I've owned quite a lot of cars and I can honestly saying the 1982 Land Rover I used as a daily driver for over a year had the biggest 'grin' factor by far.
It was slow, uncomfortable and noisy. The steering was vaguer thanthe the tonkatruck I had as a kidandthe gearbox felt like stirring soup. Nooneelsecould drive the beast apart from me,as each gear had to be 'nicked' into position. If youdidn't know where the nick was, it was,well- undriveable. A sort of basic number locking pin code, if you will.The playin the steering wheel was laughable and aconstant source of amusement for any passengers as I tossed the wheel from side to side with no noticeable affecton the actual direction ofthe vehicle.
The dashboard was surprisingly functional. It had a giant cubby hole for storing all sorts of useless items and old dog leadsplus two flaps which served as air conditioning. Addin the hazard and main light switch (think Messerschmitt)and you've got what compromised a dashboard in 1982 agricultural Britain. There is no CD or tape player, which is just as well, because you wouldn't hear anything over the immense roar of the engine. The windows at the front are sliding, meaning you can rest your elbowon the ledgeto create the perfect driving position. In way of information you got a speedometer which goes up to 60mph and two lightsto indicate whether the main or dipped beam is on. Why can't modern cars be this simple?
The model I had was an 88' SWB, meaning no seats in the back, unless you count side facing benches. The side opening rear door and bare metal rear compartment was perfect for chucking anything in, since it was indestructable and covered in scratches already. It could easily sit up to four burly men, or a years worth of old scrap. In the way of maintenances watch out for oil leaks and piston ring deterioration which can cause smoky startups. I replaced the alternator once, after a few cold starting problems, and the rear crossmember needed some welding for an MOT. It never broke down and boy did I abuse it.
The style of the Series 3 and indeed its sucessor, the Defender,toa lesser degree, is iconic. Everyone knows whata Land Rover looks like. Poor people drive them and rich lords drive them too. It simply gives nothing away and is the perfect example of an ageless classic. The design has changed little in 50 years but Land Rover are scheduled to end Defender production in 2012. It will certainly be the end of an era.
Today Ihave the chance to relive the past and pilot a 1981 diesel model, bought recently by a work colleague. The exterior is tidy,considering these vehicles are nowover 25years old and the interior is the same as every old Land Rover - damp, cold, run down but still does its job.
But onto the driving experience, which I likento navigatinga giant steel boat permanently stuckin turbulent seas. Aflick of the key and the 2.5ltr naturallyaspirateddiesel monster springs into life. Even at idle, it's noisier than most modern cars at 70mph. We surge down the road as the 65bhp engine feels faster than it actually is. This is probably because of theboneshaking ride provided by the hopelessly inadequate yet indestructableleaf sprung suspension. Utilitarian isthe word I'd use. The engine pootles nicely round town andcan still keep upwith modern traffic (roadsweren't so clogged up 30years ago). The dreaded drumbrake fade is still evident butthey do the job,as you never really havetime to pick up enough speedto get yourselfinto trouble. If you're worried about fuel economy, don't buy one of these. Youcouldrun a small African country on the same budget. Realistically, estimate andplan for between 18 and 22 mpg. Fuel consumption at topendspeeds is diabolical; thesetwoton monstersweren't exactly designed for motorway cruising.
There is no denying the fun factor is still there though, judging by the number ofwaveswe receive on our short journey. I'mgrinning by the time it's all over and although I couldn't live with once as a daily driver these days, it'sstillso very tempting as a second car. A very good example with lots of history can be picked up for around 1500 pounds.
Listen to your head and you won't be buying one of these anytime soon. But listen to your heart and you'll be driving one to work tomorrow.