Defender leg (or lack of) room ?

I've a '72 Rangie with totally rotten body beyond saving but sound chassis.
I'm going to build a hybrid but not normal way as chassis will remain 100% standard / original to keep DVLA happy and also so I have the option of refitting a two door RRC shell - if I can ever find one worth restoring !

Sitting in the remains of the RRC "cab" today I can see plenty of leg / foot room so pedal box could be moved inwards a couple of inches. If the steering wheel could also be moved inwards as well (cann't see any reason why not) then it'd create a decent amount of elbow room even at Defender body width.
Why then is a Defender such a crap driving position (for me when ever I've been in one) with arm and shoulder catching door frame and hand constantly been threatened with skinned knuckles due to closeness of wheel to door ?
Is it the LT95 is a lot slimmer than LT77 / R380 ?

Paul H

I think it'll have more to do with the position of the front seat's than the width of the gear box. I've yet to see a Rangie with a front center seat

Personally I love the driving position and I'm 6' admittedly it's more comfortable to drive with the window open

the new fenders are even worse.

goonarmy said:

the new fenders are even worse.

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I'd heard that.

I think it's cos they've tried to make it like a Disco inside

its the focus vents they put in.