Rob David's Land Rover SWB Series IIA

This was the first 4wd Rob purchased. It was in March 1976 and was an EX Army SWB Series IIA (1964 ) which had done 48,000 miles. The first trip was to the Dargo High Plains, followed by trips to the Grampians and then to the Flinder's Ranges.

Late in 1977 Rob joined the Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria and then the Range Rover Club (formed by one of his dad's friends).With these two clubs he went on many trips around Victoria as well as longer Inter State trips.

Some photos from these trips:

Two of the trips were a Crossing of the Simpson Desert in September 1979 and a trip to Cape York in August 1981.The old Landie preformed well and rarely let him down. The only problem Rob had on the Simpson Desert trip was a broken Generator wire on the way home.

For the Cape York Trip, Rob rebuilt the Suspension with LWB Springs in the rear as well as rebuilding the front end and diff. He also installed LWB Brakes in the front .The only problems he had were a broken rear U Bolt and a faulty Starter motor - not bad compared to some of the problems other more modern 4wd's had on the trip.

Over the 7 years of ownership the only major expenses were a clutch ,broken rear diff, numerous twisted axle half shafts and a broken main leaf in a front spring. It was a very impressive 4wd in the bush but very slow on the highway.

Rob comments that one of the advantages of owning a Series Land Rover is that you can almost fix anything with a big hammer and an adjustable spanner!!

Thanks Rob.