Random Article Summary #84

The Centre Steer is the original prototype of the Land Rover 4x4. It was developed by the Rover Motor Co. in 1947 as an agricultural vehicle. The production version of the Land Rover differed from the prototype in many ways. Only one example of the Centre Steer was built. The Land Rover was designed to be exported to the British Empire and Commonwealth, so it was important for the vehicle to be developed and produced with minimal cost. The prototype had a centrally-mounted steering wheel and passenger seats on either side to make it familiar to farmers and allow for additional storage space. However, the design team found the centre steering to be impractical and the final production vehicle ended up with a conventional right- and left-hand drive system. The location and existence of the original Centre Steer prototype is unknown, with some believing it was destroyed and others hoping it is still waiting to be discovered. A replica of the vehicle was constructed in 2004/5, demonstrating both the practicalities and drawbacks of the design. This replica used similar techniques to what the Rover company would have employed, including cutting slots in the metal to create curves and running a chain drive from the steering column.