For reasons that remain somehat of a mystery to me, this remains one of the most satisfying vehicles I've ever driven, and I've driven types from firetrucks to Porches to F2000 race cars. An ongoing enjoyable mystery.
(As usual, photos can be clicked upon to make them bigger if desired.)
I've been driving Series Land Rovers for some 25 years and they still bring a smile to my face every journey. I still haven't figured out what it is about them that is different to other vehicles. I've driven plenty of 4x4's over my life from the very basic to the extremes of Range Rover luxury and I still feel a Series is more enjoyable to drive - possibly because it requires so much engagement of the driver compared to other cars and trucks? I've not really found another vehicle that feels as though it has a soul.
ReplyDeleteHello friend! I just want to say CONGRATS on this amazing project. You gave a second chance to this amazing vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI personally own a 1968 Series IIa 88'. I've been following your project since day one and it's been a great source of information. So... thanks!
:-)
Thanks, Francis, and mud4fun, I think it may have to do with the fact that there is not a single thing on a Series to try and pursuade the driver it's something it's not: no styling, no bling, it doesn't hold your hand, etc.. To me, at least, there's a purity in the design that is just totally free of BS, and I like that.
ReplyDeleteHaha; we are on the same page here. What you see is what you get. No surprise. Everything is mechanical. And (almost) nothing electric. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy ride: http://imgur.com/Yysf0
ReplyDeleteNice! Ex-military? Looks ready to tackle anything. What kind of hubs are those?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I was told: the first owner was a british engineer working on the James Bay electrical projects (in Quebec)... They were using Jeeps CJs but were not impressed. So that guy came with his Serie IIa and showed them what the truck could do. :-) That's pretty much all I know since the truck does not have the original serial #.
ReplyDeleteHubs: up front they are just regular Mayflower hubs... pretty common. But I have old WARN military on the back wheels. ( http://imgur.com/siOf7mY )
Your Series has a military-style front side lights (vertical) plus a military bumper, which made me think it may have originally had that origin. Have you been on the Series 2 Club forum? Even if you don't have the original VIN, if can supply engine, gearbox and axle serial numbers, someone may be able to give you a good idea of the history. Has your truck had the chassis replaced?
ReplyDeleteI'll make sure to take a look at that Series 2 Forum! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI believe it's the original chassis. But it has been repaired a few time by myself and by some of the previous owners. That's why I can't find any # on it... Despite all the rust repairs; it is still very strong. But my plan is to replace it with a galvanized frame in the next two years or so. Your blog will be very usefull by then!
Take a look at my Youtube channel... ;-) Most of the rides we do are in the Quebec City area.
http://www.youtube.com/user/HydeQc