What vehicle for long distance remote travel?

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Originally Posted by bacicat

I would say uncommon, rather than rare, and yes, good ones are a bit pricey, but no more that a decent older Defender. $20K to $30K will secure you a superb example that will handle anything you can throw at it. A lot for such an old vehicle, but the fun factor is off the scale. If you don't like being stared at everywhere you go, then a 101 is not for you. :)

What you need to do to it depends what you buy in the first place. I would (and have) driven mine thousands of KM on a trip as is - pretty much stock. Not done anything remote yet, but that's mainly due to the cost of the fuel, and me just not getting around to it yet. The Isuzu will fix that partly. The PO of my 101 has done the Simpson and other remote places in Aus with it, and never had an issue. They are very strong units.

I have tentative plans to tag along with some friends in 2 years time to go right to the top of FNQ, and also to do the Simpson with some others.

When I get my long service leave, me and SWMBO will head out in it for several months.:)

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I have not seen these vehicles for sale for some time have you got contacts I will buy one.

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Originally Posted by boa

I have not seen these vehicles for sale for some time have you got contacts I will buy one.

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Ahh - you just need to know where to look...:)

They are generally not advertised through the normal channels, but we keep our ears to the ground on what is going on and what is available. I used the resources of another member here to track down mine.

They vary in price - $15K will get you something that needs a bit of work, up to around $30K for a fully sorted, top notch unit.

There are a couple of people over here that are importing them from Old Blighty - there have been some good units hit our shores in recent times.

If I were you I'd wander over to the 101 forum - 101 Forward Control, and have a browse, and maybe post a thread about what you were looking for, there may be some answers forthcoming. It is an active little community and we are always looking for like minded souls to join us.:)

To answer ramblingboy42, BMKal, Brian Hjelm and Chops:
Love the look of D1 and D2, not so keen on later Disco looks at all. As for budget, I should explain it is not entirely unlimited but would spend the necessary to get something along the lines I was talking about and kitted out. I'm sure the TD5 would sound interesting removing the muffler, but treading a path that really doesn't grab me. Still, you have all given me lots to consider. Thanks heaps. I might just have to forget the D1-2 and stick with Patrol. Might just have to get a D1 or 2 V8 for around local and short trips, just 'cause I think they're great. Don't hold your breath waiting for an outcome on decision though. Cheers all

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Originally Posted by discowolf

To answer ramblingboy42, BMKal, Brian Hjelm and Chops:
...... Thanks heaps. I might just have to forget the D1-2 and stick with Patrol. Might just have to get a D1 or 2 V8 for around local and short trips, just 'cause I think they're great. Don't hold your breath waiting for an outcome on decision though. Cheers all

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Wise course... will get you there...AND back.
-Leaving you with lots more munni for toys, like a D1/D2a :D

To addd to your vaccilations... if the destination is important, then you've already answered that one. boring but reliable Nissan. The one you know inside and out...

But if you are totally in love with 'Driving the sound' of a V8...' (music? - cacophony?) then go for it. -The "journey" is more important then arriving, if indeed you do.. in an unknown, un-sorted/worked on car.

I trust that will confabulate you even more......:twisted:

Hint:- I share a 'softdash' Classic with my #1 son and we love driving it... but we both prefer the surety and fat wallet that only a 1.5 litre MAZDA 2 can provide...

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Originally Posted by boa

I have not seen these vehicles for sale for some time have you got contacts I will buy one.

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I'm sure we can find one with your name on it.
Camper conversion perhaps?
LANDROVER 101 FORWARD CONTROL | eBay

or perhaps one more suited for bush camping
1975 LANDROVER 101 FORWARD CONTROL, 16049 MILES, 3.5 V8, MANUAL. | eBay

I know of two locally (Australia) that may be for sale. Details given for serious buyers only.

I have read, the Series 11B forward control is the one to look for. It was a progression from the earlier S11A forward control, which used the standard 109 inch chassis. but with a sub frame mounted on top of it to raise the body work. The cab is situated in front of the axles, & the engine mounted lower down , between the two front seats. The S11A used the 2.25 litre petrol engine, but from 1966, the later S11B added an inch to the wheelbase, , used wider, heavy-duty axles, a modified front end design, and, crucially, two improved engines: the 2.6 straight-6 petrol & the 2.25 diesel.
However, fitting an Isuzu diesel, and a 5 speed Santana LT85 gearbox from a V8 Land Rover 110 , is the way to go with the forward control , I have read. The 2.6 straight 6 has a reputation for burning out valves, and is thirsty. My opinion? unless you are a Landy tragic, there are better options. Bob

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Originally Posted by bob10

I have read, the Series 11B forward control is the one to look for. It was a progression from the earlier S11A forward control, which used the standard 109 inch chassis. but with a sub frame mounted on top of it to raise the body work. The cab is situated in front of the axles, & the engine mounted lower down , between the two front seats. The S11A used the 2.25 litre petrol engine, but from 1966, the later S11B added an inch to the wheelbase, , used wider, heavy-duty axles, a modified front end design, and, crucially, two improved engines: the 2.6 straight-6 petrol & the 2.25 diesel.
However, fitting an Isuzu diesel, and a 5 speed Santana LT85 gearbox from a V8 Land Rover 110 , is the way to go with the forward control , I have read. The 2.6 straight 6 has a reputation for burning out valves, and is thirsty. My opinion? unless you are a Landy tragic, there are better options. Bob

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The 101 forward control is an entirely different beast to the IIA and IIB variants and far superior. The 101 was made for Military use only and runs the 3.5 V8 and LT95 box. The IIA and IIB were underpowered using the little 6 and have a habit of tuning turtle as thier COG is a lot higher.

The Rover 6 is a good engine - it does burn exhaust valves if you don't maintain it, but if well looked after, is a very good unit.

I was told, with the location of the motor in the series vehicle, the valves for cylinder six were hard to get to, so, Mr. Slack the mechanic would not adjust those valves. Not long down the track the exhaust valve on cylinder six would burn out. Mr. Slack would say "These Rover motors are rubbish, put a Holden motor in it."
And so, an urban myth was born.

There is someone on this forum who has a really nice IIB 6WD set up for touring.

And this 101 is an excellent tourer as well. It's got A/C apparently.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...14/07/1055.jpg

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Originally Posted by bacicat

The 101 forward control is an entirely different beast to the IIA and IIB variants and far superior. The 101 was made for Military use only and runs the 3.5 V8 and LT95 box. The IIA and IIB were underpowered using the little 6 and have a habit of tuning turtle as thier COG is a lot higher.

The Rover 6 is a good engine - it does burn exhaust valves if you don't maintain it, but if well looked after, is a very good unit.

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Thanks for that my info came from LRM, May 2014, edition, words & photos by Alisdair Cusik. Bob.

Since you said "long distance REMOTE travel" surely fuel range and carrying capacity would be a consideration? I always seem to have the 130 at GVM on trips. I guess if comfort is a priority then you'd need something with real seats though.