For those who did not already know and whom I have not already bored with my lust for the Ibex, it is a simpler, more rugged, *no nonsense* kit-built, Land-Rover-based special, with a full spaceframe with rollcage to replace the Land-Rover's ladder frame. Available in 90" (actually 92.9", of course), 100", and 110", in open, pick-up, and full hard-top versions, even a four-door station wagon version of the 110". The spaceframe is hot-dip galvanized after construction, then fabricated aluminum body panels are bolted and/or riveted onto the spaceframe. Easily repaired and pretty much all body panels can be replicated at any capable sheetmetal shop.
I had seen scant reference to the Ibex in LRO and, in the July issue (I think) one for sale (with a photo, under "something different"), but no articles. So I asked the net for more information. John Brabyn responded. He happened to have an issue of another mag with an article on the Ibex(OR&FWD November 1993). He sent me a copy. I wrote to Foers for more information because, if the article was to be believed, here was something really awsome and reasonably priced.
Foers Engineering
Gateway Industial Estate
The Gateway
Parkgate
Rotherham, S Yorksk S62 6JL, England
0709 527720
I specifically asked about using Range Rover components, as I figure that is the only way I can reasonably manage to do one in the U.S. (to acquire a wrecked U.S. spec. Range Rover, with good title, and keep it registered as a Range Rover). Besides, I want the 3.9l EFI V-8, 4-speed auto, and viscous coupling, along with, hopefully, the ABS, self-leveling, power-steering, and air-conditioning. Yeah, gnarly, but civilized. Travel in comfort to the trails, then kick ass. *YES* c|:{o>
Well, John Foers wrote me back a very nice letter, making clear that he
enjoyed getting my letter. He said he really got a good chuckle over
picturing an international network of Land-Rover experts [his words, more or
less, indicating this list] discussing his "elusive machine." Charming, I
thought. He also informed me that the very last Ibex, as currently
configured, is currently being built.
He will be switching over to start production of a new creation, basically
the same, starting in January 1995. He said that I was the very first on
the American continent to know about the new one, and you, fellow netters,
are next. He said that, inflationary forces notwithstanding, the prices
should be about the same and that performance will not be compromised. And
that is saying something: He asked if I had ever gotten a stock Defender 90
cross-axle (I wish!) and then tried to open and close the back door. He
says, with the Ibex, that is no problem. We're talking rigid here! Hear, hear!
I *do* plan to have one, in the next couple of years... and, no, I don't
work for Foers, although I'd like to!
Cheers, Granville, mcdpw@pacific.pacific.net