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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 17445   
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If you want to enjoy using it, then I suggest an 86" or 88" with a 2 litre petrol engine (or even, shock horror, a 2286cc engine, like my 86" has).
The 80" is really not comfortable, is much more primitive in terms of draught-proofing and weather-proofing, many have a 1600cc engine, parts are expensive, and vehicles are ridiculously expensive. Light behind the grille models will cost you both arms or both legs, and the "peekaboo" lights models not much less. In reality an 86" or 88" is very similar in terms of usability to a S2 or even S3, easier to get parts for, cheaper to buy, and you can, as I have done with mine, fit the later 2286cc engine in a 100% reversible conversion. My 86", which also has a Fairy oVerdrive, will cruise happily at 60mph, go quite a bit faster if you're feeling brave (or foolish) enough, and returns about 28mpg. Personally I think that the proportions of the 86" look better than the 88", but most folk can't actually tell the difference. |
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20th May 2019 8:37am |
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| defender9 Member Since: 12 Mar 2016 Location: Fylde Coast Posts: 1629 
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I would concur with Blackwolfs comments above. I have owned Series Ones for over 40 years and am currently doing a sympathetic recommission on a 1953 80in. If you have your heart set on a Series One then Blackwolf says the 86/88in would fit the bill but they do tend to come with a price premium over the Series 2/3 Range. If you are not too concerned if it’s a Series One or Series Two or Three, then personally I would go for a pre 1969 2A with. 2.25 Petrol engine, I have had Series Two’s as well and they are a good entry to classic Land Rover ownership, easy to work on and parts are not overly expensive and plentiful. The driving experience of a Series Two is pretty similar to the later Series Ones. I would be wary of buying off EBay unless you have inspected the vehicle yourself or with someone knowledgable, as with many vehicles on Auction sites there are some real tarted up dogs for silly money.
Good luck with your search  |
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20th May 2019 8:58am |
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| JOW240725 Member Since: 04 May 2015 Location: Suffolk Posts: 7906 
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I can't help but to encourage you,... Sounds a great investment
James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641 MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557 Instagram @suffolk_rovers |
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20th May 2019 9:39am |
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| Slideywindows Member Since: 09 Sep 2016 Location: North Essex Posts: 1283 
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You have done exactly the right thing by asking the question before you jump in, and have had good advice already.
I've been a member of the LRSOC since 1980 and own more than one Series One. I'm also a member of the SII Club and own some Twos as well. For several reasons I would advise buying a Series Two. They are cheaper and fewer of them (but not all) are overpriced by their sellers. They are also cheaper and easier to repair and maintain, as many parts are common to SIII. They make an easier entry into leaf-sprung Land Rover ownership - which you (or family members) might find you don't actually like! However, an important reason is that the SII Club and its forum are friendlier, less elitist, younger (apart from me!) and generally more helpful than the SI equivalent. If you think that Def2 is a friendly and generously moderated forum, then the SII Club forum is the same. You can ask anything - about anything! - and not be snubbed or your post put into "quarantine" as on the other forum. In addition there is an extremely well-attended monthly pub meet at Sturmer near Haverhill, which is attended by owners from your area. (At the last meeting I was asked to bring along my timing strobe as someone was having problems with their vehicle. Didn't need it in the end as the engine bay was surrounded by people who were sorting it out for the owner.) If you think you would value this kind of thing, there is no equivalent for Series One owners in the area. Perhaps to begin with, join the SII forum, have a read and then ask questions. They will be helpful - and you may find a vehicle for sale by a member. (PS. It is, of course, your choice and this is just my opinion - but I've never been known to sit on the fence!  ) |
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20th May 2019 10:58am |
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| Slideywindows Member Since: 09 Sep 2016 Location: North Essex Posts: 1283
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In the poll, don't vote for the SIIA 2lt petrol or SIIA 2lt diesel.
They don't exist! |
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20th May 2019 11:03am |
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| Huttopia Member Since: 23 Feb 2016 Location: West Midlands Posts: 1972
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I bet they exist on ebay!
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20th May 2019 12:16pm |
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| milesr3 Member Since: 12 Feb 2013 Location: Suffolk Posts: 873 
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I would buy a IIa with the 2286cc petrol engine, or a II with the same engine if you can find one. Simply because you'll easily find all the parts you need and it will be very usable.
Join the Series 2 club forum and say hello. Come to a pub meeting. Look in the classifieds there rather than eBay. Last edited by milesr3 on 20th May 2019 2:51pm. Edited 3 times in total |
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20th May 2019 12:51pm |
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| stigomery Member Since: 10 May 2016 Location: Cambridge Posts: 277 
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Thanks all for the replies thus far... seems that IIA is garnering a lot of support.
I've sent off my application to the Series II club and await my joining instructions... Now, got to keep my eyes open for that vehicle... |
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20th May 2019 12:53pm |
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| milesr3 Member Since: 12 Feb 2013 Location: Suffolk Posts: 873
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You don't need to be a member to access the Series 2 Club forum: http://www.series2club.co.uk/forum/forum/index.php
It may take a day or two to gain access though as the moderator (Alan - aka Wittsend) has locked it down a lot more nowadays. |
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20th May 2019 12:59pm |
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| Andy80 Member Since: 31 May 2013 Location: Essex Posts: 490 
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Evening
A Later and modified (2 1/4 or Tdi) S1 are pratical and good fun, they can cover good distances and circa 60mph unstressted... Personally a Light behind the Grill 80" is the vehicle for me and I have a couple but far from pratical.... Anthother consideration is an Minerva!, Working towards Carry on camping! |
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20th May 2019 7:27pm |
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| JeremyJ Member Since: 16 Nov 2011 Location: Aylesbury Posts: 1758
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Late ‘60s 2a 2.25 petrol, best of all worlds and useable.
Climbing in value but not yet to series 1 levels (which seem to be dropping slightly). Every possible variation is out, original, restored, modified (well and badly!), find the one that suits you. As a curve ball I do like the Minerva idea. Had one briefly purely to flip and it’s left an impression on me. All are LHD but an absolute steal compared to a Solihull built 80”! |
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20th May 2019 8:14pm |
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| mini Anaconda Member Since: 23 Aug 2016 Location: Thames Valley Posts: 784
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I have a 1966 Series 2a with a 2.25 petrol. Probably best not to go for a diesel unless you are happy with watching the world go by very slowly.
Plenty of advice available on the Series 2 Club forum should you want to join. BORG - Bucks & Oxon 4x4 Response Group
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20th May 2019 8:37pm |
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| strang Member Since: 16 May 2012 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 1381 
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I have had my 88" series one for 20 odd years. It was originally a 2 litre diesel - these are rare engines and almost impossible to get spare parts for as the Army never used them, so none were stockpiled. They also have wet liners which cause problems. I have fitted a 200 Tdi in mine now - its noisy, but can keep up with modern traffic, can drive on the motorway without fear, and I travel all over Europe in it as well - its also economic. Aesthetically, I prefer the look of the 86/88 series ones.
I have also had a couple of early series twos - both petrols and both great engines. I like the look of he deep sills on these motors and they still have their headlights in the right place. As suggested, join the respective forums and ask plenty of questions. On Facebook you can also join groups like the Series Land Rover Group and the Land Rover Series Once Brotherhood - which always has lots of good photos. Euro-Leafing to infinity and beyond..... |
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21st May 2019 5:33pm |
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| sharkey964 Member Since: 05 Oct 2014 Location: On a muddy track Posts: 574  
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I was lucky enough to pick up a nice little early Series 2,a few years ago,it had had a 200tdi fitted which I was a bit dissapointed about at the time,& intended sourcing a good 2.25 petrol.
I haven't replaced the 200tdi,as it's so good,very useable & reliable. Like you, I use it whenever posible. I'm not boithered about it being showroom,in fact when I sourced a hood,(it didn't come with one)I bought a good condition origional one,cost me all of 50 quid. 
Get one.......But,most importantly,use it. Marc Click image to enlarge |
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21st May 2019 6:34pm |
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