The Underpowered Hour

Steve Beres and Ike Goss open the Underpowered Hour noting a planned interview with Land Rover drivetrain expert Matt Jackson was lost due to a failed new “internet interview machine.” They cover Land Rover news, including the UK-only Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate Edition with a 3.7-second 0–60 time, VIP handover, 500 units, and a £145,995 price. They discuss Chelsea Tractor Company expanding its signature body kits to vehicles like the Grenadier and Jeep, plus a line of pedal-equipped electric bikes and a heavily vented Defender build with an awkward fuel-filler tunnel. They preview the new Defender Trophy selection process in British Columbia, with 190 North American competitors and Jennifer Fibble competing for a finals spot in the UK. Ike also shares acquiring a recognizable 1950 Series I and a 1955 pickup from a Michigan estate sale and updates on a 109 wagon build with disc brakes and upgrades.

00:00 Show Intro and Hosts

01:19 Guest Interview Fails

02:02 Range Rover SVR Ultimate

03:28 VIP Perks and Tech

05:36 Wheels Seats and Pricing

06:49 Chelsea Tractor Body Kits

08:13 Chelsea Electric Bikes

12:28 Defender Guana Widebody

14:46 Design Details and Fuel Door

16:23 Chelsea Tractor Swell Kit

17:21 Defender Trophy Returns

18:37 Instagram Stage Training

20:42 Estate Sale Rover Haul

22:23 The Blue Series One

25:21 Shop Build 109 Wagon

25:54 Michelin XZL Tire Talk

27:04 Tractor Tangents and Tips

28:18 Busy Shop and UK Plans

29:56 Next Episode Tease

Steve Beres and Ike Goss skip the news to interview Helen and Marcella (“The Gazelles”) about their debut run in the Dakar Classic in a self-built classic Land Rover. Helen explains how her first desert rally idea began with Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in 2019, how she and Marcella—friends for over 21 years—became teammates, and why in-car chemistry matters under stress. They describe building their Dakar vehicle “Purdy” from the ground up after an outside build effort failed, using a pre-inspection for peace of mind before shipping the car, and arriving surprised to see big teams still wrenching in the bivouac. They share standout moments, including meeting top competitors, encouragement from Saudi spectators, and a last-day crisis where hitting a rock caused two flats and required help from another team. They discuss on-course assistance rules, helping others in dunes, lessons learned, and hint at future adventures.

Intro and Hosts

01:18 Why This Dakar Interview

02:49 Meet the Gazelles

03:30 How the Idea Started

05:30 Finding the Right Teammate

06:30 Team Chemistry in the Car

08:26 From Gazelles to Dakar Timeline

09:15 Building Purdy from Scratch

10:45 Skills and the YouTube Build Series

12:54 Logistics and Pre Inspection

16:49 Arriving in Saudi Race Bubble

18:49 Meeting Legends and Local Moments

21:05 Was Dakar a Success

22:22 Racing Under Cameras

23:58 Finish Line Tire Crisis

25:48 On Course Support Rules

27:29 Helping in the Dunes

28:50 Whats Next Adventure

30:10 Lessons From Dakar

33:57 Lightning Round

36:21 Shoutouts and Motivation

38:48 Hosts Wrap Up

Steve and Ike welcome Olympian and cross-country skier Ben Ogden, calling in from Sweden as his race season continues after the Olympics. Ben explains how he got into the sport in Vermont, describes winning silver in the men’s individual sprint and again in the team sprint with Gus Schumacher, and breaks down sprint race format, tactics, and the major role of ski selection and waxing support. The conversation shifts to Ben’s 1973 Series III Land Rover restoration bought from Vermont restorer Lanny Clark: an 18,000-mile but heavily rusted, long-nonrunning “derelict” that became his off-season outlet. Ben details progress—bodywork, welding aluminum, marine blue paint challenges after a PPG discontinuation, rebuilt drivetrain, brakes, and remaining wiring and interior bits—plus other vehicles, motorcycles, knitting, and a quick lightning round.

00:00 Show Intro and Hosts

01:22 Meet Olympian Ben Ogden

02:13 Why Cross Country Skiing

04:16 Olympic Silver Medal Story

06:54 Ski Wax and Prep Secrets

11:50 Land Rover and Olympic Skiing

14:14 Ben’s Series III Project Begins

19:04 Restoration Progress and Paint Drama

21:54 What’s Left to Finish

22:31 Dash Trim Hunt

23:17 Care Package Offer

23:45 Oregon Off Road Plans

24:10 Other Rigs Garage Tour

26:14 Volvo Trucks And Military Oddities

27:53 Motorcycles And Learning Wrenching

29:00 Knitting As A Project Fix

30:20 Sweater Reveal And Restoration Mindset

33:21 Lightning Round Q And A

34:38 Thanks And Sign Off

Steve Beres hosts an episode of The Underpowered Hour from John Masters’ podcast studio in the English countryside while Ike Goss is traveling. Steve is joined by John Masters, Camel Trophy legend Bob Ives, Land Rover mechanic Dan Ives, and Nick Dimbleby after a day driving two matching GAC Camel Trophy vehicles, including one Masters restored and another recently acquired vehicle associated with Ian Chapman/Bob Ives. They discuss the history of the four Moscow/Red Square GAC Discoverys (560–563), the unknown whereabouts of 560 and 561, and details of Masters’ restorations, originality and patina, and how hard the vehicles were used in Camel Trophy selections and training (including water “tide marks,” mud inside chassis rails, and stories about A-bars/ropes used to link vehicles). The group also talks about current Land Rover topics including the Defender Trophy, Dakar coverage and logistics, the appeal of recognizable vehicles in rallying, and hopes for more manufacturers competing in Land Rover’s Dakar class. Nick shares updates on his Freelander trip in India (about 2,000–2,500 miles, up to roughly 14,000 feet, with three Freelanders and two cracked expansion tanks) and a Freelander incident involving an animal nest fire. Masters mentions his next restoration project: a 1985 Camel Trophy Ninety Dutch team vehicle currently in Spain with a raised roof and other modifications. Nick also recounts driving a Range Rover “Popemobile” with a fake pope during a 1995 Rover France project celebrating the end of classic Range Rover production. The episode closes with plans to have Nick and Lisa on to discuss the India adventure, and joking updates about trying to get proof of life from Land Rover’s Jerry McGovern.

Camel Trophy Legends Ian Chapman & Tom Collins: Knife Fights, Hurricanes, and the Stories Behind the MudSteve Beres and Ike Goss host an episode of The Underpowered Hour recorded during extreme storm conditions at the Camel Trophy 45 event at Eastnor Castle. They interview longtime Camel Trophy organizer Ian Chapman and Camel Trophy and Land Rover legend Tom Collins, covering stories from past events including a confrontation involving journalist Robert Pelton Young, memories from Madagascar 1987, and how former competitors became key support staff. Chapman and Collins discuss Land Rover’s limited role in organizing Camel Trophy, how vehicles were chosen based on availability and marketing launches (including Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, and Freelander), and why the event ultimately worked because of the people and the selection process. The conversation includes notable incidents such as a famous windscreen-penetrating log accident, helicopter crash survivals, a minefield navigation story during a pre-scout, and reflections on the lasting camaraderie of Camel Trophy reunions. The episode ends with thanks to the Camel Trophy Owners Club and event organizers, and a promise of future Land Rover podcast episodes.

Hosts Steve Beres and Ike Goss discuss a range of topics including Land Rover's impending $520 million tariff hit in the U.S., the introduction of new electric models like the electric Velar replacement and Evoke, and a deep dive into the acquisition of a vintage 1951 Land Rover Series I. They also delve into skiing accidents affecting Land Rover influencers, their upcoming travels, and future plans for vehicle restorations.

In this episode of The Underpowered Hour, Steve Beres and Ike Goss dive into exciting news about Jaguar Land Rover’s potential plans to produce Chinese cars in the UK. They discuss the implications and speculate on new vehicle models like the Cherry Freelander. The hosts also talk about Canadian automotive tariffs and the challenges of electric vehicles in cold weather. Meanwhile, in the Pangolin 4x4 workshop, Ike updates on recent Land Rover projects, including a 1951 80-inch, a 1956 Series I, and a unique ‘Dormobile’ conversion. The episode wraps up with a fun chat about Jeremy Clarkson's vehicles on 'Clarkson's Farm' and some geeky insights into laser maintenance and its uses. Don’t miss out on the laugh-filled Land Rover discussions and farm talk!

Join hosts Steve Beres and Ike Goss in this episode of Underpowered Hour as they discuss Land Rover's surprising performance in the Dakar Rally, dissect the complexities of automotive paint, and share their thoughts on Range Rover's newest London-inspired editions. Whether you're a Land Rover enthusiast or keen on learning about vehicle paint processes, this episode is packed with insights and humor. Tune in as Steve and Ike navigate through a range of topics, from vintage restorations to modern luxury. Visit theberescollection.com and follow them on Instagram @theberescollection or @pangolin4x4 to stay updated on their adventures.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Background

01:19 Land Rover's Victory at Dakar Rally

04:30 Discussion on Stock Class Racing

07:22 Special Edition Range Rovers

13:09 Land Rover's Custom Shop and Paint Innovations

19:02 Introduction to Land Rover Paint

19:40 Understanding Paint Preferences

20:31 Challenges of Painting Vintage Land Rovers

21:25 Restoration Shops and Reproduction Panels

22:56 Aluminum and Paint Adhesion

25:55 Matching and Maintaining Paint

30:31 Paint Quality Over the Decades

34:07 Evaluating Paint When Buying a Car

42:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Join Stephen Beres and Ike Goss on this week's episode of 'The Underpowered Hour' as they give an update on the Dakar Rally progress, including Land Rover's standing in various classes and the tough competition they face. They also discuss the UK's GDP improvement, partially credited to Jaguar Land Rover, and delve into Ike's New Year's off-roading adventure in the Pacific Northwest featuring an array of Land Rovers tackling challenging trails. Tune in for an exciting mix of racing updates, economic insights, and off-roading tales.

Join hosts Steve Beres and Ike Goss as they discuss their latest projects and share updates from the Land Rover community. This week, they delve into the story of a Norwegian enthusiast struggling with bureaucracy to register his restored Series III, and they provide insights into the Land Rover Defender's significant presence in the Dakar Rally. From factory-supported teams to privateer efforts, and the standout performances in the Dakar Classic, this episode covers the highs and lows of Land Rover's latest adventures. Plus, stay tuned for a humorous and in-depth discussion on navigating the challenges of international vehicle registration.