Remember my Late Dad driving these with the local ta unit, use to bring it home, and once when it was snowing, pulled in these car park which was full, he spotted a big pile of snow and he said that's mine and parked on top. The looks we got, been today would have folk filming it.
I had a 24v one for about 10 years with a Sankey trailer and went to military shows with it absolutely loved it, unfortunately it was stolen with the trailer and burnt out to say I was gutted is an understatement.
I wanted an ex army Defender for a long time, finally bought a 110 Tithonus (poor man's wolf) had it 6 years and not regretted it once. They are bumpy, especially when empty, noisy and damp in the winter (mines soft top) but take off the roof and door tops in summer and it's a whole different thing. The only vehicle I've owned that gets thumbs up from all walks of life, bits are cheap, it's OK on fuel and handy for moving furniture and junk. Buy one, there will soon be a time when you simply won't be allowed to use one on the road without some horrid electric motor, now is the time! 👍
My first car after passing my test was a series 2a light weight, which I eventually swapped for a mini pickup, until I realised that low noise, being dry and going faster wasn’t for me. Ive just bought another 2a that’s the same age as me - both born in 1968! Bit of a project for the future.
You look REALLY comfy in there Stewart! ;) I'd never seen a lightweight until I went to the Falklands, but they were a real fixture for the locals, but was never entirely convinced I liked them.... though a short wheel base soft top Wolf we had as a loaner whilst our 110 was being pulled out of a ditch did take my fancy! Though apparently my slightly tweaked and uprated 90 doesn't fit your proper land rover criteria, so you won't want it :(
You can always mount a spare on any LR bonnet… although it will be a struggle for most to get it off in the event of a puncture! It wasn’t the most comfortable drive but better than I first feared. It already had the thinnest of seats so without modifying the structural bulkhead behind there wouldn’t be a lot I could do to make it roomier. Thanks for watching and commenting Scott.
I can understand the Jeep choice but more often than not for me it's nostalgia and the design - probably why I have a Lotus Esprit (not great for tall people) rather than a 911! Thanks for watching 👍👍
@@SportsandGT it’s should have been nostalgia for me I passed my test in the Army in a series 2A😂……..but I realised then I was cramped and im only 5’-11” 😎
My Series III Lightweight self centres the steering wheel and steers in a straight line without the need for constant correction. I'm guessing the tracking is out, or the spring bushes need changing or something like that. That example is a nice looking vehicle but some of the details are a bit off, making me think it has been done up to look pretty, ready to sell, rather than having been maintained by an enthusiast.
Best car I've ever owned, s111 l/w, easy to fix, great fun to drive (when I was in my 20's) not sure I could live with one now getting into the wrong side of 50 lol, but I would love to own one as a 2nd car for weekend fun.
An hour’s drive is nothing. Fellas drive series Landrovers across the Tanami regularly. I have a restored 1978 army one, which is my preferred ride up and down the coast. The Lightweight is very valuable here in AUS but the 109 is more common, as well as the Isuzu engined Perentie of Bush Tucker Man fame of course.
The hour’s drive was more to do with my dimensions being larger than average and having to contort my legs into the cab! If I were shorter or had more space… different story 😂 Thanks for watching. 👍🏻
It just needs domesticating a little. Stick in a well sorted rover v8, a decent set of BFG all terrains, a smaller steering wheel, a set of parabolic springs, a nice comfortable pair of front seats and lots of sound proofing. (Keep all the original stuff in case you want to put it back to original spec later.) Result, a super cool head turner of a landy that's a joy to drive.
Always amazes me when people get in an old Land Rover and an ex military one and complain about it ! It was built for a purpose and not to impress people , if you want comfort buy a car !
@@SportsandGT I think it's because they also appeal to military vehicle enthusiasts so it's a wider buying demographic. Bit like LR fire engines, often owned by folk not into LRs as such.
I'm 1.98 with long legs - as you saw I managed to drive it but probably couldn't comfortably for very long. You can remove or modify the bulkhead behind the seats and fit a brace bar. That would allow you to fit seats further back.
@@SportsandGT I tried it all in a series but its just not possible. I owe a 1978 2 door Range Rover that has more space inside. Old Landys are designed when all people were max 1.70 m high.
Sadly there are too many "Frankenstein's Monsters" on sale at extortionate prices. "Brand new canvas hood" (incorrect civvy type that fits badly). Same with civvy lights that adorn most these days as they're dirt cheap compared to the correct items.. Most are tarted up to look good, but lack severely in detail. "Totally Original" is a term I see a lot , but then notice all the (£cheap) none original parts and have to chuckle to myself. I noticed the cheap civilian lights,incorrect , badly fitting ordinary series 3 canvas (too short over the tailgate and too deep at the sides), the later incorrect rear axle, total lack of hardware and tools on the tailgate on the example you'r driving. No doubt this vehicle is also touted as being original with a hefty price tag to boot. Minimum outlay, maximum profit .
Yes very few authentic ones. I guess a combination of them being worked hard (abused) in service and being very easy to work on and modify means that you get more decoration than originality. To a fan of the design (e.g. me), they still look great - to a collector, different story.
A good question. Largely it is because I am doing this on my own. If I had a second person there could be shots of the vehicle going down the road or passing by.
Its a vehicle of War!!! It was built to die in, and not for comfort or some mamby-pamby civilian to mince about in!!! The suspension is solid to accommodate a crew of fully equipped Paras or Marines about 19 years old. It certainly aint for anyone who like Sports or GT Cars!!!!! Lol. Air-Cadets...that explains it all!!!!!!! Lmfao!!!
I’m not disagreeing with you, it’s a vehicle designed for a rough job and I’d still happily own one - but I’d put money on those 19 year old troops beefing about the ride back in the day too!
Check-out the little girl, who knows Jack-shxt of what he is talking about!!!! Lol. It was designed to be chucked out of an Airplane or Helicopter in a theater of War, go buy an EV its more you!!!! Lol.
had one for twenty five years , though sadly its spent the last ten sitting on blocks on the drive,,i keep meaning to get it back on the road but never seem to have the money
Remember my Late Dad driving these with the local ta unit, use to bring it home, and once when it was snowing, pulled in these car park which was full, he spotted a big pile of snow and he said that's mine and parked on top. The looks we got, been today would have folk filming it.
Haha - great memories.
My wife drove our first one at 7 months pregnant! Doctor said "do NOT drive it any more!" She ignored her and carried on :) Owned 3 and love them 🖕
Haha - what a lady!
I had a 24v one for about 10 years with a Sankey trailer and went to military shows with it absolutely loved it, unfortunately it was stolen with the trailer and burnt out to say I was gutted is an understatement.
Oh no, that’s awful. I think the Sankey suits the lightweight more than it does the standard series Landies.
I wanted an ex army Defender for a long time, finally bought a 110 Tithonus (poor man's wolf) had it 6 years and not regretted it once. They are bumpy, especially when empty, noisy and damp in the winter (mines soft top) but take off the roof and door tops in summer and it's a whole different thing. The only vehicle I've owned that gets thumbs up from all walks of life, bits are cheap, it's OK on fuel and handy for moving furniture and junk.
Buy one, there will soon be a time when you simply won't be allowed to use one on the road without some horrid electric motor, now is the time! 👍
Absolutely - thanks for watching.
My first car after passing my test was a series 2a light weight, which I eventually swapped for a mini pickup, until I realised that low noise, being dry and going faster wasn’t for me. Ive just bought another 2a that’s the same age as me - both born in 1968! Bit of a project for the future.
What a great first car!
I served and drove one of these Beauties from 1975 to 1984 (changed in 1978) how I would have loved it privately ❤
Thank you - yes they are special to many who have served.
nearly 14, my dad has one ive driven it down on the land , great fun!
Starting early, well done!
Thanks for sharing - just reminded me of the interminable hours spend driving the LW in NI & N Yorks moors. Leg room aside, its worth a purchase!
If I had the space, I’d have one in a heartbeat - just to look at if I couldn’t drive it far! Thanks for watching.
She is a beauty… 😍
Greetings from Germany everybody 👋
Vielen Dank!
@@SportsandGT my pleasure 😇
I started with a s11a at 15 years old still driving a 300tdi defender now at 57 yrs , would love a light weight
Nice. It’s an itch I’m sure I’ll have to scratch someday.
I owned a 1983 series 3 lightweight for many years crap to drive but I loved it
That seems to be the theme - people love them for what they are.
Of course!!! For me, is a great car
For what it is, it does it well.
You look REALLY comfy in there Stewart! ;) I'd never seen a lightweight until I went to the Falklands, but they were a real fixture for the locals, but was never entirely convinced I liked them.... though a short wheel base soft top Wolf we had as a loaner whilst our 110 was being pulled out of a ditch did take my fancy! Though apparently my slightly tweaked and uprated 90 doesn't fit your proper land rover criteria, so you won't want it :(
You can always mount a spare on any LR bonnet… although it will be a struggle for most to get it off in the event of a puncture! It wasn’t the most comfortable drive but better than I first feared. It already had the thinnest of seats so without modifying the structural bulkhead behind there wouldn’t be a lot I could do to make it roomier. Thanks for watching and commenting Scott.
I love the lightweights…. But like you a bit tight for comfort… so I had a m38-A1 jeep……much better for bigger guys and a cool tool to boot😎👌🏽
I can understand the Jeep choice but more often than not for me it's nostalgia and the design - probably why I have a Lotus Esprit (not great for tall people) rather than a 911! Thanks for watching 👍👍
@@SportsandGT it’s should have been nostalgia for me I passed my test in the Army in a series 2A😂……..but I realised then I was cramped and im only 5’-11” 😎
@lick8946 I did a FMT600 check-drive in a Defender 90 - with combat boots on - even that was challenging but it was an experience!
My Series III Lightweight self centres the steering wheel and steers in a straight line without the need for constant correction. I'm guessing the tracking is out, or the spring bushes need changing or something like that.
That example is a nice looking vehicle but some of the details are a bit off, making me think it has been done up to look pretty, ready to sell, rather than having been maintained by an enthusiast.
You may be right. It was prettied up by John Brown 4x4.
@@SportsandGT Oh dear. To say they don't get the best compliments on the Land Rover forums it's a bit of an understatement.
@@gshort4707 Ah, I see.
@@DM-ur8vc 😅
I was surprised by that comment too. My 109 straightens up beautifully and thank God or I’d be flapping about like a lunatic 😆
Best car I've ever owned, s111 l/w, easy to fix, great fun to drive (when I was in my 20's) not sure I could live with one now getting into the wrong side of 50 lol, but I would love to own one as a 2nd car for weekend fun.
I hear you - I'd love to have one too
Did you buy it? I’ve always loved how they look.
Not this time… one day.
An hour’s drive is nothing. Fellas drive series Landrovers across the Tanami regularly. I have a restored 1978 army one, which is my preferred ride up and down the coast. The Lightweight is very valuable here in AUS but the 109 is more common, as well as the Isuzu engined Perentie of Bush Tucker Man fame of course.
The hour’s drive was more to do with my dimensions being larger than average and having to contort my legs into the cab! If I were shorter or had more space… different story 😂 Thanks for watching. 👍🏻
It just needs domesticating a little. Stick in a well sorted rover v8, a decent set of BFG all terrains, a smaller steering wheel, a set of parabolic springs, a nice comfortable pair of front seats and lots of sound proofing. (Keep all the original stuff in case you want to put it back to original spec later.)
Result, a super cool head turner of a landy that's a joy to drive.
I can see why you’d do that, and many have, but I love the unadulterated look more. Thanks for watching.
Always amazes me when people get in an old Land Rover and an ex military one and complain about it ! It was built for a purpose and not to impress people , if you want comfort buy a car !
Not sure I was complaining but I get your point - it's a tool for a job. That said, I'm pretty sure the military used to complain about them too! 😉
We have one of these here in Maneybhanjyang, Darjeeling india ❤️❤️
Wow - I wonder if the army brought it in or whether it was imported privately
I've just found a photo of it - Singalila Land Rovers have one WB 77 2794 - they also have lots of much older Series 1 Land Rovers 👍
I do like a lightweight but the prices are crazy, way up over a standard 88" in the same condition.
I guess it comes down to there being fewer lightweights and they’re more likely to have had a notable history to be worth preserving.
@@SportsandGT I think it's because they also appeal to military vehicle enthusiasts so it's a wider buying demographic. Bit like LR fire engines, often owned by folk not into LRs as such.
@@onetonlandrover yes, a slightly different buyer profile
They ride a lot better with some weight in the rear as the suspension was designed for.
True - dealing with speed bumps whilst empty was never in the design brief! 😂
Absolutely the coolest series LR. But being 1.90 m tall and long legs its a no go for me sadly.
I'm 1.98 with long legs - as you saw I managed to drive it but probably couldn't comfortably for very long. You can remove or modify the bulkhead behind the seats and fit a brace bar. That would allow you to fit seats further back.
@@SportsandGT I tried it all in a series but its just not possible. I owe a 1978 2 door Range Rover that has more space inside. Old Landys are designed when all people were max 1.70 m high.
Sadly there are too many "Frankenstein's Monsters" on sale at extortionate prices. "Brand new canvas hood" (incorrect civvy type that fits badly). Same with civvy lights that adorn most these days as they're dirt cheap compared to the correct items.. Most are tarted up to look good, but lack severely in detail. "Totally Original" is a term I see a lot , but then notice all the (£cheap) none original parts and have to chuckle to myself. I noticed the cheap civilian lights,incorrect , badly fitting ordinary series 3 canvas (too short over the tailgate and too deep at the sides), the later incorrect rear axle, total lack of hardware and tools on the tailgate on the example you'r driving. No doubt this vehicle is also touted as being original with a hefty price tag to boot. Minimum outlay, maximum profit .
Yes very few authentic ones. I guess a combination of them being worked hard (abused) in service and being very easy to work on and modify means that you get more decoration than originality. To a fan of the design (e.g. me), they still look great - to a collector, different story.
depends on what you want mate,,i modded mine with parabolic springs and added a fairy overdrive and free wheeling hubs
@@billrand4138 there will always be owners looking for perfect originality but others who want their classics to be more usable, and why not?
Just for scale could you tell us how tall you are?
@@florencethompson1352 I’m 6’6” (198cm) with long legs!
I love series Land rovers (owned 4 myself) but let’s be honest they are awful to drive.
Haha - true, they weren’t built for comfort and handling but I think they look great.
Why o way do you film yourself when it is about the car?
A good question. Largely it is because I am doing this on my own. If I had a second person there could be shots of the vehicle going down the road or passing by.
I find it more engaging to see a human on the screen now and then. Please make some content of your own if you can do better.
Its a vehicle of War!!! It was built to die in, and not for comfort or some mamby-pamby civilian to mince about in!!! The suspension is solid to accommodate a crew of fully equipped Paras or Marines about 19 years old. It certainly aint for anyone who like Sports or GT Cars!!!!! Lol. Air-Cadets...that explains it all!!!!!!! Lmfao!!!
I’m not disagreeing with you, it’s a vehicle designed for a rough job and I’d still happily own one - but I’d put money on those 19 year old troops beefing about the ride back in the day too!
Check out the Alpha Male.
@@JonLawes79 don’t they drive Hummers? 😉
Check-out the little girl, who knows Jack-shxt of what he is talking about!!!! Lol. It was designed to be chucked out of an Airplane or Helicopter in a theater of War, go buy an EV its more you!!!! Lol.
@@jonwelderbeast.438 nice tank btw
had one for twenty five years , though sadly its spent the last ten sitting on blocks on the drive,,i keep meaning to get it back on the road but never seem to have the money
A common issue for many classic owners
@@SportsandGT lol ,just spent #500 on an exhaust for my range rover classic
@@billrand4138 I’ve been forking out on parts for the Esprit of late… eye watering!