In 1998, XKs Unlimited took on the Land Rover aftermarket business providing
parts
and accessories as well as service to the growing Land Rover market. In
2001, XKs brought Nathan Harrison on board and soon learned their new salesman
wasn’t just a car enthusiast, but had a particular passion for all
things Land Rovers.
Somewhere along the way, Nathan started 
to
yearn for an English vehicle…one that would take him from point A
to point B no matter what the terrain. Nathan’s first purchase was
a 1971 Series IIA Land Rover, which was followed shortly thereafter by a
1993 Range Rover County LWB. The appeal was multi-fold. First, it was a
matter of heritage. Land Rover had been renowned world wide for vehicles
that had been used on every continent and forced to function in some of
the most extreme conditions. Then getting “extreme” became a
focus and in 2002 Nathan began his ultimate conversion of the '71 Series
II. This project includes a new power plant, suspension, and every tweak
and upgrade in between.
With Nathan's Series out of commission, his '93 Range Rover began serious
service as a workhorse. A very comfortable, and steadfast (in his experience)
workhorse that has towed cars, driven the deep sands of California's ever-changing
Oceano Pismo Dunes, and taken on the incredible un-maintained roads across
Utah. Most recently this truck powered him up and over the 
most
brutal trails Moab, Utah can offer any serious off-roader. The event was
the 2004 National Land Rover Rallye organized by the Colorado Solihull Society.
Prior to this event, Nathan spent two consecutive years riding the incredible
trails as a passenger/navigator, ever hopeful that the next year would be
the maiden voyage of his Series. With little hope of that happening in '04,
Nathan decided he wanted to be behind the wheel and sacrificed his completely
stock Range Rover to the slick-rock-gods and came back to tell the tale.
During one of the more epic trail rides, 12 vehicles headed out to Poison
Spider Mesa and Golden Spike trail, which challenges the drivers with such
infamous obstacles as the Wedge, Suzuki Hill and Golden Crack. Accompanying
the drivers on this particular outing was a camera crew from Spike TV’s,
Tough Truckin’. The crew couldn’t have picked
a more grueling day filled with 
spectacular
bird’s eye views of the Colorado River, canyon lands and the beautiful
Moab valley. Some of these crewmembers can be seen in Nathan's stills. Hours
and hours, 12 to be exact, spent filming these vehicles powering over some
of the most insurmountable looking obstacles all with Nathan’s stock
Range Rover keeping up the 
pace
and reinforcing Land Rover’s reputation as the “Ultimate 4x4
By Far.”
To reach Nathan for assistance with parts and accessories, call Gold Coast Rovers at 800-444-5247, extension 236 or email to nathan@xks.com.
Story by Corrine Harrison
Photos by Nathan Harrison
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