Land Rover enthusiasts around the world are mourning the loss of one of, if not the most beloved magazines, devoted entirely to the Land Rover brand. The magazine recently posted the following statement on its website:
“We are very sorry to announce that our publisher has decided it is no longer viable to continue publishing LRO. We have been given the following statement to share with you:
‘Following a recent review, Bauer Media has decided to indefinitely pause publishing Land Rover Owner International (LRO) magazine.
Despite strong consumer support for the title, which has been the UK’s leading magazine for Land Rover enthusiasts for the last 35 years, the print magazine is not commercially viable in the current challenging climate.
The last issue will be the May-23 issue, on sale 12-April 2023.
A letter is going out this week to subscribers explaining their options.’
Thank you to the many thousands of readers who have enjoyed the magazine over the decades. Your support, engagement, stories, and enthusiasm have been essential to its success”.
The inaugural edition of Land Rover Owner debuted in July 1987, graced by a snapshot of Captain Mark Phillips (the first husband of Princess Anne), his Range Rover Classic, and his horse on the front cover. The second issue’s cover displayed the Queen alongside her Series III Land Rover, while the third issue introduced a Land Rover in off-road action, which has since remained the magazine’s signature cover image.
Land Rover Owner emerged from a consortium of businessmen from East Anglia. The debut issue, comprising mainly black and white pages, spanned 40 pages and cost £1, featuring only two models – the Land Rover and the Range Rover. The first two issues sold remarkably well, and in the mid-1990s, LRO was acquired by the publishing firm Bauer Consumer Media.
US Land Rover enthusiasts owe a debt of gratitude to the magazine, which not only nurtured our love for the iconic vehicles but also entertained us while showcasing a broad spectrum of highly desirable vehicles with advice for the purchase, modification, repair, maintenance, and enjoyment of our beloved Land Rovers. The stories of overland adventure inspired many (this Land Rover owner included) to head out on the road less traveled and to truly experience the capability and character of our oil-dripping, continent-conquering British legends.
With the demise of Land Rover Magazine, the Land Rover Monthly and Classic Land Rover magazines remain to serve the fan base, and we suggest that you drop what you are doing and head over to subscribe to either or both magazines.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
