Option to buy a series 1?

[NT5224]

Hi folks,

new to this section of the forum. I'm a Land Rover Puma owner with a Land Rover history that goes back to a series 3.

Today I heard of a Series 1 available for sale at out on the Coburg Peninsula. It is a forced sale so could be got at a good price. It was running around the place with a 'lady owner' ( ha ha!) until about 12 months ago, so won't be far off running condition, although not rego'd.

I haven't seen it yet but being out in that country I fear the worst. It must have done time at out-stations, 'bush mechanic'd', been dipped in saltwater and God knows what else. It might have been out there it's whole working life and never seen a bitumen road since the middle of the last century. But as I say, it was still driving through the bush last year.

I'm kinda excited about this, but have never taken on a project before - and am not particularly mechanically adept beyond routine maintenance. Also I live out bush myself - and do not have the resources of a well stocked workshop.

My question is this. How bad does it have to be to NOT be worth picking up? I know series 1s are going up in value and so it might be worth taking a punt on this one, but probably not if I have to replace the chassis and everything from the firewall forward too. I love Land Rovers as much as the next bloke on here and would love to give a home to a venerable series 1, but if its really beyond all repair there may not be any point. I'm hoping an offer of 5000 bucks will get it for me.

Are there any considerations to take account of, or is it too good an opportunity to pass up?

Thanks for any objective advice

cheers

Alan

[Tins]

Well, a five grand offer at least demonstrates your enthusiasm.

RUST. Look for that. Everything else is parts changing, That's my two bob spent.

[JDNSW]

It is probably worth getting, almost regardless of condition, just changes the price it is worth paying!

Just be aware that restoration to anything like pristine condition is likely to be expensive - see the thread on the real cost of restoration.

You don't really need an elaborate workshop to restore one of these - helps if you have a roof and power, and a concrete floor is nice, but these are not essential. You can acquire tools and knowledge as you go, like a lot of us did. Nearly everything just needs hand tools, although it helps to have another body to lift some bits. Anything that needs a lot of equipment or knowledge, such as an engine overhaul or elaborate welding you can get someone else to do - all that needs is money.

John

[B.S.F.]

First make sure that it is actually a series 1. Then it depends on the model, 48-53 or 54-58. I've had many offers for S1's, 'it must be because it looks exactly like yours or it must be because it came with the property we bought 30 years ago' sort of thing, which turned out to be S2s or S3's.
.W.

[cjc_td5]

Any series 1 that can be driven on to a car trailer is worth saving! It has just got to be worth what you are prepared to pay. IMO it would want to be essentially ready for rego or have a lot of patina for that sort of $$$.

[Dark61]

I would like to see the original engine in it or at least one contemporary with the year it was built. Not extensive rust in the chassis or bulkhead - but everything is fixable for a price. Depends how much you want to spend on it. Go for it if its going to make you happy.
good luck,
cheers,
D