Rosie
I've done frame up rebuilds and/or frame replacements on 4 series land rovers. one of those was a "designa chassis" brand coils sprung conversion. I've also participated in several of others' rebuilds, strip-downs etc, and I've done numerous engine and transmission swaps and transmission and transfer box rebuilds. I've watched the market go up and down with varying economic trends and if there is anything that can be said about the value of a Land Rover it is that they are only worth what someone will pay. Excellent runners with minimal or easily repaired issues can be had for less than 5k IF you know what you are looking at and what is involved in a specific repair. Or you can buy a fully restored example for anywhere from $8500 on up to $25k or more. And MAYBE it will have been done correctly. The biggest misunderstanding in these trucks is thinking that you can spend a ton of money and get a car that is guaranteed in any way to be trouble free for x amount of time. Remember it is a LAND ROVER.
So, that said, you don't need to spend tons of money for some "flawless" "collector piece." I don't recommend buying sight unseen as a first time LR owner. Yes you can spend 12k now on one that is already done or you can spend 12k later fixing everything yourself. But you can also get a good truck for a decent price if you take your time and shop around, and find one that is structurally sound that might just need a few things or might even just be driveable -as they usually are- despite the various issues- , and as they *all* have issues. I know you have at least one LR owning friend up there in Jupiter Hollow. If you can get her to look at one with you she should be able to help you figure out what you are in for...
In the meantime we'll keep an eye out for some deals for you.
And don't listen to the guys that say there is no inherent value in a series LR, look how the prices hold up against the test of time vs. the newer mass-produced LR vehicles. A 1960 LR sells for the same average price today that it did 10 years ago within a range of ordinary market fluctuation. While the Discos and Range Rovers plummet down to nothing after 5 or 10 years on the road. (For a myriad of reasons that don't necessarly have anything to do with their quality or usefuleness) With appropriate maintenance your series LR will hold its value. OTOH I agree with I think it was Eric WS in syaing that just because it is a Series does not mean it is a piece of gold, and rusty junk is, sometimes sadly, still just rusty junk.
Dave
edited for clarification in blue
A Land Rover would never turn up to collect an Oscar. It'd be far too busy doing something important, somewhere, for someone."