Exceptional restoration - good price??

[ivarra]

Hi,

I am not sure which forum to post this on.

Assuming money is no object (ha). I have been looking for a GOOD Series 11a completely restored, almost like new. Prices range from 25k to maybe even 100K. I have no idea what is 'reasonable'. I know, we have the 'it depends' factor for all aspects of the vehicle.

Do you have any ballpark figures. Maybe all I need to know is 'what is completely over the top'??

Thanks,

Ivar

[Leslie]

About 10 years ago, I sat down w/ a RN catalog, and tried to tally up how much parts would be to build a new Rover from scratch. If I remember correctly, I was up close to $30k for most of it, but there were plenty of little things that weren't included, and that wouldn't have included nuts and bolts and screws, fluids and tires, primer and paint.... and I didn't even touch labor calculations.

But of course, the price of a retored vehicle doesn't equal the sum of the parts receipts, it would be cheaper to buy a nice one already done.

$25k can get you a *really* nice Series Rover; any more than that, and you're way overspending (not that there haven't been some come along with asking prices of that sort....). Heck, I knew of one that was almost like new that the asking was $15k. Certain features that you're looking for (a Dormobile, a certain color, etc), if you're being picky it might be more or take awhile to find, but if you're not picky and ready to buy, you can find a sweet one without thinking about going above that range.

FWIW....

[jp-]

I agree with Leslie. Anything over 25K is a little too much. I am also covinced that many people do love their trucks and don't really want to sell, so they ask too much. Or the wife tells them to sell. So they advertise for 50K. "You see honey, I told you it wouldn't sell." Wife- "Why don't you lower the price." H - "Are you joking! It's worth twice that!"

It also completely depends on what model you are looking for. An excellent 88" fully restored can be had for probably 10K. A 109" perhaps 15K.

[J!m]

I agree with the above, but I'm going to throw a wrench in the works...

For a stock, civilian model (or military for that matter) I agree with the price points. HOWEVER, if a particular vehicle has some significance beyond its "face value" you may be required to spend a bit more.

An example is my personal 88". I have had that truck in North Africa for two months on expedition and the photos, videos and daily write-ups of that adventure can still be seen on-line to this day (www.drivetheglobe.com (http://www.drivetheglobe.com)) and if I was in a position to sell it, I would be asking much more than the 'going rate' because of this documented history. Similarly, a vehicle owned by a movie star, "one of three" in a certain color combination or something along those lines can add value as well, but in all cases, these things only add value to a certain buyer and/or collector.

What also needs to be taken into consideration, is the quality of the restoration done (if any). It may be clean and shiny inside and out, but were those transmission bearings really changed? Is it truly reliable enough to drive cross-country?

I guess the point is, as always, buyer beware. If you have 25K burning a hole in your pocket, try to play it cool. Look at and (most importantly) drive as many examples as you can, and get the one that is right for you, at a price you feel comfortable with.

Finally, if you've never owned a series before, remember: this is a UTILITY vehicle for hauling $#!+ at the farm. There are no passenger comfort concerns beyond the luxuriously padded seats. If you think otherwise, you will be a short-term owner, and end up selling the truck at a loss. The ash tray and sun visors in the cab were OPTIONAL equipment in 1971 to put a bit of perspective on it...

PS speaking of selling at a loss, DON'T buy this, or any other vehicle as an "investment". The costs to keep it on the road far out-weigh the appreciation in value any car may enjoy. Unless you are filthy rich, in which case I can care for the vehicle for you.:D

[ivarra]

Thanks for this info. Exactly what I am looking for! Its amazing what price ranges are out there. Esecially when the sum of conversion costs are the basis of a sale.

I grew up with 88s in South Africa, so am fully aware of their utilitarian function. They are nice to look at, but once you drive them you either love them or hate them.

So yes, I am still on the lookout for a good 11a 88 or 109 pickup, both soft top.

Ivar

[jp-]

but were those transmission bearings really changed?

Um...

I didn't change out my transmission bearings when I rebuilt it (on the 88"). None had any more play than the new bearings.

I changed one bearing in the 109" transmission.

[jac04]

...I am still on the lookout for a good 11a 88 ........ soft top.
I am considering selling mine. PM me if you are interested.
Here are a few pictures:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/LandRover3a.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/LandRover2aa.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/LandRover1aa.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/garage/000_0312.jpg

Engine:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/000_0350.jpg

Rear Suspension/Drivetrain:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/000_0347.jpg

Front Suspension/Drivetrain:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/000_0349.jpg

Interior/Gauges:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/jac04/Land%20Rover/000_0351.jpg

[J!m]

Um...

I didn't change out my transmission bearings when I rebuilt it (on the 88"). None had any more play than the new bearings.

I changed one bearing in the 109" transmission.

...and mine made more noise than the old ones I replaced in my truck.

I'm not pointing a finger at anyone. I'm simply mentioning that you need to be aware of what is and is not done to a car before you buy it. There are plenty of untrustworthy car resellers who are out to make a fast buck.

[jp-]

jac,

That is a nice truck, how does $2500 strike you?

Oh wait, did I leave off a zero? Nah. We don't believe in price gouging.

Do we have a sale?

[jp-]

jac,

Oh yes, I was going to ask another question.

How come I don't see any mud anywhere?

Is the 4-low lever stuck in 2-High? Must be, no mud. Of course, fixing the lever may require some considerable effort, so we may have to come off the price some...

[Tim Smith]

Jac04,
That 88" looks like it's in fantastic shape. Nice Job.
:thumb-up:

Afraid I'd get it dirty before leaving the end of your driveway. :p

[BirdNerd]

Dude,

That is the 2nd nicest truck I've ever seen!! I also notice the slightest bit of a Wheelhorse 314-8 in the background!!

Can you give us some details on your truck---price?

Thanks
p

[jac04]

^^ Actually, it's a Wheel Horse 520-H.:)

[ymonopoly]

How much for your rover Jac? I might be interested.

[BirdNerd]

How much for the 520-H?

Hydro--that'd be nice!!!

BN

[jac04]

How much for your rover Jac? I might be interested.
...answered your PM....

[jac04]

How much for the 520-H?

Hydro--that'd be nice!!!

BN
Make me an offer that I can't refuse!!:)