The traditional driving experience is one of the great attractions of owning a classic Land Rover®. However, heavy steering – particularly when parking or manoeuvring at low speeds – isn’t something every owner wants to preserve.
A power steering upgrade can make a significant difference.
At John Brown 4×4, we offer power steering upgrades for suitable classic Land Rover® vehicles purchased from us. The upgrade can be fitted while your vehicle is being prepared for collection or added later as part of the ongoing support available exclusively to John Brown 4×4 customers.
The aim isn’t to turn your classic Land Rover® into a modern vehicle. Instead, power steering provides additional assistance where it’s most useful, creating a more comfortable and manageable driving experience while retaining the unmistakable character of the vehicle.
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Many earlier Land Rover® models were designed at a time when power-assisted steering simply wasn’t expected.
Their robust steering systems suited the agricultural, military and utility roles for which these vehicles were originally developed, but they can require considerably more physical effort than drivers might expect.
The difference is particularly noticeable when:
Adding power steering reduces the physical effort required without removing the distinctive driving experience that makes a classic Land Rover® so enjoyable.
If you’re buying a classic Land Rover® to use regularly rather than simply admire, power steering is certainly an upgrade worth considering.
Series Land Rovers® and early Defender models can feel very different from a modern vehicle, and that’s part of their charm. However, heavy steering can become tiring when a vehicle is driven regularly.
Power assistance can make the vehicle much more accessible and relaxing to use. Open roads still retain the character and involvement expected from a classic Land Rover®, but the additional assistance makes those less glamorous moments – such as getting into a tight parking space – considerably easier.
A power steering conversion can be a particularly noticeable improvement on a Series Land Rover®.
Series I, Series II, Series IIA and Series III vehicles were designed around simple mechanical steering systems. This simplicity remains a major part of their appeal, but steering effort can be considerable at low speeds.
For an owner who values complete factory originality, retaining the original steering arrangement may be preferable. However, for customers who prioritise usability, a carefully considered power steering upgrade can make a Series Land Rover® considerably easier to live with.
Our approach is always based on the individual vehicle. We’ll discuss how you intend to use your Land Rover® and whether power steering is an appropriate addition before recommending any work.
Power steering requirements can also vary considerably between classic Defender 90 and Defender 110 models depending on their age, original specification and any changes made during their lifetime.
For buyers considering a classic Defender 90, steering feel is an important part of the overall driving experience. Larger tyres and different wheel specifications can increase steering effort, particularly at lower speeds.
Where an upgrade is appropriate, improving steering assistance can make a classic Defender 90 or Defender 110 considerably more manageable for regular road use while preserving the rugged driving characteristics for which these vehicles are known.
As with every upgrade we offer, suitability is assessed according to the individual vehicle rather than applying the same solution to every Defender.
This is an important consideration – and one we understand.
Part of the appeal of buying a classic Land Rover® is experiencing something fundamentally different from a modern car. We don’t believe upgrades should remove that character.
The purpose of a power steering upgrade is therefore not to make the steering feel artificially light or disconnected. It’s about reducing unnecessary effort, while retaining an appropriate level of feedback and involvement behind the wheel.
For many customers, this provides an ideal compromise: unmistakably classic Land Rover® motoring without quite as much work when navigating a car park.
Not every classic Land Rover® should automatically be upgraded. We asked John Brown Jnr, Director and Classic Land Rover® Specialist, whether adding power steering can affect the originality and future resale value of a classic Land Rover®.
“Originality will always be important with certain classic Land Rovers®, particularly rare or highly collectible examples, so we wouldn’t automatically recommend modifying every vehicle. However, for many of the Land Rovers® we sell, a sympathetic power steering upgrade can make the vehicle considerably easier to use without taking away from what makes it special. In fact, improved usability can be a real advantage for buyers who actually want to drive and enjoy their classic. The important thing is choosing upgrades that suit the individual vehicle rather than modifying it simply for the sake of it.”
— John Brown Jnr, Director & Classic Land Rover® Specialist
This is where buying from a classic Land Rover® specialist can be particularly valuable. We can consider the vehicle’s model, age, condition, specification and intended use before discussing whether a power steering conversion is appropriate.
Our objective isn’t to sell every possible upgrade. It’s to help you procure a Land Rover® that suits the way you want to own and enjoy it while respecting what makes the vehicle special in the first place.
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing from John Brown 4×4 is that upgrades can be incorporated into the preparation of your vehicle before collection.
Our team already has an understanding of the vehicle and its condition, allowing us to consider the power steering upgrade as part of the wider preparation process rather than treating it as an isolated modification.
If you decide you’d like power steering after you’ve taken ownership, that’s possible too. Eligible vehicles can return to us for the upgrade through our exclusive customer aftersales service.
Please note that our power steering upgrade service is only available for classic Land Rover® vehicles purchased from John Brown 4×4. It is not offered as a standalone service to the general public.
Power steering can be added to many suitable classic Land Rover® vehicles. The options available depend on the model, age and specification, so we recommend discussing the individual vehicle with our team.
Power steering conversions are possible on suitable Series Land Rover® models and can considerably reduce steering effort at low speeds. We can advise whether an upgrade is appropriate for the particular Series vehicle you’re purchasing from us.
Depending on its existing specification and condition, steering improvements may be available for a classic Defender 90. Our team can assess the vehicle and recommend an appropriate option where required.
For customers intending to drive their vehicle regularly, it can be one of the most noticeable comfort and usability upgrades. It is particularly beneficial during parking and other low-speed manoeuvres. However, owners prioritising complete originality may prefer to retain the original steering system.
Yes. If you’re purchasing a suitable classic Land Rover® from John Brown 4×4, speak to us about adding power steering as part of the vehicle preparation process before collection.
No. Our upgrade and aftersales services are reserved exclusively for vehicles purchased from John Brown 4×4.
Yes, subject to the suitability of your vehicle and workshop availability. Existing John Brown 4×4 customers can contact our team to discuss returning their vehicle for an upgrade.
If you’re purchasing a classic Land Rover® from John Brown 4×4 and considering power steering, speak to our team before collection. We can discuss how you intend to use the vehicle and whether the upgrade would be worthwhile for you.
Already own a John Brown 4×4 vehicle? Contact us by phone, email or live chat to discuss adding power steering to your Land Rover® as part of our exclusive customer upgrade service.
Explore our current classic Land Rover® vehicles for sale or contact John Brown 4×4 to discuss available power steering upgrades.
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