About Us

The 4x4 Specialists

Established in 2010 by the Gibbins family, County 4x4 has over 30 years experience in the service and repairs of 4x4 vehicles.

As an independent 4×4 specialist, we have invested in a the latest technology to provide a service you would receive at a main dealer. Our team are all skilled mechanics who have many years experience providing all types of Service and Repairs.

Our Team

Simon Gibbins Team Photo
Simon Gibbins
Sue Gibbins Team Photo
Sue Gibbins
Katie Gibbins Team Photo
Kate Gibbins
David Gibbins Team Photo
David Gibbins
Jake Frost Team Photo
Jake Frost
Charlie Smith Team Photo
Charlie Smith
George Machin Team Photo
George Machin

Our History

County 4×4 Car & Commercial emerged from a long history of engineers, dating back into the 1950s. David Gibbins moved to Congleton as a young engineer who decided to open his own engineering company, Belsize Engineering, Based in Thomas Street Congleton.

David worked many hours building his business but in February 1965 his business was burned to the ground. David not to be beaten recovered some of the tooling from the ashes and moved into a workshop in Queen Street, Buglawton, Congleton, and rebuilt his business and expanding through into the re-enforced plastics, he discovered he could make all sorts, this included replacement roofs for early Land Rovers, and so it began.

By 1975 David Gibbins had formed Land Rover Conversions Ltd which in essence still continues today, by the mid 80s both David’s Sons had joined him from leaving school and worked with their Dad to build the business which became LRC4x4 in 1990 by 2004 the two brothers had parted company and today County 4×4 which is owned by Simon Gibbins, Davids youngest son, continues to offer the same service of which his Dad offered over 40 years ago.

Supported by his loyal wife Sue and his children who are constantly repairing and servicing vehicles, still based in Queen Street, offering a competitive alternative to the main dealers and other so-called specialists.

Today we continue to service and repair anything mechanical and may we continue to learn and serve our customers with the respect and courtesy required.

Racing Team

David, the youngest of the Gibbins family started his journey when the Land Rover Defender 90 Comp Safari truck was acquired in October 2022 after his desire to have a go of Comp Safari after years of planning. His vehicle, a 3.9 Rover v8 engine to a standard Land Rover Discovery 1 v8 automatic gearbox.

In his first year of Comp Safari he competed in 5 events, ranging from local events to large national events (up to 60 cars entered at some).

Due to the extreme conditions of Comp Safari and it being on standard Land Rover axles and springs loads of suspension changes have been made.

  • Front arms were made to fit the rear for a smoother ride and better suspension travel for climbing rough terrain.
  • 12″ travel fox dampeners are fitted all around for best suspension dampening upon impact wit bumps/jumps and to reduce impact on the driver.
  • Hydraulic bump stops where then fitted by David as on a heavy landing the suspension would bottom out loosing momentum and time.
  • The engine has been moved far back to help with weight disruption and all cooling was moved the rear of the vehicle.
Some of these modifications were done by the previous race drivers.

The vehicle has previously been owned by many racing drivers starting out its Comp Safari life in the year 2000 as a turbo diesel 300Tdi Land Rover engine. Over the years it has been modified heavily with a 3.9 Rover v8 engine fitted.

David has personally carried out roll cage modifications and re-mounted the roll cage as it was not up to Motor Sport UK specifications. David has also replaced the entire fuel system and even fitted a big Elderbrook carburettor due to fuelling issues, as it would refuse to rev past 4000 rpm whilst under load. Best results so far is a very impressive 4th out of 12 cars in its class.

David is constantly using his growing knowledge to improve its handling and performance and has been a fantastic car for David to learn with.

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Service & Repair
Recovery