The Land Rover Defender has a long history. It began as a farm tool, eventually evolving into the all-wheel truck it's known as today. Unfortunately, the last production Defender line was in January of 2016. You can still get a Defender today, even some modified for more power and more luxury. The price tag for these customized trucks is an even bigger change, however.
Not all modifications make it better. Not that this is worse, just different? 67-year-old Frank Rothwell has converted his Land Rover 88 to an alternative fuel. No, not electric, but coal.
Why though? According to Rothwell, its to entertain his grandchildren. Though he does use it for his less than 2-mile commute to work. While the kids may love it, his wife feels differently.
"I think it's really good for children of this era to do things like lighting fires and using coal. Because they have little access to using things like that these days."
In a project that would cost nearly $34,000 and 400 hours, he managed to replace the entire system with that of a coal-fired boiler, which powers a steam engine. The front grille was understandably replaced by what makes me think of classic steam trains.
Now the most important part: the specs. This bad boy is capable of a hardcore 15 miles per hour top speed. If we assumed that the rover weighs about 2,500 pounds, then this ride is capable of 0.67 horsepower. Calm down, speed demon.
