It is no coincidence that Markus Plaum loves the Land Rover. And it is also no coincidence that he pursued this affection photographically. He got into his Defender with his team and drove all over Europe to meet people who have a special relationship with the Land Rover and created a book with his impressions and findings.
In a short interview, author and photographer Markus Plaum explains the story behind the book:
What is your background?
My first contact with photography was at the age of 13, when I held an analog camera in my hand. I was immediately fascinated by the possibilities of creative image design through aperture, shutter speed and sharpness. To understand the whole process of analog photography, I spent a lot of time in the school lab learning the techniques of developing and enlarging.
After graduating from high school, I studied photography and film in Bielefeld and New York, where I continued to develop my skills. After graduating, I co-founded a MarTech company and worked for international automotive brands.
In 2023, I decided to give up my job as managing director and sell my shares to devote myself fully to photography and my own creative projects.
How did you come across Land Rover yourself?
My first contact with Land Rover was through the series "Daktari" when I was a child. In this show, the characters drove through the African jungle - and the Land Rover, a "series", was always a symbol of adventure and freedom. The scenes of the Defender driving through the African jungle left a lasting impression on me.
Another formative moment was about 15 years ago, when I received a Defender 90 TD5 at the garage as a replacement car. It was winter and I was driving a long distance - the Defender had no heating worthy of the name, the ride was noisy and uncomfortable.
But it was still an incredibly relaxing experience. A short time later, I was given the opportunity to buy a Defender 90. This was followed by several Defender models, including a 110 HCP pick-up and a 90 model in the special "Rough Edition".
Why this book?
The idea for "Landy Passion" came about a year and a half ago when I was exploring two of my greatest passions: photography and Land Rovers. I've always had a deep interest in people, especially the "types" that are special and unique. I wanted to create a book that not only tells the story of the Land Rover Defender, but also the stories of the people who feel a special connection to this vehicle.
There were many books on the subject, but none that really captured the emotional depth, passion and sense of adventure that the Defender embodies. So I decided to make a book myself - a book that shows both the people behind the Land Rover and the vehicle itself in a very personal way.
How did the book come about?
The book took about a year and a half to write. I started by researching Land Rover stories and got in touch with the owners directly. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so we started photographing the first stories. My team and I traveled around Europe and collected more stories that reflected people's special relationship with the Defender. In the end, there were twenty "Landy Love Stories" documenting the passion for the Defender.
Why self-publish?
Self-publishing gave us the freedom to design the book exactly as we wanted. We didn't have to adhere to commercial guidelines, but were able to implement the content and design of the book exactly as we wanted. This creative freedom was particularly important for me in order to make the book truly authentic.
In addition, self-publishing allows us to maintain personal contact with our readers. Many people who order the book via our online store or buy it locally want a personal dedication, and that is a special moment of connection for me. We didn't want to produce a mass edition in a publishing house, but a limited, high-quality edition that remains something special.
Who should definitely buy this book and why?
The book is particularly interesting for Land Rover fans who are interested in the history of the Defender and the people behind it. It will also appeal to photography enthusiasts, especially those who are passionate about black and white photography.
I want the book to share the passion I have for the Defender and photography, and also to inspire people to realize an idea or live a dream themselves - no matter how big or small that dream is.
What is planned beyond the book?
In addition to the book, there is an exhibition called "Landy Passion Tour", which features selected photographs from the book as well as large format images from the trip. This exhibition was recently on display at the Land Rover Classic Center, and further dates are already being planned. The exact exhibition locations and dates will be announced on our website.
There will also be a Land Rover Passion Barbecue at Hugenpoet Castle in the summer, where visitors can see the exhibition and drive various Defender models.
What happens after that? Are there other projects?
The passion for Land Rover knows no bounds. Over two million Defenders were built between 1948 and 2017, and many of these vehicles are still in use around the world today. There are still so many "Landy Love Stories" waiting to be discovered and told. After the success of "Landy Passion", we are already thinking about another book that could be called "Landy Passion Worldwide". I am convinced that there are countless more stories to be discovered.
Three examples/excerpts
To give you an insight into the work, Markus Plaum has allowed three of the twenty stories in the book to be reproduced here:
Story 03: "My Landy - my 20 year project"
Tons Series III 88 SWB Diesel 1974 looks like it just rolled off the production line! This car looks brand new. Incredible for a car that celebrated its "50th birthday" in October 2024. It comes from the UK and is therefore right-hand drive.
Ton tells me how he painstakingly tried to rebuild and restore this car as an amateur, sometimes with the help of other Landy enthusiasts and occasionally a professional workshop. During the interview, Ton opens the trunk and pulls out some canvas-covered books containing photos of all aspects of the restoration process of this car, which took almost twenty years.
He then tells me that restoring this Landy helped him through a difficult time in his life and gave him strength and pride. Sound: "This Landy has grown very dear to me over the last 20 years..."
Story 16: "Leaving in Landy Style"
Anyone who meets Johannes Wolf quickly realizes that he is a connoisseur of the automotive scene and knows exactly what he is talking about - or rather, what he drives. He has worked for the BMW Group for over 40 years. From his apprenticeship in the foundry through to management, he has held many different positions.
At the height of his career, Johannes Wolf was responsible for Rolls Royce production and played a key role in optimizing it. With a restored 1964 Series 3, he fulfilled a special wish for his farewell from England.
And to start the journey home in style, he and his wife drove all the way from the Goodwood Festival in England via France to Tyrol in three weeks in the Spartan Series 2a with a fabric top and 71 hp. Even technical problems such as the brake lights failing or the Landy's ignition lock melting could not deter Wolf from his "Leaving in Style Project".
"For me, the Landy is a way of slowing down and enjoying life.
Story 05: "Wavi Coffee - Surf & Serve"
Two women with a shared love of the beach, the sea and surfing searched in vain for a good coffee and sustainable food after surfing.
So they decided to buy a Landy from the classifieds and convert it into a coffee van.
With Wavi Coffee, Alison & Amy have not only built a beautiful Landy van, but also a great authentic and sustainable brand with which they travel the beautiful southwest coast of England and make other people and themselves happy.
Bibliographical details
- Title: Landy Passion
- Author: Markus Plaum
- Language: English
- Publisher: Self-published
- Format: 30 x 24 cm
- Size: 280 pages
- ISBN: 978-3-300-080170-9
- Price: EUR 120 (in Germany including postage)
- Order/purchase: From the author on his website
