The Last Overland: Singapore to London in a Series-1

Here is the start yesterday in Singapore. Still not sure about the escort Defenders, as the vehicles shown in the video are some of the local club escort.

Singapore to London in 100 days: The Last Overland expedition | Video - CNA

They are coming through Thailand, but despite subscribing to their website, plus sending a text to the local Bangkok dealer, I am not sure just when and where.

Not sure what the extra gearstick is that old Tim has his hand on. Can only assume it may be the winch control?

What a fascinating adventure. Thanks for pointing it out. I've subscribed for updates.

I note they're avoiding the original Burma Road route. I read it's either dilapidated or has terrorists.

It would be great if this adventure confirmed a feasible overland route from Asia to Europe, particularly across Myanmar. One day...

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Originally Posted by Old Farang

Here is the start yesterday in Singapore. Still not sure about the escort Defenders, as the vehicles shown in the video are some of the local club escort.

Singapore to London in 100 days: The Last Overland expedition | Video - CNA

They are coming through Thailand, but despite subscribing to their website, plus sending a text to the local Bangkok dealer, I am not sure just when and where.

Not sure what the extra gearstick is that old Tim has his hand on. Can only assume it may be the winch control?

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I would have thought overdrive. The PTO control on Series 1 is though a hatch under the centre seat.

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I would have thought overdrive. The PTO control on Series 1 is though a hatch under the centre seat.

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I don't think overdrives were even a twinkle in the designers eyes around that time. Yes, the PTO lever was under the middle seat, and as they had Buddha only knows what other items stored in that area, they extended the control to the outside of the seat.

Do you know that? I still haven't found my copy of the book, even if is mentioned in that. Don't forget this vehicle has been in use for much of the last sixty years since the expedition, and it is quite possible that overdrive has been added at some time. I don't know when the overdrive became available, but my memory says I knew about them around the time the S2 was introduced.

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Originally Posted by Old Farang

I don't think overdrives were even a twinkle in the designers eyes around that time. ......

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If you stop that news video at the point where Tim takes his hand off the lever, and then places his hand on the high low lever, you can see it's a Roverdrive and has a triangular arrow pointed forward.
So like JDNSW says, retrofitted at some point.

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Originally Posted by JDNSW

Do you know that? I still haven't found my copy of the book, even if is mentioned in that. Don't forget this vehicle has been in use for much of the last sixty years since the expedition, and it is quite possible that overdrive has been added at some time. I don't know when the overdrive became available, but my memory says I knew about them around the time the S2 was introduced.

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Is that right? Being so knowledgeable maybe you can explain how you can fit both an overdrive AND a PTO drive to the same gearbox mounting point?

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Originally Posted by AK83

If you stop that news video at the point where Tim takes his hand off the lever, and then places his hand on the high low lever, you can see it's a Roverdrive and has a triangular arrow pointed forward.
So like JDNSW says, retrofitted at some point.

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And why would it be necessary to check which position it is in before starting the engine? I had an overdrive on my old 2 door Range Rover, and it didn't care which gear it was in when starting the engine. In addition, I also had a Series 1 and it was all out struggling to pull itself around in 4th gear, never mind attempting an overdrive!

Unless I am mistaken there is a (rare) bottom PTO especially designed for front winches, that replaces the bottom plate on the transfer case, and has a gear that engages the constant mesh gear. It has a either forward or rear facing output flange. (confirmed this is listed in a 1962 optional equipment catalogue which I have) I would comment that I have never seen one in the flesh (or metal!).

Are those winches driven by PTO from the transfer case - or via a dog clutch arrangement off the front of the engine? I doubt it would be driven from the top PTO position on the tfr case - too convoluted to get the drive to the front but suspect as John suggested from the lower position like PTO drives on the LT95 gearbox. My LT95 has an overdrive and a PTO from the bottom of the tfr case.

It is a shame the second grey SW disappeared (wrecked) after the original trip.

I want one of their sunvisors and roof rack - both are now extremely rare period accessories.

Garry