If you couldn't have a series LR, then what would your next choice be?

[TJR]

"If you couldn't have a series LR, then what would your next choice be?"

What other 4x4's ,classic or otherwise, series rover would like to own and why ? Let's assuming it's within the price range as you're willing to spend on your series rover.


my choice FJ40, Early Bronco ==> capable in the rough, good looks and tougher than Jeep

[stonefox]

I'm with you on the FJ40 and the early Bronco.What else besides the Scout does that leave? I have trouble with the looks of the Scout. Sorry Scouties.I know people that think the Rover was the ugliest thing ever made. I guess opinions are like a**es everybody has one.

[jac04]

I've been looking for a Mitsubishi Evolution, does that count as a 4x4?

[KevinNY]

Early Bronco.

[stonefox]

Here is a good looking Bronco that I saw locally. http://picasaweb.google.com/stonefox99/FordBronco1974?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6Q7c3OgfLqhgE# Sorry for the redirect ,Does this forum not like Picasa ,because I cant get pics to load?

[SafeAirOne]

http://www.just4x4sales.com.au/images/800px-TOYOTA_Land_Cruiser_HZJ75-03-400.jpg

[thixon]

I have always wanted and fJ 55. I just think they look cool. A buddy in college had an old bronco. The "three on the tree" shifter was interesting.

[scott]

Suzuki samuri. Cheap, capable, lots of after market upgrades available and easy to roll back on to the rubber when ya flip

[Triumphdaytona2007]

i would get one of the older toyota land cruisers the kind that resemble jeeps

[albersj51]

Before I bought my Series IIA, I owned a 1977 Scout II for about 6 months. I loved the truck; the power of that 304 V8 was amazing...enough torque to pull the earth. However, the steel and therefore rust was too much for me to handle, so I sold her. Glad I did, a couple months later I saw my IIA! If I had to lose my Series and choose another one, I would go with the FJ40 as well...preferably the Icon version :D

[superstator]

FJ, maybe some oddball old military thing like this beast:

http://bringatrailer.com/2010/06/24/non-russian-1957-tatra-805-radio-command/

I've also been hearing about people swapping 4wd systems into the new diesel Sprinters and using them as expedition vehicles, and there's something compelling about that idea. It's the only thing I can think of that I could buy new in the US that would fit the same functional bill that my Series does.

[amcordo]

Since we're talking for fun, and therefor I can ignore maintenance issues...

Any series Tatra:
xoG2Inl5PEg

Or an Alvis Stalwart:
3mr_pCrhTkk

[adkrover]

I too love the FJ40 but in my search i had narrowed it down to either a Series or a Pinzgauer I went with the Series because the Pinzgauer is pretty darn military looking and not sure how my wife would have liked it. The Pinz is very cool because it comes in a 6x6 with fully independent, 6x6 portal axles and locking diffs. Unstoppable.

[mongoswede]

it would be a struggle between one of the following:

A Russian Ural Truck...just because they are so bad ass:
http://www.ex-military.org/qms/images/ural_375D.jpg

Possibly a Unimog:
http://www.unimog.tv/unimog.jpg

One of these bobbed US army trucks could be fun:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=393665&stc=1&d=1222648061

Next on the list...not this list isn't really in any order:

Bowler Wildcat and Nemesis

http://www.tomcatmotorsport.co.uk/forsale/advert41-1.jpg


This one even comes with a Codriver:

http://cache-03.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/11/Keeley-Hazell-Nemesis.jpg

I almost have one of these now..but not quite...with a new price tag of 38000 euros its a little hard to justify:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/KTM%20LC4%20690%20Rally%20Replica%20%202.jpg

[bmohan55]

Dodge Power Wagon...or my friends Duce 'n half (x-Air Force) he converted to a camper for the American West.

[SalemRover]

With all the military vehicles linked I think you folks read this book one too many times. ;)

http://forum.darwincentral.org/download/file.php?id=1018&mode=view

[LR Max]

Late Jeep TJ Unlimited with the 6 speed. Cheap, plentiful, capable, comfortable. Won't have the same cargo carrying capacity as my 109 but still will have some. Coils are :thumb-up: while the engine puts out enough for trail and street use. Can easily run 35" tires all day.

[amcordo]

Good time to ask: all I have is a Series III now, but if I had to get another Land Rover (not Series or Defender) what would you folks choose. I like the looks of the discos and older range rovers, and want reliability and general bad-a#@ looks. What year range should I look at?

[rejeep]

Volvo C303

[lrdukdog]

I have always liked the late 40's early 50's Dodge Power Wagons and the WWII, Korean war M-37 weapons carriers. I really like the ambulance versions.
Jim Wolf

[Bertha]

1950's Chevy/GMC pick up (had a 53 years ago)
Unimog
G wagon

[Tim Smith]

Volvo Sugga!
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/international-automotive-scene/79901d1229393846-official-guess-car-thread-please-see-rules-first-page-left-rear.jpg

Here is one all gussied up:
8Hu_JGssb20

[yorker]

A Sugga would be cool, there is still one for sale just down the road from me.

I like the Toyota 40 series trucks. Have used a FJ55 but didn't like it as much. Back when I was looking for project 4X4s all the FJ40s I looked at needed frame repairs AND new bodies. With a Land Rover I figured a frame swap was a given but at least the body would be intact.

A C303 would probably be my dream vehicle right now. Someday maybe.

[109 Pretender]

Old Bronchos are really quite a good pkg. Not too big like new SUVs and lots of options available for engine trans/transfer mods and good solid axles that can be upgraded too!

I love Mogs and MANs but they don't fit the description of being a suitable replacement for LR. Too expensive, way too big except for the open roads and big desert - but they are very impressive.

Old Toy FJ40 but replace the body w/aftermkt. aluminum tub cause they are (were) rustbuckets in their day. Still tough though in looks AND function - probably closest to LR of any make out there.

Pinzgauer and Volvo 303 are neat but.... nah! Though 303 portal axles have found themselves under Rovers as I'm sure you guys know

Here's one you'll probably have to look up - Stonefield - Made in Scotland for a few years (1970's) using many LR parts - I think they have been out of business for years though. It reminds me of a Forward Control LR.

Perhaps the ultimate overland vehicle of all time was the... Ford Model T. Don't laugh - it was the vehicle of choice when all the last overland frontiers were conquered in early 1900's. Anywhere you've been, the Model T was there 1st. (Except Darien Gap of course - LR owns that one!). Both LR and Model T thrive on simplicity and solid engineering - something that's lacking in most of todays machines.

Cheers!

[bkreutz]

Here's my other "toy", after driving this the Rover seems like a Cadillac.:D

[yorker]

I have a good scan of a Stonfield ad that I have in a book here. It is too big to post here but if anyone wants to see it I think i can email it to them. ~1.8megs :thumb-up:

5.2l Chrysler v8 or 4 cylinder Perkins:D

[redmondrover]

Lada Niva

Austin Mini Moke--I know its not 4wd, but its what I learned to drive on when I was about 10 years old (one of the benefits of growing up way out in the boonies).

[meatblanket]

Good time to ask: all I have is a Series III now, but if I had to get another Land Rover (not Series or Defender) what would you folks choose. I like the looks of the discos and older range rovers, and want reliability and general bad-a#@ looks. What year range should I look at?

Two door Rangie, stick shift. The earlier the better.

[jopa]

Flat fender power wagon...especially the early wc closed cabs and M37's.
Cj 6 with the buick V6 and t98 4 spd and a half cab/truck cab
Forward Control willys fc150 or 170
Fj 40 or fj45 pick up with a v8
66-77 bronco- have had a couple- ride well, plenty of aftermarket upgrades
Early scout...80/800 series again with a v8 and 4 spd..

Going heavy duty...60's era Dodge or IH 1 ton 4x4 pu...came with Dana 70's front and rear...J

[yorker]

I forgot one I want- M715

[disco2hse]

Since we're talking for fun, and therefor I can ignore maintenance issues...

Or an Alvis Stalwart:


And an oil well. ;)

There's one down the road from me and when that Rolls Royce spins up the fuel level goes down, real fast.

For me, Iveco Massif (used to be Santana - i.e. Land Rover). Excellent engine and a natural evolution of the Series formula, brought to a full functional off-road machine that still maintains the rugged charm of the original.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iveco_Massif

http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/iveco_massif_01.jpg

http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/iveco_massif_02.jpg

http://www.go4x4.eu/home/images/Iveco/terts_iveco_massif.jpg

[Broadstone]

IBEX! but I second the Lada Niva!

http://www.ibexvehicles.com/

[tonyc]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Nissan Patrol yet. I hear they are tough to get parts for though. Here's my top 10 list:

1. Land Cruiser FJ series
2. early Mercedes G-Wagen
3. Pinzgauer
4. Volvo C202
5. Nissan Patrol
6. Jeep CJ2A
7. Alfa Romeo Matta (if I could find one)
8. Ford Marmon Herrington pickup
9. Kaiser M715
10. Dodge Town Wagon

The early civilian Dodge Power Wagon would be on the list, but I already have a couple.

Tony

[disco2hse]

IBEX! but I second the Lada Niva!

http://www.ibexvehicles.com/

Yeah. I like it. Don't know what engines they come with or where the components come from. The body looks very Vitara in its styling but I suspect that a lot of the components may be Disco.

Lada Niva. Sorry but I am not that wedded to rust :p:D

There are heaps of heaps around here (reflects NZs socialist past). They don't normally last past 5-7 years before they are fully rusted out. Being monocoque you are limited in what you can do them.

[Blueboy]

"If you couldn't have a series LR, then what would your next choice be?"

1994 Range Rover with a few mods.


Jaime

[Cutter]

something with treads

[SafeAirOne]

From the OP: "Let's assume [the Rover replacement] is within the price range as you're willing to spend on your series rover."

--Some of you are willing to spend an absolute pantload of $$ on your series rover!

[mongoswede]

lets not forget:

a little uglier then I remembered:
http://learnsomethingnewtoday.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/lamborghinitruck.jpg

[siii8873]

pre 1971 international scout. I had a 69 and that truck would almost climb trees

[JimCT]

Either a RR classic or our 1963 Unimog 404.1 Radiobox

[LaneRover]

something with treads

Nice!

[amcordo]

A face only a mother could love.


lets not forget:

a little uglier then I remembered:
http://learnsomethingnewtoday.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/lamborghinitruck.jpg

[redmondrover]

If modern vehicles qualify for this poll, then how about a Rally Fighter by Local Motors?

http://www.local-motors.com/

[crankin]

I would take an Austin Champ

http://www.dtvamvt.co.uk/walter_champ2.jpg

I keep thinking that who ever designed this owned a shar pei
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vn24YA-Rc4/Sl2g2MC4uCI/AAAAAAAAA5o/xkEbbXC9cDE/s400/shar+pei+wrinkle+dog.PNG

And I would love an older Nissan Patrol...just to break away from the FJ crowd
http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/Patrol%201.jpg

[109 Pretender]

Wow! I forgot all about the Austin Champ. I might be confusing this w/another Austin (maybe Bantam??), but I think it uses the 4cyl (B-40??) Rolls engine that is identical to the few prototype series Rovers that were made at the request of the MOD. It's a pretty engine in classic RR black baked enamel. IIRC the series were S1 at the time and very few were made. The Rolls was too heavy and the then new 2.25 LR engine won out. Does any of this ring a bell w/anyone?

[jrd51ox]

http://www.100kmotorcycleshow.com/jeep/wagoneer/1986/1000000048/photos/1000000009_main_lg.jpg

[NickDawson]

I'm with the FJ crowd - have a good friend (one who got me into 4x4s in high school many years ago) who is an FJ fanatic.

That said, if it could be any other car, I'd be a porsche 911 - preferably a 1980s air cooled. I'm not a huge car buff and don't exactly know if that was a good car, but man I love the look!

[leafsprung]

Ive owned most of these, driven the rest. Nothing as good as a series rover. :D

[Cutter]

to clarify, this has treads and sort of would take care of my 4 and 2 wheel activities in one go: kettenkrad

http://www.kaijustudios.com/cutter/KK.gif

[disco2hse]

Oh well, if that's where we're going. My neighbour, when I was a kid, collected military vehicles and had two of these. Hell of a lot of fun in a paddock for a 15 year old :D

http://www.fightingiron.com/IronMaiden_BrenGunCar/IronMaidenBrenGun6.jpg

Oh, I meant to say. Bren Gun Carrier. Powered with flat head V8 and no muffler. Yeeeaaah

[JackIIA]

Scout 800 hands down. i introduced my woman to them because i thought they were pretty cool. now she's hooked and has been hunting for one. which is think is great except i know who will have to do any work. hope she is as patient as she is pretty.

[TSR53]

Austrian Steyr-Diamler Puch Halflinger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haflinger)
2 cylinder air kewled boxer motor. Might not work so well in the Vermont winters though... brrrr.
http://www.roversnorth.com/gallery/gal/Solihull_Society_Nationals/2001-Solihull_Nationals_Ouray,CO/co15b.jpg

http://www.roversnorth.com/gallery/gal/Solihull_Society_Nationals/2001-Solihull_Nationals_Ouray,CO/co04b.jpg

nw2D6RtrGKE

xQOpvapnpXw

[BGGB]

I'd have to go with a 1970s ford crewcab, diesel swap engine and some big tires....they look mean!

[TJR]

Lots of good alternatives listed and 1/4 of them I've never seen or heard of. .. aside from Series Rovers, this crowd is all over the map.

Remember the idea was not what was the most bizzare or expensive 4x4you would like to have, but what would you really pursue if your series LR was not avail. No one has mentioned an H2,an Oldsmobile Bravada, Ford expplorer or Bronco II and that's a good thing. The all too common Jeep XJ , YJ and TJ done up are quite capable rigs, but lack all the charm of so many of the good ones listed. .. TJR
I'd also take an old Flat fender willys or Ford jeep for the same reasons I'd love to have a Series I some day.

[TeriAnn]

"If you couldn't have a series LR, then what would your next choice be?"


Maybe an Aston Martin DB7 or a Porsche Cayman. There is no substitute for my Dormobile for what it does. Any other 4X4 utility vehicle isn't in the same league for meeting my wants and needs.

[JimCT]

How about a Westphalia VW syncro with the Subaru WRX engine conversion? Getting close to the Dormobile.
http://syncro.org/

[yorker]

I looked at a lot of flat fender jeeps when I was looking for a Land Rover. They were originally what I wanted but the lack of power in the flathead 4 and the crummy tops turned me off as I figured they made them even less practical. It is surprising how many Cj2s and CJ3s are still around here chugging around on farms and hunting camos though. We did end up buying a 1944 Willys MB but it still sits awaiting restoration.

For oddball neato things the Volvo PV "jeeps" (http://volvooffroadklub.dk/E_web/E_volvo_pv_jeep_l3304.htm) are neat:
http://volvooffroadklub.dk/Billeder/PV_Jeep_i_Finderup.JPG
http://home.swipnet.se/i-g-o/pvjeep/pvjeepe.htm



Honestly though I think had I known about the Volvo c303's way back then I'd never have gotten involved with Land Rovers. ;)

[Les Parker]

Wait !!
Is that a Roverfest sticker from Killington in the LH bottom corner of the RH windscreen ??
Looks similar to me.

:sly: