Originally Posted by
DieselLSE
Hi Strangy, If you go back through the posts and links, most of your (and other's) questions are answered to some degree, but I'll try to clarify them here:
Yes, it is a shame, but after spending a lot of money and time on the car I just wasn't prepared to pursue it anymore. I had literally just spent $5k on the turbo, injector pump, injectors, timing cover and sundry belts and seals etc. The photos I posted are an accurate reflection of the car's condition. Note the scratches and marks on the front and rear bars. Anyway, the car is garaged in Brighton and anyone is welcome to come and have a look.
But, as an example of a classic Range Rover, the car is heavily compromised. The V8 has been replaced by an HS2.8 diesel, BW TC by a LT230, the original aircon wiring by a separate relay block and the seats have been recovered in cloth not leather.
The car was used as a go anywhere vehicle. It was fine (albeit noisy) for general touring, but not nearly as refined as it was when it had the V8 & Borg Warner. But it was superb offroad. I had already had over 20 years of serious Landrovering before I acquired it, so I knew how to look after it in the bush. With the LT230 and front and rear diff locks I was comfortable it would get me out of any situation and I took it wherever I needed to go. You have to understand that I have never travelled in a convoy in the bush. I'm usually just on my own away exploring or deer hunting. Reliability and self-sufficiency means everything to me. Having said that, never once was the winch used for recovery! Nor was the car taken through mud holes or other obstacles just for the fun of it.
The car had been resprayed by the original owner who was a bit rough with it around his farm. Some body repairs were also done about 15 years ago. In a couple of places, the paint has chipped and the filler can be seen. There are a few dings, almost all of them from sticks that have been flicked up by the front wheels.
As for prices:
The car could be easily back on the road for under $2k. That includes re-plumbing and gassing the aircon and replacing the auxiliary compressed air filters and plumbing. BUT, this assumes the turbo is OK. AND, to transfer the rego, the engine swap would need to be engineered. This should present no problems and cost under $1k. So, the car as is would only be worth $2.5k perhaps, with the buyer being prepared to spend another $3k.
But, if I remove and sell the parts I could easily recoup around $12k. This would still leave a shell for anyone who wanted it. The HS2.8 alone is probably worth $7k.
If someone walked in the door and offered me $9k to take the car (and any spares I have) I would accept it. But I would make sure they knew exactly what they were getting.
