DID I MAKE A MISTAKE BUYING MY LAND ROVER SERIES 1?

Watch this video for a review of ownership of my 1957 land rover series 1/ The good bits about owning a Land Rover and the bad!

[nickb]

I have 71 2a that is basically my daily driver - I find it relaxing and more fun to drive than the modern cars ( unless you’re in a hurry!). The trick is to make sure they are set up well. Get a really good service / tuneup, including brakes, steering, suspension . When everything is nice and tight it makes a world of difference! Also finding and stopping rattles helps too! Have fun!

[africadreamin]

The hand throttle was fitted to control the speed of the capstan winch or a rear power take-off when fitted.

[MalevolentMonkeyGod]

I learned to drive in a 55. Owned a late 1948 #420 and now have an '85 110.
Love them.

Never had a starting problem in my series ones-my 48 had a 173cui opel motor in it though.

[PaulMcGuinness]

Lovely looking Series 1. The hand throttle is for adjusting the speed of the engine when using the PTO (Power-Take-Off) or winch.

[BadPennyDogBoy]

These things are simple and foolproof. I suspect your starting problem is related to corrosion in the connections. With an original harness that is often the main problem. Being as mechanically basic as a knife and fork they should be instant starters, and 100% reliable, always provided the plugs, points, condenser, and coil are in good condition. Great car, and great channel!

[TheBlueOwl]

I’m sure people look at the car with admiration, thinking Wow, that’s cool !

[k_imnotdead]

Got a 1954 Series 1 (Evelyn) and it starts first time every time, hopefully get some serious work done over Winter to unveil her to the world next summer.

[radiotruck]

The only temperamental thing is that super hot weather can cause it to vapourlock, only if you do a short 5 minute stop,
And expect it to start easily... it won't. All the other problems are faults that need fixing. Blocked slow running jet,
Loose nuts holding the carby down, rust on the distributor points,
and some people use too much choke..it's a 2 position choke.. so if you set it to 1/4 then you have not read the owners manual.
Soon after starting in warm weather, the choke should be pushed back in.
If standing for a long time, and won't start, you might need to put a test light between the low side of the coil and other lead to ground,
Crank it over and make sure the light is flahing/ blinking. If not, chances are you need to use sandpaper or a point file on the distributor points,
And try again. If it stalls while waiting for a long time at idle, you will probably need to replace the float valve in the top plate of the carby.
They should not be classified as a temperamental vehicle, as normal vehicles are the best starting easy vehicles ever.

[Hubcap]

G'day, looks way better with the patina you have done to the guard and bonnet. Nice car I have a 80 inch.

[Caravaggio]

A restored one is very reliable. As it’s about 70 years old it’s going to need some attention! It’s the coolest vehicle on the road and is worth a fortune. Well done.

[fionalee]

Hi doc I really in your you tube on series 1 I have 1958 series 1 88 inch Got 2/4 motor You said have trouble running maybe check your earth leads also check alternator I think your petina is good only think. I look at strip bonnet back to raw ally then clear coat I did same on mine good contrast also put disco rims on it if you like I could send couple of photos you are right so cool to drive around Cheers. Andrew. Cooee

[sierra]

Lovely! My dad and I bought one last year that’s very similar to yours! It’s called the Leopard.

[beto]

A friend of mine had the same issue on how to age panels parts on his 66 S2A, but here in Costa Rica you just simply remove the "part" left it at the sun/rain (6 to 12 months) etc, throw dirt, small rocks, scratch it with some branches, etc or simply use the car every day abusing a little of elements... be creative and have fun hahaha

[malcolmscott]

Glad you’re enjoying it looks like a lot of fun - in the dry :)

[rogercresswell]

I had a mark 1 in the 1964 I had great fun in it but couldn’t keep up with the petrol consumption. It was using 9 gallons a week just to get me to work. I traded it for a mark 1 mini this took 2 gallons a week for the same journey! Both cars worth a mint now!

[Crash-zmqd]

My grandad worked on them in TA in 1963 in Cyprus they were 1954 model he said they were uncomfortable to drive and rocked about allot.

[aavenderr]

I own a 1974 hard top series 3, the more I watch these LR videos, the less I want to get rid of it and now thinking about investing in a restoration!!!

[LRDefender]

Hi Doc,

What a lovely little motor, I have deep envy!

I think the main thing like any classic to stop it p*ssing you off is reliability, that’s where I would spend the money, I wouldn’t worry what the purists say, life is too short, not sure if you can but I’d be looking at things like electronic ignition etc, anything to make more reliable when you want to go for a spin.

You have one of the most iconic cars in history, period….enjoy it in good health Sir.

Kind regards

Tony

[wearejames]

Hi Doctor, glad to hear you are enjoying the Series 1 and it is mainly a positive experience.
I hope that a service will help with the reliability, I can't remember if you have changed the plugs and leads or not, but I would if you haven't already.

Yes the blending of patina to the driver's side wing and bonnet makes it look much better, but I guess I would have to say that, as I was one of the people who suggested it😃👍

Having the option of 2WD or 4WD is a great advantage, may well give slightly more miles on the old £1.90/£2 a litre stuff too much 😏🙄

If you are using it in favour of the Defender, well that says it all. Yes come the Autumn/Winter, it will swing the other way, for obviously reasons, but until then 'make hay, while the sun shines'...

[machiningbasics]

The hand throttle was probably handy for the capstan winch