This Land Rover was recently listed in the Barn Finds Classified and it is one cool machine! Reader John P is the seller of this rare pop-top and he emailed us wondering if we had any thoughts on his pricing. Because of how rare it is, he hasn’t been able to find anything to compare it to. Given what it is, we thought we would take a closer look and get your opinions on what a good asking price should be. You can find his ad here on craigslist in Davis, California with a current asking price of $8,500.
Camper Conversion fans might recognize what makes this Landie special at first glance, but for those that don’t know, this Series IIA is equipped with the Dormobile conversion. Dormobile is still going in the UK and makes camper top conversions for Land Rovers and Volkswagons, but they don’t seem to be selling their complete kits here in the States. John’s conversion is definitely an older one, but it looks to be complete and in ok shape. You can get new gaskets and parts from Dormobile still, but getting them shipped over could get pricey.
Besides the nifty pop-top that would make this the ultimate safari rig, this Land Rover was also optioned with the 2.6 liter inline 6 and overdrive. At 94 horsepower, it’s definitely an upgrade over the 77 horsepower 4 cylinder, but it will still struggle to keep up with modern traffic. That’s alright though, once you are in the wilderness you will be able to go places most modern vehicles can only dream of going and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the sights for a while!
Putting a value on this Land Rover is a bit of a challenge. So would say that the Dormobile conversion adds value, while others might say it hurts it. Personally, I think it’s a cool feature to have and makes it more desirable. The real issue though isn’t with the conversion, but with the condition issues. There are some rust problems to be dealt with, but that’s not uncommon with these 4x4s. Take a closer look at it though and let us know what you think it’s worth as it sits!
Our thanks to John for posting it! If you have an interesting classic that needs a new home, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds.
I owned an 88 and a 109, and my biggest complaint with these trucks on the highway, is solved by the bigger engine and the overdrive installed in this unit. I really liked them as a utility vehicle, and can see why someone that enjoys getting into the back country would thoroughly enjoy roughing it in this old beast.
Normally, the only place where rust can cause problems, is the frame, and the simple construction makes repairing this type of rust a reasonable expenditure.
If I wanted a back country camper, I certainly wouldn’t have a problem buying this vehicle, assuming that he would be willing to dicker on the price.
Bob
Just the thing to refurbish, mechanically, and then drive from Beautiful Downtown Davis to Tierra Del Fuego (and back!).
When you’re on the freeway and hear Pop Goes the Weasel, pull over immediately.
Terri Ann Wakefield is the Dean of Dormobiles. She can tell you what it’s worth. They are highly collectable.
We had two Land Rivers years ago when I was a kid, a 1964 88 soft top and a 1965 88 Wagon. Both seemed fun riding in and they served a purpose. Back then they were difficult to get parts for and expensive and both were under powered from what I remember. Those were the complaints I remember my dad and mom talking about. I couldn’t imagine the difficulty in getting parts fir them today. The other issue with this unit is it is a right hand drive and this may deter a lot of possible buyers. There are a lot of weak components especially the axle shafts, they shear fairly easy. With my experience I think what his current asking price is not out of line since there is a big following for them. I just wouldn’t want one setup like this for my use.
having a hard time seeing where this motor in the picture is a 6 cyl , !
Look at the exhaust manifold, there are two cylinders behind the distributor.
1. The 6cyl doesn’t do much better then the 4cyl due to the added weight. 2. I think the camper convention is more useful on a two door 109. 3. Right hand drive is fun except when you go through a drive through/ toll road and parallel parking. 4. Everything mechanical will need work/replaced ($10k) if you do it all yourself. I’ve had four series Landrover’s and rebuilt them all, $7,000 max
“What we have here is…” classic flipper talk.
I am the seller. I’ve known the Landie for 13 years, always tried to get the PO to do something with it, restore it, put it inside, sell it.I gave up years ago, 3 weeks ago he said, “come get it” and gave me a decent price on it. I am not a car flipper, Indeed, my first thought was to make a go of it.. But, it’d be behind my Big Healey, GTV, various Volvos, etc. So I’m selling it to someone who loves it. Yes, I’m going to make some money, but, at least it’s no longer rotting away in a storage yard.
-John
John, any chance you still have this Land Rover. Please email me if you do. Thanks, Ben