OWNING AND DRIVING
Driving a Series I is a step back into the origins of Land Rover. You do everything for the car, all via big, mechanical devices, so you feel the effects of those inputs, too. On the move, no Land Rover has more character.
With no synchromesh on first and second, the art of double declutching is needed for smooth gear changes. Expect steering to wander, but 88 inch models are better, having a recirculating ball instead of the earlier worm and nut affair. The shorter the wheelbase, the choppier the ride.
Low gearing means they’re happiest under 50 mph as standard, but fitting larger tyres and overdrive will allow a 65 mph cruise. Heating is lack lustre (if fitted), so in heavy rain, expect moisture inside the car as well as out.
Off-road they will go almost everywhere a modern Land Rover will. Awareness of market value may limit your exuberance, but the car really will ‘Go Anywhere’, even 60 plus years later.
On a hot day, with the canvas rolled up as you tootle around quiet county lanes, everyone smiles and waves as you pass. You may not want to drive one on exceptionally long distances, but you’ll certainly enjoy pedalling these classics around. You’ll be equally happy bringing a project to fruition, or rattling the spanners over one in the garage for fun.