early series one Land Rovers

[exkay]

Hi guys...
Anyone out there can tell me the more desirable Landy, is it lights behind the grill (circa 1950) or lights in front of the grill (circa mid 1950`s)
I quite fancy one and dont know which to choose, also, the values, why are they so all over the place ? from 7-8k up to plus 20k....

[SystemParanoia]

rust content

[105Nick]

To the collector, lights behind the grille as its the original/rarer. Personally I prefer the later with lights in front of the grille as it looks more like the familiar Land Rover. Was at the Classic Motor show last month, Land Rovers should not be shiny! I'm lusting after one of the lacal farmer's Series One, its just stopped being used as his daily driver for as long as I can remember, as he's now retired, and it wears its scars with pride. Just with one five year old and one five month old I'm unsure of using one in terms of heating and seating arrangements and belts (I'm dubious of the side facing benches and no belts nowadays). Just check the chassis and bulkhead for rot, I've been passed ownership of my Mum's 1970 IIA, however it needs chassis, bulkhead, rear floor and all that goes with, Its got great sentimental value but I'm figuring £5k in parts alone won't be started anytime soon.

[exkay]

I think i agree with you, the lights in front of the grill do look nice, maybe thats the one i`ll go for...

[P_J_R]

I quite like this, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251201245367?_trksid=p51... Any guesses how much it will go for?

[mwy1964]

P_J_R said:

I quite like this, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251201245367?_trksid=p51... Any guesses how much it will go for?

Not sure, but being critical it seems a high starting price.. Seems to have a 3 bearing engine, should have a 5. Judging by the overspray on the engine loom and dash I would look closer at the overall finish.. A galvanised chassis has a premium but I am not sure it is by that much..

Mark

[culminator]

Get a Series 1, you won't regret it, they are immensley practical and great fun. I went from an Aero 8 series 1 Morgan to my 1955 landie a year ago, as I needed to free up funds for a house project. Having had some great cars in the past, I can honestly say that I've had more fun and more use out of the Landie than anything before it.

Lights behind the grill versions are very collectible but I'm lead to believe that the later, mid 50's Series 1's drive better. As has been said before, chassis and bulkhead condition are critical. They seem to be going up in value now, so get a good one and you won't lose out!

Check out the Land Rover Series One Club website, a host of info on there.

[P_J_R]

I've been looking for a half decent Defender 90 for a while now but will probably wait until the Spring when sellers stop inflating their prices with scaremongering about the worst winter for 100 years. Take a look on the bay of e at the stupid prices people are asking for complete sheds; madness I tell you!

[Rower]

mwy1964 said:

Not sure, but being critical it seems a high starting price.. Seems to have a 3 bearing engine, should have a 5. Judging by the overspray on the engine loom and dash I would look closer at the overall finish.. A galvanised chassis has a premium but I am not sure it is by that much..

Mark

I thought that all Landies had galvanised chasis ?

Rower

[Hooli]

Rower said:

mwy1964 said:

Not sure, but being critical it seems a high starting price.. Seems to have a 3 bearing engine, should have a 5. Judging by the overspray on the engine loom and dash I would look closer at the overall finish.. A galvanised chassis has a premium but I am not sure it is by that much..

Mark

I thought that all Landies had galvanised chasis ?

Rower

Ever looked under one?

I think Discos/RRs did but not proper Landies.

[Essel]

Rower said:

I thought that all Landies had galvanised chasis ?

Rower

Oohh, we so wish.