Ready to take a rugged RC ride through Land Rover’s legendary history? Born from the tough demands of WWII, Land Rover has built an iconic legacy of off-road grit wrapped in timeless British style. From muddy trails to royal estates, its unmistakable design has left tire tracks across generations. Today, that legacy thrives not just in full-size 4x4s, but in highly detailed RC replicas crafted under strict licensing to preserve every grille line and badge.
FMS is one standout brand bringing these classic Land Rovers to scale, and we’re proud to offer them here at Fair RC. In this blog, we’ll explore how each RC model captures the spirit of Land Rover—from the rugged 1950s Series I to the versatile Discovery of the late ’80s.
Origins: The Battlefield Beast
Our RC Land Rover story begins in the chaos of WWII, when armies needed lightweight, durable vehicles that could tackle any terrain. The Willys MB Jeep, born from a government effort and produced by Willys-Overland, became legendary for its off-road toughness and easy field repairs. Even General Eisenhower hailed it as a key weapon that helped win the war.
After the war, Willys-Overland shifted the Willys MB into civilian life with the CJ-2A, proving utility vehicles had a role beyond the battlefield. This sparked a global love for go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles—paving the way for Land Rover’s rise.
The ROCHobby Willys MB RC models, which came in 1/6 and 1/12 scales, pay homage to this icon with remarkable detail. From the flat grille with vertical slats to the fold-down windshield and fabric-covered bucket seats, every feature echoes the original’s rugged simplicity. The steering wheel even moves with your transmitter for authentic control. Willys MBs are no longer available on our website, so if you want one, you may need to dig through second-hand markets.
Series I: Britain’s Answer to the Jeep
While America had the Jeep, Wales had Maurice Wilks—a visionary engineer who dreamed of a tougher, more versatile farm vehicle. Inspired by the surplus of WWII aluminum and his own tractor work, Wilks sketched the prototype for the Land Rover Series I in the sand. The result? A boxy, lightweight, aluminum body on a steel chassis, designed to be rust-resistant, repairable in the field, and perfect for off-road farming.
Land Rover’s Series I launched in 1948 and quickly won hearts with its practical design and durable build. It laid the foundation for the brand’s reputation—and for the detailed RC models we love today.
Series II: Style Meets Function
By 1958, Land Rover refreshed its design with the Series II, smoothing the body with curved shoulders while keeping tough utility front and center. The iconic removable roof got alpine windows and a slope on the driver’s side—a look that’s now classic. The interior gained practical benches for passengers and gear.
FMS’s 1:12 scale Series II replica delivers all these details with precision—from the mesh grille and robust bumper to the removable roof option. Whether you want a hard-top or pick-up style, this model captures the versatility of the original. Take a closer look on the Series II product page and see the craftsmanship for yourself.
Range Rover: Luxury Meets Off-Road Prowess
In 1970, Land Rover changed the game with the Range Rover—the world’s first mainstream SUV blending rugged capability and family comfort. The two-door original boasts wide-opening doors, a clamshell bonnet, and a split tailgate with clean aluminum panels and the famous floating roof.
By 1981, a four-door version made the Range Rover even more practical, adding length and luxury trims while maintaining its off-road edge. FMS’s 1/24 Range Rover replica captures the charm of the early two-door model, including the distinctive vertical-slat grille that marks its pre-U.S. era heritage.
If you want a piece of this off-road royalty, check out our Range Rover mods:
- Highland Roader
- Daytripper
- Rally Pro
Defenders: The D110 and D90
The Series III’s long run ended in 1983 with the introduction of the D110, kicking off the Defender line. Featuring a sharper, boxier look and improved build quality, the D110 adds space and rugged style with side-hinged rear doors.
One year later, the D90 arrives, packing the Defender spirit into a shorter 90-inch wheelbase—perfect for tight, tricky trails. The FMS 1/24 scale models bring these legends to life with scale-accurate interiors, roof racks, spare wheels, and spotlights that scream off-road adventure.
Explore the D110 and D90 mod product pages to find your perfect Defender replica.
- Ocean Roader
- Black Ops
Discovery: The Practical Family Off-Roader
Land Rover’s 1989 Discovery bridges the gap between luxury and toughness. Its stepped roof creates stadium-style rear seating and extra headroom, while alpine windows flood the cabin with light. The unique forward-swept C-pillar and rear-mounted spare wheel add distinct style and function.
Originally a three-door, the five-door quickly took over as a family favorite. Early models flaunt two-tone paint, exposed screws, and tough plastic cladding, emphasizing the adventurous spirit. FMS’s 1/24 Discovery faithfully recreates these quirks, from the stadium seating to the alpine windows, all in a classic retro paint scheme.
Check out the Blaze Runner product page to see this RC classic in action.
The Camel Trophy: The Ultimate Test of Grit
Many FMS models wear the iconic Camel Trophy livery—a tribute to one of Land Rover’s most legendary challenges. Running from 1980 to 2000, the Camel Trophy was a brutal expedition through some of Earth’s harshest terrain, including jungles, deserts, and frozen wastes.
This wasn’t a race for speed but a test of teamwork, navigation, and survival. Land Rover’s Defenders and Discoverys dominated, thanks to reliable diesel engines, modular designs for quick field repairs, and global support. The event cemented Land Rover’s image as the ultimate adventure machine.
Though the Camel Trophy ended due to changing tobacco laws, its spirit lives on in every rugged RC model. If you’re inspired by off-road legends, the Camel Trophy editions are a must-see.
Click here to find the original FMS FCX24M Camel Trophy Land Rovers, and here if you’d prefer a weathered version.
The Land Rover Legacy in Your Hands
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a passionate RC driver, these models offer more than detail—they deliver history, adventure, and engineering excellence in the palm of your hand. From the Willys MB battlefield hero to the versatile Discovery, each vehicle tells a story of endurance and timeless design.
Ready to take the wheel? Explore our full range of Land Rover RC models, from the 1/12 Land Rover Series ii to the D90, and get your adventure started today!
Which Land Rover RC model sparks your off-road dreams the most? Drop a comment below and share your favorite!
