Charles Bell, Jr. has been in a long-term relationship with Land Rover since 1999 when he began working for a start-up Land Rover dealer in Louisiana. Although he’s been a car enthusiast since he could talk, his obsession with Land Rover grew when he participated in his first dealer off-road event. He finally purchased his first Land Rover in 2003 - a 1995 Discovery 1 he named Brutus. He has never purchased another brand of vehicle since that day. To date he has owned seven Land Rovers and one Range Rover.

His wife and two sons only drive Land Rovers, whether this is by choice, coercion, or brainwashing has yet to be determined. In 2004, he brought his enthusiasm for the brand to Mobile, Alabama. By 2005, his exuberance for Land Rover amassed enough fellow enthusiasts that he founded the Gulf Coast Land Rover Club (GCLRC).

Since its inception, GCLRC has held regular social gatherings and trail rides along the Gulf Coast area with members coming from Louisiana to Florida and as far north as Tennessee. Over the 20+ years that Charles has been president of the club, he has organized and led morning rides, full day adventures, weekend trips, and multi day rallies for GCLRC at various spots along the Gulf Coast region.

Charles’ professional experience as a Land Rover Master Technician, training as an off-road trail guide, and infectious excitement for the brand has encouraged many owners to take their vehicles off pavement for the first time and fostered an interest in learning how to enjoy these vehicles to their fullest capabilities.

The deep passion for all things Land Rover that led Charles to establish GCLRC has allowed the club to extend beyond the Gulf Coast regional area and establish a significant social media presence. Today, GCLRC is a community of experienced owners, trained technicians, and enthusiasts who actively contribute content on the club’s Facebook page. GCLRC has grown to over 1,600 Facebook members, with Land Rover enthusiasts from around the world (including four continents) participating in discussions and sharing their adventures, questions, advice, latest projects, and ideas for accessorizing and off-road modifications.

GCLRC has become a place for members to share their knowledge and experiences with trail rides around the country and help fellow members find the best trails and off-roading opportunities wherever they travel. There are regular discussions about upcoming Land Rover events happening nationwide, and members coordinate travel plans so others can join in their adventure or meet up at the next rally. These discussions have allowed Charles to participate in even more Land Rover activities than he could have talked his wife into doing if it were not for the club.

Charles goes overlanding with his rooftop tent in unique areas whenever possible including Big Bend Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. And he loves to meet new Land Rover owners on the trails.