According to the legend, Maurice used to spend all the free time on his farm on Isle of Anglesey, North Wales. Being in dire need of hybrid between cross-country vehicle and a light truck, he bought an American Willys Jeep form army property clearance sale. When old jeep got worn-out, Wilks brothers designed their own, instead of buying a new one.
The first Land Rover was officially presented in 1948, at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The car was offered in single configuration: open body on 80 inch (2032 mm) short-wheelbase chassis.
During the 1970s and 80s the evolution of Land Rover and Range Rover had continued. Land Rover recognition had grown even more through such events as the Paris-Dakar Rally, which demonstrated outstanding capabilities of these vehicles.