|
I
have included some pictures of my Land Rover Series 1 1958 109 which has been in the family
since 1960. It was driven down from the then Rhodesia in 1981. I fully
rebuilt " Old Faithful" a she is known in 1998 / 1999.
The Old Lady was stripped down to the
last nut and bolt and completely rebuilt. All bolts and nuts replaced,
brakes done, you name it and it was done. The engine was a rebuild of
three other 2.0Lt spreadbores as the old engine had put a rod through
the side and was scrapped. The Old Lady at that stage had done plus
minus 325 000 miles. The "rebuilt" motor was not in very good
shape as I was unable to find the spares I needed to do a complete
overhaul. Basically everything possible of the original parts were used.
The rebuilt motor motor lasted about 5 years and was using more oil than
petrol eventually. I did about 25 000 miles with it. Unable to get big
ends and mains for the 2Lt, I eventually succumbed and am now running an
early model 2.25Lt Series 2 motor.
I first learnt to drive in a
Landrover 1956 107
that belonged to my Dad in the Vetinary Department in Gwanda in
Rhodesia. I was 12 years old at the time and I then made up my mind that
I would own a Landy one day. This one was bought when it was 2 years old
for 250 Pounds and have had it ever since. It has been a love hate
relationship but one that I will always remember. Never in all her years
has "Old Faithful" ever broken down on the road, not even a
puncture. I will right now get into that Landy with complete confidence
and drive anywhere with it.
I am not a young man anymore but I still
enjoy taking her out for a bit of exercise (not sure who gets the
exercise) just to keep things working. No power steering, no brake (what
brakes) booster but just sheer enjoyment.
I now mainly keep it for motor shows etc
in Maritzburg and Toti. I have all the history of the vehicle including
the official "Birth Certificate" issued from the factory
indicating date of manufacture, model, engine number, chassis number and
the customer who was Puzey and Payne in Salisbury Rhodesia.
I look forward to seeing more of your
pictures and some of the crazy stunts Landy owners get up to.
Vic Walker and my home is
Winklespruit in Natal
Vic has also done
a Land
Rover Series 3 restoration |
