The Masters Garage Roundtable

Steve Beres hosts an episode of The Underpowered Hour from John Masters’ podcast studio in the English countryside while Ike Goss is traveling. Steve is joined by John Masters, Camel Trophy legend Bob Ives, Land Rover mechanic Dan Ives, and Nick Dimbleby after a day driving two matching GAC Camel Trophy vehicles, including one Masters restored and another recently acquired vehicle associated with Ian Chapman/Bob Ives. They discuss the history of the four Moscow/Red Square GAC Discoverys (560–563), the unknown whereabouts of 560 and 561, and details of Masters’ restorations, originality and patina, and how hard the vehicles were used in Camel Trophy selections and training (including water “tide marks,” mud inside chassis rails, and stories about A-bars/ropes used to link vehicles). The group also talks about current Land Rover topics including the Defender Trophy, Dakar coverage and logistics, the appeal of recognizable vehicles in rallying, and hopes for more manufacturers competing in Land Rover’s Dakar class. Nick shares updates on his Freelander trip in India (about 2,000–2,500 miles, up to roughly 14,000 feet, with three Freelanders and two cracked expansion tanks) and a Freelander incident involving an animal nest fire. Masters mentions his next restoration project: a 1985 Camel Trophy Ninety Dutch team vehicle currently in Spain with a raised roof and other modifications. Nick also recounts driving a Range Rover “Popemobile” with a fake pope during a 1995 Rover France project celebrating the end of classic Range Rover production. The episode closes with plans to have Nick and Lisa on to discuss the India adventure, and joking updates about trying to get proof of life from Land Rover’s Jerry McGovern.