Land Rover is one of the world’s foremost off-road capable vehicle manufacturers. Twenty-five years ago, to help exert their prowess, Land Rover assembled eight brand new 1990 Range Rovers specifically to traverse more than 1,000 miles along the Great Divide of the Americas. Running along a section of the Great Divide spanning from Wyoming to New Mexico, drivers took the mostly stock Range Rovers through some pretty gnarly terrain. The Rovers were only boosted by the addition of roof racks, a Warn winch, and other small add-ons. The goal was to use the vehicles as near stock as possible to show off their capabilities.

The 1990 Range Rover “Classic” is an incredibly iconic SUV. A production date range from 1970 to 1996 and thousands built then sent around the globe helped make this a true off-road classic. The vehicle won the four wheel drive class of the Paris to Dakar race, twice, and couple were used to be some of the first vehicles to traverse both American continents north to south back in 1971-1972. There are even a couple that were converted to Popemobiles back in the early 80s.

Of the eight Land Rovers built and used on the Great Divide Expedition, only three are known to have survived in running condition. Land Rover has commissioned a one-off built replica of the original 4x4s used in the event and is to match the original specs as closely as possible.

This build was specially commissioned for the vehicle to be auctioned off on eBay with proceeds going directly to Tread Lightly!, “a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs.” Tread Lightly! has been a major advocate for outdoor recreation for many years, constantly encouraging responsible off-roading and outdoor resource use.

The experienced group works on a national level and is representative of nearly every form of outdoor recreation for both land and water. Tread Lightly! Works closely with many other clubs and organizations to protect our ecosystem, helping us to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

In addition to the retro wheeler going to the auction block, Land Rover is also recreating a large portion of the event using 2014 Range Rovers. The bone stock 4x4s will travel from Denver on up to Aspen where it will reach more than 13,000 feet in the Mosquito Pass. A brief stop at a once-thriving mining camp, then down through Silverton, Colorado and finish off in Telluride. Each vehicle will navigate through narrow trails, near steep drop-offs and rocky trails with lots of elevation change.

Two separate “Great Divide Adventures” will take place. August 20-28, 2014 and again September 3-12, 2014. For a bit of a price tag, you too can join in on the experience. The replica Land Rover will also get a spot in this year’s Great Divide expedition. The route was selected to highlight the abilities of unmodified Land Rovers.

Tread Lightly! is an incredible organization that will certainly put the charity proceeds to good use with its positive messages and public service announcements. The auction is set to begin on August 4 and continue until August 14, 2014. For more information on the Great Divide Expedition, visit the Land Rover Adventures site. For more on Tread Lightly!, visit www.treadlightly.org. For more about the auction of special Range Rover to benefit Tread Lightly, see it on eBaymotorsblog.com, and if your interested in taking part in the auction, go to GivingWorks.eBay.com/Tread-Lightly.