Thread: The REAL cost of restoring a Series Land Rover

I have a restored Series 2 SWB - that I wouldn’t tour in.
I have a reatored Series 2 LWB ute - that I wouldn’t tour in.
I have a 101FC ambulance - that I tour in all the time.
I have a Perentie that I use often (I love it) and it could be setup for touring easily.
I have a D1 200Tdi (4 door) which I love driving, and could be setup for touring.
I have a 4 Door Classic Rangiie which I love, but it’s way too thirsty.
I would rule out my ‘54 & ‘57 series ‘s for touring.
I would rule out my ‘83 Stage One V8 wagon for touring (too thirsty).

I agree with what Cap is saying - maybe look at an Isuzu 4BD1 wagon? That’s a great combination, quite old, easy enough to work on, and when looked after well - reliable.

Maybe test drive a Series vehicle if you can, and a County/Perentie?

I love all of my Land Rovers for different reasons, and it’s hard to choose a favourite. But the Perentie, 101 and D1 come out on top for me - for touring/towing.

Drive as many as you can, read as much as you can, and enjoy Land Rover ownership!

Originally Posted by OneOff

Sorry if I offended you...
What would you like me to call it??

To me, a truck has dual wheels on at least one axle and requires a higher category of licence to drive. It is a 4 x 4 ute.

How can you possibly spend that amount rebuilding a four cylinder pushrod engine?

I think, given my utter lack of mechanical know-how (I can unbolt stuff and bolt it back on...but not much else) and appropriate tools, the Series whilst it would be nice and "go" with the van is probably not the wisest idea. I've not spoken to the other half about this but I can pretty much guarantee unless I can get the ride quality to something akin to a modern vehicle, for the sort of money I'd need to spend she would not go for 20+ year old vehicle...if we won the lotto I could get one as a 'fun' car...

Originally Posted by jmabbott

I think, given my utter lack of mechanical know-how (I can unbolt stuff and bolt it back on...but not much else) and appropriate tools, the Series whilst it would be nice and "go" with the van is probably not the wisest idea. I've not spoken to the other half about this but I can pretty much guarantee unless I can get the ride quality to something akin to a modern vehicle, for the sort of money I'd need to spend she would not go for 20+ year old vehicle...if we won the lotto I could get one as a 'fun' car...

Interesting, My wife drove LandRovers in the Army & liked driving our 110 but hated going anywhere in the Series , now Ive converted it to Electric , she just loves going anywhere in it . Comfort was never an issue (just the dust) , Ive just put the Parabolics on it in the last few days & its rides as quiet as a mouse now & oh so smooth . I don't think I'll get to see it again !!~

Originally Posted by jmabbott

I think, given my utter lack of mechanical know-how (I can unbolt stuff and bolt it back on...but not much else) and appropriate tools, the Series whilst it would be nice and "go" with the van is probably not the wisest idea. I've not spoken to the other half about this but I can pretty much guarantee unless I can get the ride quality to something akin to a modern vehicle, for the sort of money I'd need to spend she would not go for 20+ year old vehicle...if we won the lotto I could get one as a 'fun' car...

A Disco 1 or 2 on coils would have a much better ride than a Series.

I think in most cases, anyone who owns a Series is most likely a DIY type. Even mechanics will no longer work on them unless they have to. I didnt know squat about the Series before I got it, BUT there is so much info out there including this forum on just about any fit to a problem.

If you end up with a Series, also include a DIY mindset. The freedom that it gives you knowing that you dont need to rely on anyone to get you from a to b is amazing. Part of a self sufficient mindset for me anyway

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

A Disco 1 or 2 on coils would have a much better ride than a Series.

Mate, appreciate your input but I'm not really interested in Disco's.

No reason a Series III (or IIa for that matter) couldn't be used for touring, especially if it had been restored.
If it was still petrol it would be expensive to run but the 200Tdi or 300Tdi conversion would make it more economic and more suitable for towing.

Remember that when they were younger these vehicles were used for remote trips, daily drivers, towing etc. etc. As long as the restorer overhauled the whole driveline, engine & gearbox I don't see a problem. But, as mentioned, should you have a problem on the road your average garage 'mechanic' might not be very helpful so you need to be self-sufficient.
Mind you, with a forum like this you would get help wherever you are and someone would come up with the parts or know someone who could help.

You also need to consider the lack of safety features, power steering, aircon, comfortable seating etc. etc.

Problem number 1 would be finding a suitable vehicle.
Problem number 2 is finding a 200Tdi engine (remember parts are getting harder to get).
Problem number 3 is getting someone to restore/overhaul the driveline etc.

All doable but at what cost ?


I drove my Series I to Cooma & back in 2008, hard work but a Series III would have been much easier to drive and more comfortable (well maybe I'm exaggerating there a bit.... ). My plan for the next celebration is the IIa Dormobile (if I ever get it finished !).

Gus came over from the US purchased a 107" Series I ute and drove around Australia.
There will be lots of others that use Series vehicles for daily drivers etc.

I think we all get too comfortable in our modern vehicles and are used to the reliability, fuel efficiency etc.


Colin