Let me tell you about this old bullet.

About 1973 vintage. I bought this for my game farm years ago and had it thoroughly serviced, replacing all the filters, oil, full lube etc etc After double checking everything with the mechanic, we set off to the farm - some 200 miles away. My son was driving and I was following in another vehicle.

Just out of town we stopped, like we alsways do just to make sure all is well before driving on. He mentioned to me that the oil does not show on the dip-stick, and I told him to add some. He added about a quart of oil. We decided that being hot, it may not show the correct level, so we carried on. About 50 miles further we stopped for gas and he checked the oil again, Again nothing on the dipstick. We added about a quart again, wary not to add too much and we pushed on. Another 60 miles or so further we stopped again, and no oild on the dip-stick. I told him to put oild until we see it on the dipstick. We added about 4 quarts, which means the enigine had been running with no oil or very little oil the whole way!

It is still running just fine today, not smoking, not using oil and showing absolutely no signs of what happened. That's tough.


On the road with no oil in the engine.


On the farm, alive and well!

There's a lovely one of those for sale just down the road from me just now.

It's a complete nut and bolt restoration and literally looks like it's just rolled out of the showroom and has about 250 kms on the clock.

Asking price is abour R120K.

Who are all these Landrover 'defenders' ....

The utility 4x4 reached its pinnacle with the diesel LandCruiser HZJ75 series, as is seen by all the serious folk who use them. Anyone who thinks a defender is tougher or more reliable than a HZJ75 doesnt climb enough shitty mountains in theirs!!

Johan,

Ya ya ya - sorry to see you have to offer your clients beer after riding in those monsters..... man i tell you its a crying shame that you treat your clients so badly by forcing them to drive in those cars....

Jokes aside, i like the cruisers - you see i never started this shy1t, you guys are jealous about not owning a land rover and always start a fight... its like going into the mens room and standing at the urinal, first guy to comment always has issues about his own size.... lol


Here is one of our landy's doing service on the farm. see all it does all week long is ferry guests around the place and it is a mean culling machine

Aubs,

That looks like a bloody nice motor.... can't see it properly but is it a Series 1? (possibly 1A?)

Good job that back tyre is only going flat at the bottom!

Some of the posts on this thread are damned funny!

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
Who are all these Landrover 'defenders' ....

The utility 4x4 reached its pinnacle with the diesel LandCruiser HZJ75 series, as is seen by all the serious folk who use them. Anyone who thinks a defender is tougher or more reliable than a HZJ75 doesnt climb enough shitty mountains in theirs!!

Matt,

The Aussie version is a lot different to the African version and that makes a big difference.

Firstly, you get that magnificent V8 diesel engine and we only get a straight 6.

We've only just got electric windows, central locking, air con, diff lock and long range tank. One might argue that some of those things might even be a step back from the original concept..... but the diff lock and V8 engine (esp) make a shit load of difference.

Hell, we only even get a choice of white or baby shit brown and nothing else.

When hunting in Kigosi with the Abdullas a couple of years ago we had 2 Cruisers and one Rover in camp. When I asked Daleal which was the best vehicle he said "it depends on wether you are a hunter or a mechanic- hunters drive Cruisers and mechanics drive the Rover." Guess what? We had plenty of problems w/ the Rover and none with the Cruisers. Dr. C

I'm glad that Aubrey didn't think I was crazy for wanting to ride in his Landy. I own a Discovery and I love it but it isn't a Defender.

Truthfully I like both the Landy and the Cruiser (although the Defender is my favorite). I am so jealous that you guys in Africa can buy either one.

I have a funny story about a Landy I saw in S. Africa. While I was out hunting I made the PH stop so I could look at this old Rover on the property. I got out and snapped some pictures and was soon on my way. Later that day we passed by it again but this time there were a couple of the local guys poking around in it. My PH translated and I found out there was something underneath the car. I got on my hands and knees to get a look at what it was. Looking back at me was a 3.5 meter monitor lizard perched on the rear axle. One of the guys started jabbering over and over in English and pointing at the lizard, "that's MY meat..that's MY meat...that's MY meat!" I smiled and backed off and the two guys proceeded to take a piece of rebar and attach some bailing wire to it. They tried to work the noose around is head and all hell broke loose. The lizard started snapping and hissing and ran further underneath the car. Eventually he worked his way to the passenger footwell. I thought this was great and was snapping pictures of him. I was looking through the viewfinder of the camera and all of a sudden the lizard came at me snapping his jaws. It happened so fast that it took me by surprise and he scrambled over the drivers door by my shoulder. One of the guys pinned him down and I was able to get some more pictures.

My PH and I were about to leave when the first guy invited me to his shack to "see the lizard he caught a week ago". I was game and we followed him back to his place. He went into the shack and pulled out this rotted carcass to show me. While I was taking his picture he proceeded to rip a hunk of meat off and put it in his mouth! I kept thinking "TIA" and shook my head.

I love to tell people about the time I went lizard fishing in a Land Rover.

As someone told me on my last trip. Land Rover discovered Africa, but Land Cruiser conquered it.

quote:

The Aussie version is a lot different to the African version and that makes a big difference.

Firstly, you get that magnificent V8 diesel engine and we only get a straight 6.

We've only just got electric windows, central locking, air con, diff lock and long range tank. One might argue that some of those things might even be a step back from the original concept..... but the diff lock and V8 engine (esp) make a shit load of difference.

Hell, we only even get a choice of white or baby shit brown and nothing else.

Thats the reason why same Tanzanian PH Import there Landcruiser straight from Australia.

Seloushunter

quote:

Originally posted by mboga biga bwana:

Thats the reason why same Tanzanian PH Import there Landcruiser straight from Australia.

Seloushunter

The reason we don't is something like 100% import tax plus VAT.

quote:

Originally posted by EB:
As someone told me on my last trip. Land Rover discovered Africa, but Land Cruiser conquered it.

Not untrue!

I also heard that the Landrover was designed in Germany during the 2nd world war and the blue prints smuggled to the Landrover factory in England.

Aubs

I have many, many hours in a Landy - don't worry! I cut my "driving teeth" in a diesel Landy from the age of 12, working on the farm ... A real bitch to drive though. Notoriously difficult to turn with probably a 100 yard turning circle. (Or so it felt anyway!)

I just like the Land Cruiser as it does the job for me out there in the wilderness. It does it consistently and reliably. It carries more load than anything in its class. They are more comfortable in the front and on the back than all other hunting cars (IF you have the OME suspension) They enough power to do what you want them to do and they are good towing vehicles. And they are fairly quiet as well. But the biggest difference of all is that you get your money back on a 'cruiser. If it is well looked after, you may even get more than you paid for it. Not many cars that one can say that about!

quote:

Originally posted by .458Aubs:
Johan,

Ya ya ya - sorry to see you have to offer your clients beer after riding in those monsters..... man i tell you its a crying shame that you treat your clients so badly by forcing them to drive in those cars....

Jokes aside, i like the cruisers - you see i never started this shy1t, you guys are jealous about not owning a land rover and always start a fight... its like going into the mens room and standing at the urinal, first guy to comment always has issues about his own size.... lol


Here is one of our landy's doing service on the farm. see all it does all week long is ferry guests around the place and it is a mean culling machine

AUBS,

you're not really going to cull those people are you??------for riding in a landy?

I wonder what Mark Sullivan drives...

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:
I wonder what Mark Sullivan drives...

That's easy. A 45-70

What I would consider a reasonably fair comparision between the two vehicles.

Video 1

Video 2

...just wondering whether the later model defenders - when LR was under bmw, and later, ford, ownership - demonstrated improved reliability, compared to earlier models...

quote:

Originally posted by JHunter:
...just wondering whether the later model defenders - when LR was under bmw, and later, ford, ownership - demonstrated improved reliability, compared to earlier models...

The Germans lost against us Brits twice before, and BMW's engineers carried on that fine German tradition!

The only car that comes dented from the factory + the steering weel is to close to the side, cant drive with the window up.
Used in Iceland from 1960-1970 because you could transport 3 person in the front seat and 5 sheep's in the back.
Get Toyota LC both the big one (100 or 200) or the barbie version (120), or the Hilux, tundra, tacoma pickup. Also good rep here is Ford F250,350 or Econoline.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

quote:

Originally posted by JHunter:
...just wondering whether the later model defenders - when LR was under bmw, and later, ford, ownership - demonstrated improved reliability, compared to earlier models...

The Germans lost against us Brits twice before, and BMW's engineers carried on that fine German tradition!

...right...so i suppose the earlier models were more reliable...

quote:

Originally posted by JHunter:
...right...so i suppose the earlier models were more reliable...

Lets just say that LandRover under BMW ownership continued to have reliability issues.

I know two people who had dreadful problems with Disco's from that era, and another who had a Defender gearbox crap out when it was under twelve months old.

I've not kept up with things since Ford and now Tata took over.

Interestly, the Wolf, which is the British Army version of the Defender XD, has supposedly exceeded reliability requirements by a factor of three while in service, but I believe these were virtually hand finished from the factory..

Regards,

Peter

Dogcat - you are right. Here in the States the Landrover is THE preppy, yuppie vehicle. Living out here in the Rockie Mountains, if you drive a Range Rover, Discovery or Defender 90 up a ranch/farm road to ask the rancher/farmer permission to bird hunt, you'd better be prepared for an enthusiastic....NO! That's why when I shop around for a place to hunt, I always drive my Chevy 3/4 ton pickup, wearing my Carhart jacket, flannel shirt, and a feed cap on my head. I'm no dummy!

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Personally I own a '94 Land Cruiser ("G" wagon I think the Afrcans call them) I love it.Mark

Me too, but a 1997 40th Anniversary Ed.

First the Bombay Saphire, now this.

I can't, for the life of me, figure out why those modern Landcruiser pickups aren't available here. The only 'cuisers sold in the states are candyassed SUVes for housewives to go to the grocery store and such. The Tundra pickups aren't 'Cruisers either.

Can any of you see a man with a name like "Aubrey Kent" driving anything other than the original British 4x4. I cant.

Aubs, I am with you on the Land Rovers. I think they are great. Then again I drive cars that I find appealing, not just for functionality. I only wish they would put the v8 petrol engine back in the defender again.

I was always a motorcycle fan and used to go touring all over the countryside. I rode everything from Honda to KTM to Yamaha, all the while working my way up to the pinnacle of touring machines, the BMW GS. Well when I finally bought the beamer it was great for the first few months, but it was just so damn boring. Sure there was no oil on my boots but it was a bit like riding a cow instead of a bronco.
Then one hot day in Oman, I was stuck at a loose end and wanted to rent a bike to go to the mountains, could not find one for love or money. I finally ended up in a Harley Davidson dealership at 4pm. Longs story short, but in return for a 3000 word article in a local rag he lends me a 1200 sportster (cheap harley), I spent the next 4 days doing just over 3000km and had the ride of my life. Sent that Harley up mountain passes, through river beds and went all the way up the Wadi etc. It never missed a beat and was economical too.
I think that the harley and the LR have a similar attraction for me now, they are just vehicles that pull at the heart strings, all be it at the pocket too. Land Rover drivers will know what I mean...

By the way, that plane in the picture, what is it.
Cheers
Ian

[/QUOTE]

AUBS,

you're not really going to cull those people are you??------for riding in a landy? [/QUOTE]

Ummm yup - its my mother in law driving with friends of her.... ha ha ha

Ian i know what you mean, i really love my landies, i have 4. sure there are better cars out there but they have a spot under the armour. the trick to a landy is servicing it every 5000km, oil and filters - you do that you dont have any kak

Its a King Air 200

If there is no oil leak in a landrover, there's no oil.
Me I take a Jet ranger any day

quote:

Its a King Air 200

Is that the cooler box strapped under it? If yes then it really is the "king" air

quote:

Originally posted by Molepolole:
Dogcat - you are right. Here in the States the Landrover is THE preppy, yuppie vehicle. Living out here in the Rockie Mountains, if you drive a Range Rover, Discovery or Defender 90 up a ranch/farm road to ask the rancher/farmer permission to bird hunt, you'd better be prepared for an enthusiastic....NO! That's why when I shop around for a place to hunt, I always drive my Chevy 3/4 ton pickup, wearing my Carhart jacket, flannel shirt, and a feed cap on my head. I'm no dummy!

That's funny...

An Anglophile mate drives a '80 model Defender. Whenever I go round his house I always enquire what is currently wrong with the Landy. He gets quite upset when I ask the question but then he has to tell me what IS currently wrong with it!!!! Usually it is some electrical fault or another...

hello all, new to this so just checking if this works before i post a couple more!

good stuff, that works!

I have been lurking around here for about 2 years, only registered a couple of weeks ago. i am definately a fan of defenders and own two, thought i would post some pics, enjoy!
[IMG]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae315/timbakile/th_IMG_7660.jpg"> [/IMG]
[IMG]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae315/timbakile/th_IMG_7659.jpg"> [/IMG]
[IMG]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae315/timbakile/th_P1050290.jpg"> [/IMG]
[IMG]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae315/timbakile/th_DSCF0006.jpg"> [/IMG]

obviously not very good at this! lets try again

[IMG]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae315/timbakile/th_DSCF0006.jpg"> [/IMG]

And from the Yahoo homepage today," Autos to Avoid:"
"Land Rover LR4

Last year’s LR3 is redesigned for 2010 to provide greater on-road performance and more intuitive controls. However, auto writers point out that the LR4's lackluster city/highway fuel economy (12/17 mpg), Land Rover's poor reputation for reliability and high sticker price significantly detract from its overall value. And while it’s a superior off-road performer, it’s highly unlikely that anyone would take an SUV this expensive and luxurious over rough terrain. The LR4 ranks near the bottom of the Luxury Midsize SUV class.

MSRP: $47,250 - $47,250"

quote:

you do that you dont have any kak

But you still have 4 Landies, so technically you still have kak...

quote:

Originally posted by TrapperP:
And from the Yahoo homepage today," Autos to Avoid:"
"Land Rover LR4

Last year’s LR3 is redesigned for 2010 to provide greater on-road performance and more intuitive controls. However, auto writers point out that the LR4's lackluster city/highway fuel economy (12/17 mpg), Land Rover's poor reputation for reliability and high sticker price significantly detract from its overall value. And while it’s a superior off-road performer, it’s highly unlikely that anyone would take an SUV this expensive and luxurious over rough terrain. The LR4 ranks near the bottom of the Luxury Midsize SUV class.

MSRP: $47,250 - $47,250"

...unfortunately, more negative publicity for LR...this blurb just came out today as well (below)...i would have thought the financial backing of bmw/ford/tata could have improved the reliability issue for what is otherwise a widely-acknowledged paradigm off-roader...

(Yahoo - CNN) "...As a result, British carmaker Land Rover had the highest proportion of complaints relative to the number of cars it sold. The company received 0.6% of the total complaints in the database, while its sales amounted to only 0.1% of all new cars sold in the United States..."