Name
Ivan Holtz
Town
New Hope, PA
Country
US
How did your passion for Land Rovers start?
A friend had a P38 new way back in the late 90’s. I always loved going for drives in that car. It’s lines were and remain very classic. I remember always thinking – “one day I am going to own a P38”. Then, in 2013, we had a really bad winter. I was determined to have a 4WD vehicle by the next winter season, 2014. I looked at several P38s but was scared off by the reliability stories. I ended up with a 2002 4Runner limited which I still have today. It was the right choice at the time but I could not get P38’s off my mind. Hence the story of the Yellow P38 purchased in July of 2017.
What was the first Land Rover you owned?
My first is my current one. I purchased her sight unseen off ebay clear across the country in Grants Pass, Oregon. She looked amazing and the allure of only being 1 of 100 Boreggo models intrigued me. So, I wire transferred the money and had her shipped a couple of weeks later directly to the largest independent land rover repair shop in the area – Authorized Imported Cars in Flemington, NJ – owned by George Hughes. She spent the month of August with George slowly going through some issues, nothing crazy. New tires, wheels and headliner – then mechanical stuff like some EAS repairs, a new fuse block, HVAC control panel and HVAC blower motor. Of course, we changed all fluids, filters and belts, too.
From George she immediately went to New Hope Auto Body where Anthony stripped the hood and roof of paint and repainted due to failing clear coat. In the end, we ended up painting about 80% of the truck. She looks like new. Anthony did an amazing job.
How many Land Rovers have you owned?
This is my first.
Do your Land Rovers have a name? If so, what is the name?
I call the Rover Simon. A proper Brit name though I also refer to her as she. I guess I am giving Simon a gender identity crisis.
What is your most memorable Land Rover moment?
Driving her for the first time at George’s shop, nearly a month after I dropped her off. I had driven to the shop in my beloved 4 Runner, also a 2002, like the Rover. I immediately recall the difference between the two cars the second I pulled off the lot. The Rover felt so regal and substantial. She drove brilliantly. To date, November 7th, I have only put 200 miles on her due to travel and lots of shop time. I plan on using Simon a lot as long as the truck proves to be a solid citizen.
What is your favourite accessory on your Land Rover and why?
Nothing in paricular.
Complete the sentence: My Land Rover has a Soul because…
It makes me feel like the king of the road when cruising down the backroads of rural and beautiful Buck County, PA.
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