1971 Series Land Rover??

[95RRC]

Gents - I know this is tough, but I have the opportunity to purchase a "Barn Find" 1971 Series (I think it is a IIa or III - don't know how to tell the diff). Guy wants $2,500 for it, from what I can tell, quick look before I came home, it has surface rust only on the chassis and all cross members - it is a rag top - no hard top. Lights are on the wings, has 4" marker lights on the wings, mesh grille with badge.

Apparently it runs fine, only needs a master brake cylinder - has newer exhaust/muffler - and gas tank.

Good deal??????? I know it will need a few thou $ to get 80%, but it is drivable???

Dunno....just an opportunity to get it - I don't know if I should, but it seems like a good deal???????

THANKS!!!!

 

[n_maher]

A look at the dash should quickly tell you if it's a III or IIA. The IIA will have an all metal dash like this.

And I'd want to go through it pretty thoroughly at that price.

 

[95RRC]

Thanks - it does have all metal dash, and a key start - obviously not as many switches and dials as you have in the pic. Also on the steering column, on the left is a big silver housing, with red writing - presumably for the wipers.

 

[95RRC]

some pics

I snapped these of it...

 

[95RRC]

some more

pics

 

[blue bomber]

Don't mess around, buy it.

 

[blue bomber]

$2500 usually buys you a hunk of junk that resembles a LR.

 

[Alaska Mike]

Looking at the rust in the pictures, you have more than surface rust there. I'd wager the bulkhead is more or less rust atoms holding hands. The frames usually rust inside out, so some careful examination (tapping) is required. Check the bottoms of the door frames, because they may be rusted out as well. It all boils down to what you want the Rover to be in the long run. If you're thinking resto, I would look elsewhere. If you're thinking semi-cheap, funky old truck, that might be a sound candidate.

The advice I got (and didn't take) was to buy the best Series Land Rover I could afford. I paid $500 for a non-runner Series III, which had a rusted out frame, bulkhead, and breakfast. I started with a budget, quickly blew through that twice over, and still only have a pile of Land Rover parts. Every time I started a portion of the project, I found something else wrong that required another large monetary investment. If I had spent the same amount on a running, restored/upgraded Series up-front, I would be driving around in a very safe and sound Land Rover now. The big parts are expensive, but the small parts are what kills you on a neglected Rover. If I had only known then what I know now...

You might ask the same question on the Rovers North board. Who knows? You might even get a lead on a better Rover for less money, or at least have a very clear idea of what it will take to make it suit your needs/wants.

 

[Antichrist]

That's the turn indicator switch on the steering column.
Wow! $2500?
When I was buying and selling Series rovers I'd have paid maybe $200 for that, more likely a good deal less.
I realize that since the coilers started coming in that Series Rovers have become cool and people who bought new coilers then drove the prices of Series Rovers to stupid levels.

 

[95RRC]

yeah I know...it is a tough decision. Since owning and driving one for years in Africa - I am now financially OK with owning and restoring one in the USA. It is a sickness I/we have - but when looking on ROvers North boards all the real nice a.k.a. you don't need to spend money on them - ones go for $12K+ If I got this and put $5K in it, I think I would be in great shape.

Anyway I think I will go check it out in more detail tomorrow with my mechanic - who is very knowledgeable about LR's.

 

[Red90]

Worth $500 to $1000 based on what I see. Could be less, but you need to really check for rust. If the rust is bad, there is zero value.

 

[proper4wd]

I'll buy it

 

[czenkov]

Where is this Rover. Looking at the pictures an East coast Rover owner I know would say it is worth at least twice that - well maybe not but that rust would not deter him. Maybe worth $1500 is a fair price if it is a good runner and the top is in good shape.

 

[95RRC]

Zero value???? Really. Heck, there are so many that are sold for between $10-20K I would have a hard time seeing Zero value...I know to get $20K it has to be pristine - but you have to start somewhere.

Worth $500 to $1000 based on what I see. Could be less, but you need to really check for rust. If the rust is bad, there is zero value.

 

[blue bomber]

Virginia, by the plate.