Looking at a Series I

[Errant]

I love my Disco so much, that I find myself wanting other Rovers... a friend at work has a 1951 Series I that he wants to get rid of. It hasn't been driven in years, and he doesn't have the time for it. He says it starts right up, he has a spare engine, has the doors, but not a top. He says I can have it for $1200. I'm going to go look at it on Friday. Anything major that I should be looking at? Is his price way too high or too low? Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to start doing some research now, but I thought I'd ask the experts.

Thanx so much,

Kristina

ooohh! If you've got one, I wanna see pictures!

 

[Leslie]

A '51? Wow... that's early for being located in North America. (Is it a LHD or a RHD?)

Spartan. Exceptionally simple.

A Series I is not for an average Joe (or Jane), it is something that a die-hard Rover nut would want, and, it would take one to put up with it the minimalist nature....

For that price, I would expect it to not be in decent shape... about any Series in drivable shape should be at least a few thousand over that. While there isn't much to the earlier Series, there are fewer of them, so, they should run for a bit more than the later Series.

If it wasn't on the other side of the continent, I'd like to at least go look at it...

You never know, though, maybe the fella just has to get rid of it, and you find something nice for a great price....


Best o' luck....

-L

 

[Errant]

Yeah, it does seems rare here. It is LHD, I just asked him. I'll try and take some pictures when I go look at it tomorrow.

 

[jsonova99]

Series I's are sweet, could be a good restoration project if nothing else. I'd be all over looking at that if was down my way for that price.

 

[Errant]

I took a look at it on Friday. It runs and drives fine, but of course needs major restoration. The left wing and door skin needs replacing, and I would need to get seats and a top. I see a fair amount of parts at British Atlantic and am looking around still. I'm seriously thinking about it, but am not sure if I'd really have the time and money to put into it. Still thinking...

 

[LR Max]

Well what do you want to do with it? If its gonna be a beater, then leave it. Wheel it. Any drivetrain issues go ahead and sort out then go have fun . Or do what my dad did, give it to you're son and say, "Here boy, figure it out!!!"

 

[jsonova99]

I took a look at it on Friday. It runs and drives fine, but of course needs major restoration. The left wing and door skin needs replacing, and I would need to get seats and a top. I see a fair amount of parts at British Atlantic and am looking around still. I'm seriously thinking about it, but am not sure if I'd really have the time and money to put into it. Still thinking...

Also, the flow of money into it will never stop once it starts!

 

[bobb]

pic of 51-80"

Hi,
I have redone a 51 LHD and here are some pictures of it.
http://groups.msn.com/TheSeriesOneGarage/bobbs5180axl.msnw
This site is a series one garage and is full of series one pictures all over the world.
I have discovered that I am too long legged (6-2) to fit in it for too long. So I will probably be
selling mine.

Bob B
Paradise Ca.

 

[Errant]

I wouldn't be able to leave it a beater, but I don't think I'd ever restore it pristine either. My plan would be to get it clean and functional... a fun off-road only vehicle.

Thanks for the link to your pictures, Bob. I looked at that website earlier in the week, but must have missed your '51. It's a great site, and has already been quite helpful while trying to make my decision. But I must admit that all the great pictures are making it increasingly difficult to say No.

still thinking...

 

[jsonova99]

I'm sure you could unload it pretty easily if you ever got tired of it

 

[meatblanket]

Hmmm. No follow up note to let us know if you are a happy Series 1 owner or not!
If you are not, I might be interested. I've got an 86" Series 1 now, but thinking about something a little shorter.......

Mike S.

 

[Errant]

Sorry for not posting a follow-up until now! I'm a happy, almost owner... I can't pick it up until October (when I'll be rid of two other vehicles in my drive). So for now, I'm pouring over every photo and parts catalogue I can find

 

[rmuller]

Congrats! Get some pics up when you can!

 

[ckuhtz]

Yes, ditto, congrats. I bought my first Series truck two weeks ago, and I'm on the same knowledge acquisition binge .. and I'm enjoying every second of it. I think it's totally awesome that you're getting the Series I!

 

[David T]

Think about joining either or both these two clubs. UK based but members world wide Good quality magazines plus info re sourcing parts etc

http://www.lrsoc.demon.co.uk/html/history1.htm

and http://www.landrover-register1948-53.org.uk/ plus

 

[kellymoe]

Sorry for not posting a follow-up until now! I'm a happy, almost owner... I can't pick it up until October (when I'll be rid of two other vehicles in my drive). So for now, I'm pouring over every photo and parts catalogue I can find

Where is it located? Dont worry I am not looking to buy The reason I am asking is that I saw a Series I in the Toluca Lake area the other day. Also dont forget to check out British Pacific for parts. Located in Santa Clarita and a great group of guys. www.britishpacific.com or www.landroverparts.us They have been extremly helpful with my series questions.

 

[marc ingham]

Other Vendors

I saw your reference to Atlanitc British and I have to step in and try to save you: PLEASE DO NOT try to restore a series truck with parts from AB! They charge just short of stealership prices. You will do MUCH MUCH better at most any other reputable series parts vendor. Rovers North is also a bit high (not nearly as bad as AB), but they tend to have just about anything. Great vendors with good prices are Wise Owl Parts, British Pacific and DAP. I have also heard good things about Rovers Down South. Nathan Crabtree at Discount Rovers, while not specializing in series parts, can get them, and is a great resource.

Not to bash AB, they have their place. In my experience, they have very good customer service and they have good levels of stock. I think of them as a good place for people with lots of money who just want an item or two. Once you get serious about a resto or really modding a truck, you need to look elsewhere.

Good Luck,
Marc