On its own axis: Leaving Lapland by Range Rover Classic

Harri Asunta, owner of Klassikot.net in Finland, recently bought an original Range Rover Classic – then drove it more than 500km across the snowy terrain of Northern Ivalo as part of his journey back home to Helsinki…

Bahama gold over white

Fortunately for Harri, Ivalo is the largest town in Northern Lapland and has its own small airport, meaning the outbound journey was merely a stone’s throw. However, the return leg was to be a little more challenging; it’s fortunate, then, that Harri was completing it in an ever-capable 1976 Range Rover Classic. Even though familiar with classic cars, this was the first trip he had taken that really tested the limits of his steed – but the Range Rover “drove like a dream”, according to the enthusiastic Finn, despite its original condition. “The only problem I encountered was that the heating couldn't really keep up at minus 30°C and over 100km/h!”

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Harri drove the affectionately christened ‘Lapland Rangie’ back down through Lapland to the city of Oulu, from which point the pair took an overnight train to cover the remaining 600km to Helsinki. The odometer read 85,000km when collected, and while some might question the condition of a car kept in such a bitter climate, Harri is not worried. “Because the roads of Lapland are not salted – as the salt doesn’t have any effect below minus 10°C – the Range Rover is in fact very well preserved, and also has numerous history documents. The intention is to carefully restore it and then present it at the Classic Motorshow in Finland, held on the 3 and 3 of May 2014.” After this, it will be added toKlassikot’s stocklist in the Classic Driver Market ready to meet a new owner.

Photos: Harri Asunta, Ilkka Ollila

Have you experienced a similar adventure in a classic car and recorded the journey in pictures? We’d love to hear from you – email editor@classicdriver.com.

Limited edition Vanquish models celebrate 60 years of Aston Martin Works

Aston Martin has revealed the first of six exclusive cars made to commemorate 60 years of its Works division, each of which include bespoke features referencing a specific decade of service...

Based on current-generation Aston Martin Vanquishes in coupé or Volante form, the cars all include bespoke centre console rotaries fashioned in aluminium taken from heritage models. The metal is drawn from the pistons of donor cars such as a DB2/4 Mk II, a DB5 and an X-Pack V8 Vantage; other subtle features tailored to reflect the relevant decade will distinguish each version, as will different paint and trim colours from the Q personalisation division.

All will feature Anniversary Yellow wheels and side strakes, along with the new 60th anniversary Works logo and yellow stitching inside. Prices are available on request from Aston Martin Works.

Photos: Aston Martin

You can find hundreds of modern and classic Aston Martins for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

Z.A.P.S. SURVIVAL GRENADE

The Z.A.P.S. Survival Grenade is the creation of a former Marine Scout Sniper, he created the survival kit for his own use but due to demand from friends he began producing them professionally. Each kit has a carabiner so you can secure it to your belt or the outside of you backpack, they can also be stored in car trunks, glove compartments and motorcycle panniers in case of remote breakdowns.

Each Z.A.P.S. Survival Grenade is made from 45 feet of woven 550lbs paracord and contains:

1 x Steal shackle
1 x Carabiner (maximum load 350lbs) to attach Survival Grenade to your gear/clothes or to use when rappelling.
1 x Compass
1 x Wire saw
3 x Ready-made wire snares with anti-escape swivels for catching small game.
1 x Ferro cerium fire-starter with striker
3 x Pieces of tinder
30’ Braided stealth fishing line (50lb – strong enough for big fish, trip wires, or additional snares)
3 x Fish hooks
6 x Sinkers
3 x Barrel swivels
1 x Knife blade
1 x Sheet of aluminium foil
2 x Safety pins
1 x 1 Gallon Ziploc bag for carrying water
3 x Windproof/waterproof matches (15 second burn time) and match striker
1 x Large needle for small repairs and wound suturing
20’ Black thread
6 x Water purification tablets with usage instructions
1 x Whistle
Several feet of duct tape
1 x Z.A.P.S. Gear Survival Grenade User’s Guide (laminated for waterproofing).

This collection of gear should be enough for anyone to last more than a few days in a variety of survival situations and a hardcore survivalist could probably begin the process of rebuilding western civilisation using just the paracord and aluminium foil. Each of these kits cost $75 USD and are available in a dozen colour variations so you can even match it to your gear. If you’re that kind of guy.

BUY HERE

Images courtesy of Huckberry.

via SILODROME

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