[imagesource:befunky]

If you’re new to the Land Rover family and find it refreshing that fellow Landy owners often give you a friendly slow wave as you pass each other on the roads, you may just be surprised to know that it’s less of a ‘Hello’ gesture, but rather an old signal that pays homage to the first Defenders Series.

There has been much speculation about the origins of the Land Rover Wave, but if you had to ask an old-school Defender owner, they may just let you in on the story.

Acknowledging fellow Landy drivers with a knowing wave is a tradition that has been falling away as our cities become crowded with newer series Land Rovers, but to the enthusiasts among us, these casual connections on the motorways often convey one of a few messages.

Most important, it is customary to acknowledge a driver’s fine choice of vehicle. Following this, the acknowledgment can mean anything from “I hope you have a toolkit”, to the usual “Did you remember your fire extinguisher?”.

Driving a Landrover Defender, however, requires you to learn another sign. The slow wave of the hand across the front of your windshield. If the approaching Landy is ‘in the know’, they will return the favour.

The Landy Wave is rumoured to have originated between two farmers who passed each other in the English countryside during the days when Land Rovers were not yet equipped with heating to demist windshields. The story goes that the two men drove past each other whilst both tried to clear their windshields in a waving motion.

The result of this interaction grew to become the international signal for Defender owners, whereby they say “Hello, and I feel your pain.”

Have a look at the below video as a Defender old-timer relays the story.

From what we’ve been able to gather, this tradition only applies to old Defenders, so maybe don’t expect many waves in your new 90 SE. Land Rover however has always had an adventurous mystique, showing the world that despite living in the suburbs, you still like to get a little muddy over weekends. It has been the go-to overland safari vehicle since before the first Amarok was even conceived. They fought in world wars and have pulled many an SUV out of muddy farm roads.

It’s a vehicle that has more traditions than other offroad. Knowing the Landy Wave will immediately convey the message that you are more of a Bear Grylls than a lawyer with an expensive tax write-off.

[source:youtube&jgs4x4]

thanks rich