Laura SpencerIn 2020, the world, hushed by an invisible threat, became a place of quiet contemplation. During this unprecedented stillness, I discovered a newfound passion – stand-up paddle boarding. The serene glide across the water offered a welcome escape from the chaos, but it presented a new challenge –transporting my giant board. Enter my first Land Rover, a ‘97 Range Rover P38A, a fortunate solution born out of necessity.
The P38A quickly became more than just a utilitarian vehicle. My husband, John, a skilled aerospace welder-fabricator with a knack for creative problem-solving, crafted a custom roof rack, transforming the Rover into a symbol of my new adventurous spirit. Mud-terrain tires completed the rugged makeover, enabling me to explore the world beyond the city limits.
My inaugural road trip, a weekend getaway with girlfriends for paddle boarding and fun, took an unexpected turn when a sudden misfire began two hours from home. I turned to the Southern California Rover Club (SCRC) Facebook page and asked for a local mechanic who could diagnose and fix my ailing Range Rover P38A.
Ed Testa of I.E. Rovers, my knight in shining armor, not only came to my rescue and got me back on the road, but also introduced me to the welcoming community of the SCRC. At their monthly meet-up, I was embraced with open arms, a testament to the camaraderie that binds Land Rover owners together.
This newfound community introduced me to the joys of Land Rover off-roading. The annual Rover Rendezvous, a weekend adventure organized by SCRC for its members, piqued my interest. Determined to participate, I signed us up and gently “dragged” John, initially hesitant, into this adventure with me. The P38A, despite its valiant spirit, needed some preparation before it could tackle the rugged terrain of Big Bear Lake. John fabricated rock sliders for the P38A, which solidified my commitment to this off-road lifestyle.
At Rover Rendezvous, Horsethief Canyon, a moderate-rated trail with a scenic descent into the heart of the Big Bear mountains, became our proving ground. Despite lacking the fancy upgrades and advanced differentials sported by some of the newer Land Rovers, the P38A, coupled with John’s off-road driving prowess, held its own. It was exhilarating, pushing the little red Rover to its limits, and I earned the affectionate nickname, “The Girl with the Red P38A” among the club members.
While I reveled in the scenery and the thrill of exploration, the P38A, with its quirks and occasional breakdowns, took on a role as my teacher. Venturing into junkyards on treasure hunts for parts became an adventure in itself. Forums transformed into classrooms where I devoured information to share with John, learning how to diagnose bizarre issues like a sudden loss of brake power. These experiences, combined with the freedom of car camping – finding the right gear, choosing remote destinations, and simply sleeping under the stars in the back of the Rover – were a revelation. It was a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a chance to disconnect and reconnect with nature and ourselves.
Inspired, I signed up for a women’s-only event at Wildomar OHV. Here, I pushed myself and the P38A to our limits, tackling challenging obstacles and honing my driving skills. However, a particularly complex hill proved too much for the P38A, requiring a tow to the summit. This humbling experience, while frustrating at the moment, solidified my desire for a more capable vehicle. Now seemed the right time to trade in the charm of the classic P38A for the power and potential of a Land Rover Discovery.
A locking center differential and a rugged design highlighted my wishlist. After scouring online marketplaces, I found an ‘04 Discovery II in Las Vegas listed at a very tempting price. A few videos from the seller confirmed its potential; driven by my thirst for adventure (and maybe a dash of Super Bowl Sunday impulsiveness) I booked a one-way ticket to Vegas with a wad of cash in hand.
This solo mission to retrieve my new rig was an exhilarating adventure in itself. The drive back to San Diego was a victory lap, documented with photos along the way. I christened the Disco “Luna” and established her online presence with an Instagram page.
Although more capable from the start than the P38A, Luna did require some essential upgrades to optimize her off-road prowess. The initial focus was on practical improvements: replacing the front main seal and O2 sensors to fix mechanical issues, followed by new mud-terrain tires for better grip, window tint for desert sun protection, and of course, a thumping stereo for those long road trips to remote destinations.
After that, bigger improvements began. The stock suspension received a 3-inch Old Man Emu lift, improving ground clearance. New front and rear steel bumpers provided additional protection for venturing off the beaten path. Upgraded performance brake lines
ensured confident stopping power on steep descents, and new wheel hubs were added as well. The engine bay also received its share of attention with the replacement of the coolant tank with a heavy-duty aluminum unit along with a new coolant temp sensor, idler pulley replacements, water pump and belt tensioner.
With Luna finally outfitted for serious off-roading, we eagerly returned to Big Bear, this time with the confidence to tackle more challenging trails. The difference was night and day. Luna climbed with ease where the P38A had struggled, her advanced capabilities allowing us to explore terrains we previously thought were out of reach. My enthusiasm must have been evident; the club designated me as a trail leader by the end of the weekend.
The urge to push further, to explore more remote and rugged landscapes, led to the acquisition of a Detroit rear locker. This little marvel transformed Luna into a true beast, capable of handling the most demanding trails with confidence. With this final touch, we embarked on a series of unforgettable adventures.
Our Southern California escapades have been as diverse as the landscape itself. We’ve explored the Calico Mountains, their peaks looming over a deserted ghost town. Stargazing excursions on Santiago Peak gifted us with breathtaking views of the Perseid meteor showers.
In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, we tackled the Diablo Drop Off, a challenging section of off-road trail that careens precipitously down the face of a mesa. The Valley of the Moon offered amazing rock formations sculpted into the most unusual shapes by wind and sand.
Adding to these experiences, I led my first trail expedition as a SCRC Trail Leader. On that beautiful day in the Yuha Desert, a dozen Land Rovers followed me to discover 6-million-year-old oyster shell fossils and concretions, along with Native American geoglyphs and
ancient cairn burial sites.
None of this would be possible without John, my partner in crime (and Land Rover adventures). His mechanical and fabrication expertise translates perfectly to the world of Land Rovers. He fixes what I break and builds what I dream; his unwavering support and ingenuity are the fuel that propels my off-road odyssey. He once said to me, “The more you work on your cars, the more you know them.” And in our case, I’d say we know ours intimately well!
One scorching Spring day, deep in the desert, this knowledge proved invaluable. We were miles from civilization, exploring a remote trail when Luna began to sputter and misfire. The midday sun beat down mercilessly, and the thought of calling a tow truck and waiting for hours in that desolate landscape was less than appealing. John, ever resourceful, popped the hood and began his diagnosis. After a quick inspection, he discovered the culprit: a spark plug wire had been chafing against the engine block, causing the misfire and exposing bare wires.
This could have been a major setback, but thanks to John’s expertise and a few expertly placed electrical tape wraps around the exposed wires, Luna purred back to life. The fix was simple, but it served as a reminder of the importance of self-reliance and the satisfaction of resolving a problem ourselves (not to mention always bringing a well-stocked tool kit and extra water!).
This past New Year’s, I decided to introduce my daughter, Jordan, a college senior, to the world of Land Rovers. We embarked on a trip to Superstition Mountain near Imperial, California, with Jordan at Luna’s wheel for the first time. The sandy hills presented a new kind of challenge, but Jordan navigated them with confidence, the thrill of off-roading etched on her face. It was clear she didn’t just tolerate the dusty adventure; she embraced it. By the end of the trip, she asked where our next off-roading adventure would be. There’s a strong possibility that a Land Rover will find its way onto her driveway in the not-so-distant future, a testament to the way this passion for exploration is passed down.
Our Land Rover obsession doesn’t stop with Luna and the P38A, however. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to tow home a non-operational ‘71 Series IIA that had seen plenty of adventure in its heyday. This new project promises countless hours of restoration and the satisfaction of bringing a classic back to life. The future also holds plans for an ‘00 Discovery II that will undergo a unique transformation – being cut in half to become a dedicated tow trailer for Luna, perfect for hauling gear on extended expeditions. And of course, there will continue to be the repairs and upgrades to Luna and the P38A.
With John by my side, a growing fleet of Land Rovers at our disposal, and the ever-supportive SCRC community as my new extended family, there’s no telling where the next dusty road will lead, but one thing’s for certain: The adventure never ends.
[Follow Luna’s adventures on Instagram @Luna_D2Rover -ed.]