I'm certainly amazed by the availability of even the smallest Land Rover parts. While certain parts for some models are no longer available for various reasons, the fact that I can get the vast majority of them new from a variety of sources is pretty impressive. I don't expect this to continue forever, though. Sooner or later the Series owners will have to rely more on the used supply of parts to keep their vehicles running. It's just a supply and demand thing, and with the last of the Series rigs approaching 30 years old, it's only a matter of time. Still, it's better than anything I've seen for Toyota or Jeep.
However, I can't afford to get crazy about "being perfect" and "Gen-u-wine Land Rover (tm)" with shipping costs being as high as they are. My Rover was to the point I could have been down $20,000 if I tried to restore it, and it wouldn't have been any more functional. Coming from a Jeep background, I have no problem swapping in more capable parts from other brands as I see fit. The knowledge is out there. I'd rather see the remaining good parts go to Rovers that are in better initial shape and will be maintained in near-resto shape.
The only real reason for driving a Series Rover is the "funk factor". There's a certain charm to rolling without the power windows/doors, air conditioning, and all of the other trapping of modern automobiles, while knowing that you can fix whatever goes wrong with a little thought, some effort, and some basic parts. Then again, riding in Scott's Disco II was an eye opening experience. We hit a dusty, somewhat challenging trail and arrived home that night just as fresh as when we left. I wasn't too cold, too hot, near deaf, or greasy when the trip was over, and I was somewhat jealous. It had cupholders!!! No holding your Coke between your knees as you lean toward the feeble heater, trying to stay warm and out of the spray from passing semis. A different world. Sure TeriAnn has one of the most luxo Series rigs around, but by today's standards it's still a dinosaur. However, just as she has defined what it is and what it is capable of, it has defined her. I hope to have that kind of symbiotic relationship with my Rover one day. You certainly can't get that with a modern vehicle- they're just too generic.
I've owned (notice past tense) a 40, two 55s, 62 and an 80 and miss them all. All I can say is that the 40 and 55s were the only ones that could make me smile almost as much as I do when driving the 90. I've been watching your post over the last year and you are slowly coming around, just a few more degrees and the right old LR and you are a write-off. :26_7_2:
