Duggaboy...

<<In the game ranging profession in South Africa there was no comparison between Cruisers and Landies - TLCs totally outclassed the Landies.>>

According to a friend of mine who has a ranch on part of the Kruger National Park (and has just driven SA-UK overland) there isnt that much to choose between them - his TLC (bought as part of a tax deal, hence vehicle choice) broke down repeatedly on his trip (esp wheelbearings, which surprised me) and he now calls it a 'Toytota' and wants a Rover....

<<The 4.2 diesel straight six is a dream in rough stuff.>>

Agreed

<<I imagine the preference for TLC by banditary fellas is a useful consideration>>

What about various army special forces units (Aus, NZ, Brazil, US Army, UK, Oman, Saudi, etc) choosing LRs? Maybe bandits choose TLCs in the Sahara as the parts are easier to get when you shoot folk up..... (given that TLCs are more common in the Sahara)

ctc:

<<I'm looking for a vehicle with more cc (esp low down torque), a more robust gearbox and a higher top-end to make the above easier for all concerned.>>

completely agree - Solihull must be bats to carry on with the 2.5 litre thing.

Moreover, I cant see them following TLCs with bigger engines - they are going for the Chelsea farmer nowadays, not the bundu-basher. Defender's days as a serious expedition hack are numbered.

<<On the cosset issue, I bet you do without realising it (and nothing wrong with that anyway).>>

Like a tool or a horse I care about, I will look after them, yes (and anyone who drives a 4x4 in rough country and doesnt is mental, if you ask me). However I will not hesitate to hammer the *rses off both 110s if the terrain or circumstances demand it. Both vehicles always shrug and get on with the job, and them wait for the next time.

My point isnt that TLCs are any worse or better than LRs, each reflects a different preferred driving style; I just cant imagine the word 'cosset' being associated with any active expedition LR of modern vintage (as opposed to one of the older Series trucks).

Sorry, knee-jerk reaction

__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....