Thread: Newbie needs a Classic

WHY exactly do you want/need/desire a CLASSIC ? Correct me if I'm wrong, but all of those you've listed are the shrt, 'standard' 100" wheelbase.
Knowing what I know now, the only Classic worth buying would be an LSE, the 108" version. Those extra 8" make a world of a difference, not only for the back-seat passengers, (Human or Corgi...) but the ride/handling on the open road is superior. (to my - 100" - Vogue SE)

The shrter Classic is very agile when off-road, but you've indicated that this isn't top of your list...

Yes, the Classic has a certain 'look' that no other RR equals, but to be frank, unless you want to sit and gaze adoringly at a parked car.... keep in mind that you will spend more time driving it... so "how" it drives (ride, handling, feel, co$t etc) is far more important than it's unique silhouette.

If you are going to have an AIR suspended Classic, then do it properly... repair.re-furbish/replace the system... which may not be cheap, or economically sensible. The Satisfaction-quotient is ...priceless.

Or you could put it onto springs and eliminate a recurring overhaul expense...

Either way, for highway commuting the Classic prefers Pirelli or Michelin tyres, or similar. - Going 'fashionably' too w i d e is usually problematical.

Have you seriously thought about a well-sorted P38 ?
- I've been advised by a dealer/workshop to... "NEVER test-drive one..... because you'll buy it..." They're also air-suspended, newer and better engines, less thirsty, more power... the Classic's 3.9 is relatively 'delicate' regarding overheating....and IMHO, too thirsty for the.... "power" it reluctantly produces.

Welcome to our Insanity... Because you ARE going to buy one... eventually...

James in Gosnells (WA)

The Lady Sarah, '95 Classic Softdash Vogue SE with working Air Suspension and Cruise-Control...

Superquad is on the money with his recommendation of an LSE and I will add to it by saying don't buy a modded example. Factory original with a solid maintenance history is essential for any RR model. These LSEs' are a bit rare but occasionally a good one turns up for sale.

Air suspended Rangies are great drives but be aware we are talking about cars which at best are now over 20 years old so there will be some wear on components. There are plenty of RRs for sale and it is a buyers market so don't rush in. Buy with your head and not your heart.

I'd be wary of any RR which towed a boat. The back end may have had repeated dunkings in salt water and not be in good shape.

As for buying a P38. I wouldn't touch one until the supply of transmission Viscous Couplings is re-established by some one taking on the task of building them because Landrover have ceased making them. The VCs' are a critical component of the drive train and failure will likely see the car off the road due to lack of parts supply.

Good luck in your hunt mate.

Thanks for feedback. My problem, of many, is I need a car this week or next. I've just sold my F30 BMW 328i and am looking for something different.
If an LSE was available now, I'd take it. I'm prepared to suffer for my fashion so the SWB is still okay for me. I thoroughly enjoyed having a VW Transporter van and took that for drives over some of my other 'better cars' - handling isn't a biggie as I enjoy getting to grips (pun intended) with any vehicles unique characteristics.
The boat tower one is clean as a whistle underneath which made me feel better but the owner is somewhat tricky to deal with. The history file is about two shoeboxes of receipts.
Might post a 'wanted' to see if any members are looking to offload.

Try this. $9K negotiable but in Perth. Make it worth my while and I'll drive it to Melb for you
Range Rover Classic LSE 1994 Soft Dash | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Perth City - Northbridge | 1110288361

.. and on your way through South Australia you could drop in and pick up a tD5 / transmission... and our newbie can entertain himself by installing it !
At least it's on (non-leaking...) SPRINGS.

Oh, and don't forget an LT 230 transfer case... to replace the BW abomination which, it seems, is now extinct... Ashcroft are'nt advertising VC units anymore... From memory, they were around $800

I'll throw my 2c in ......
Really wanted a series 11 Land Rover , a bit expensive ( in my opinion ) for a sorted one .
Looked at RR classics as the shape is timeless , but again pricey for a good one .

Ended up with a p38 , everything still works , comfortable and capable - I've done approx 10,000 kms in 12 months .

For the small investment - it's a ripper .

I have have 5 other cars ranging from 50 yrs old to 5 this is prob my favourite - we use it for touring , towing our camper and taking our pushys to the scrub .
Will be doing a short loop into the SA deserts in July .

So I'm about to do the cooling system , less than $500 plus labour should see it right .

Still want a series 11 , but this is far better to use every day .

Good luck with your search !!

The best value P38 was the one over here some years ago.. left on a freeway Breakdown Lane with a sign saying 'FREE' - and a phone number. Owner had had enough... unending problems etc.
Turned out to be genuine.... saw it there but wasn't allowed to pursue it. But someone else from here did....

Jolly Good Luck to them.

Dunno if you can retrofit an LT 230 to them, so you would be safer with an older, 'pre-BorgWarner' Classic model.

Well chaps, I went for the local one today. The price was too enticing. Had a friend who is a red hot mechanic check it out and there's nothing wrong with it. New brakes, new brand name tyres, everything works (except the air suspension which is manual). Saved me a big trip to the mainland too.

So....

If every you've driven at night in Tasmania you will know it's like a zoo. And the headlights on these things are pretty weak. I've seen two credible options. One is a crystal glass replacement which is still halogen (and gives a near original look), the other is the Truck Lite Phase 7 units which are a bit more aftermarket looking. What's the consensus? The left field is to get a grille with the driving light cut outs and install something in there (what size?).

The other stuff on the list is : repaint bonnet, redo the headlining (who'd have thought), install a new 'radio' with Bluetooth, upgrade the speakers and source a couple of vents for the dash (eBay or is there a local supplier people use?)

Cheers, pics to come