .
The only time I drove any SD1 cars was to move them away from blocking escape routes or fire hydrants etc , I preferred the older P8 to drive.
Said enough for now , my experience at the Land Rover was very interesting and I don't think working in this day and age will ever be as interesting or memorable for the present work force.
There's a book in me somewhere just got to assemble it before all the memories dissolve into time and are forgotten.
Hi Peter. Trying to find Chris Baker, test driver at Rover in your time there. He lived in Keresley, Coventry and also went to Japan. Did you know him?Hi Rover folk, I also worked at The Rover, Solihull - 1974 to 1978 when I moved to Japan for a while. After serving an apprenticeship at P J Evans in Birmingham. My reason for moving to a factory was for better money to save to buy a motor bike - my dream in those days was a Kawasaki 900 Z1 which I bought while there. I began by working on the track (P6) I worked for about 9 months on 2 week shifts. From putting two wheels on each vehicle every 6 minutes to working on the hoist dropping in complete engines every 6 minutes - two guys underneath the car securing the engines - what a team!. I recognise the description of life on the track described earlier in the posts!! I then applied and got a job in the transport section working on the transport vehicles - diesel lorries ect, that would move the cars/parts around the country etc. I loved my experiences (many) in that garage - but never intended to stay. Small section of guys that stayed for life (they felt great job and well paid). One guy saying as I arrived 'you will never leave here until they take you out in a box', lol.
Hi Rhiannon, sorry cannot help with Chris Baker. I recall Steve Burton from the P6 track - we went to Sweden together on my Kawasaki 900, and Dave Panton from the lorry garage. Hope you manage to connect with Chris.Hi Peter. Trying to find Chris Baker, test driver at Rover in your time there. He lived in Keresley, Coventry and also went to Japan. Did you know him?
Thanks for quick response, PeterHi Peter. Trying to find Chris Baker, test driver at Rover in your time there. He lived in Keresley, Coventry and also went to Japan. Did you know him?
In 1940 1940 my Dad always had a Rover, not sure what model, Black 4door of course. Had something to release using the clutch to change gears? I seem toremember
That's what it was thanks for the info so what years were those for and what model?Some Rovers had a 'freewheel', which allowed thm to coast with the engine only ticking over, useful on long slightly downhill roads. It was worked by a small wheel just under the dashboard. Here's one, removed from the car.
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