It was a long time ago in 1947 when a certain Mr Maurice Wilkes sketched out the idea of a four-wheel drive utility vehicle in the sands of Anglesey. This was destined to become a world brand and synonymous with British ingenuity, battling across inhospitable terrain wherever the need arose. The Land Rover has matured into a high-end luxury SUV over the years and although still more than capable, few will see any off-road action. Mind you, it’s not just the brand-spanking leather-clad up-to-date versions that are excused rough and tumble duties, because there’s one 1959 veteran that has certainly earned a peaceful retirement.
Melvin Marshall, an Automotive Engineering lecturer at the Belfast College of Further Education, comes from a farming family so he’s more than familiar with large chunks of agricultural machinery. Tractors, ploughs, spreaders and seeders – you name it and Melvin will have some connection with it. And that list will naturally include a Land Rover or two. At the tender age of 13 Melvin was already an integral part of the family's working farm near Lisburn in Northern Ireland, and not only
