1970s Land Rover for weekend away

[nickpan]

Hi Chaps,

Anniversary coming up with the Mrs in 2 weeks time - have sorted out a cottage etc in Wales.

As part of the surprise, I wanted to take her down there (live in London) in a 1970s/1980s Land Rover similar to the one that was on SOTW a few weeks ago. The more dented and army looking - the better.

How do guys recommend I go about it? Anyone on here willing to rent me theirs? Alternatively - shall I buy one for £1k and then sell it after the weekend?

Any advice appreciated!

Many thanks,

Nick

[rhinochopig]

Unless she adores land-rovers she'll hate you.

I sold my 73 Lightweight last year and I have to say my OH would have divorced me if i'd suggested a trip away in it. They are uncomfortable, very very noisy, drafty, and generally one of that vintage will smell inside and be generally dirty. She will not thank you for it.

Hire an MGB or something - far more civilised.

ETA - mine had a top speed of 50 - 55 reving it's brains out. You'll be the slowest vehicle on the motorway, and will be doing 15-20 to the gallon at that speed. Imagine how long that will take.

Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 28th September 09:19

[ironictwist]

rhinochopig said:

Unless she adores land-rovers she'll hate you.

Agreed. It's asking for trouble.

I know I'm biased, but why not just nab an MX5, wind in the hair for her & the twisties in Wales for you. Job done?

[rhinochopig]

Just a thought - if you're set on the landy thing, why not do an off-road session in Wales. There are plenty of off-road centres.

It'll cost you the same as hiring one for the weekend and you'll be using it as it was designed for. Much more fun than sat on the M-way in one.

[wombat172a]

As a land rover fan I would advise against it, I sold both of mine because they were just too unbearable to drive on motorways.

As above go for a classic, or if you do insist on the landed gentry style go for a classic range rover (in as original condition as you can find).

[GKP]

You'll need the whole weekend just to get to Wales.

[nickpan]

Thanks guys,

Up until recently, we had a tiger lotus 7 jobby so she's more than accustomed to the wind in the hair thing..In fact at New Year, we drove it down to the New Forrest in 0 degrees at 10pm at night in the rain!

Therefore - I am sure a land rover will feel like luxury to her!

Off to investigate a classic range...

PS: can't seem to find any car rentals that cater for 24 year olds.

[rhinochopig]

nickpan said:

Thanks guys,

Up until recently, we had a tiger lotus 7 jobby so she's more than accustomed to the wind in the hair thing..In fact at New Year, we drove it down to the New Forrest in 0 degrees at 10pm at night in the rain!

Therefore - I am sure a land rover will feel like luxury to her!

Off to investigate a classic range...

PS: can't seem to find any car rentals that cater for 24 year olds.

I had a 7. A westy with a bike engine, aeroscreens, and very stiff track suspension. She was quite happy in that - the Landy however... An SIII landy on the motorway is much much worse. Trust me.

[pilchardthecat]

The cab of an AA tow truck is fairly commodious though