Series 2 or Series 3

Hi everyone.
I am new to the Zone and a new Landy owner (to be).
I have been longing for an old Landy for years and I have just been offered two! one is a 1962 Series 2 and the other a Series 3 1980.
Both look pretty good, the 1980 has a full Safari roof which looks great.
Both are around £8k
Which is a better long term buy, the series 2 or the 3?
Cheers

Think it depends on the overall condition of both. If one is petrol, I'd go for that, they're more refined in my opinion.
Both very basic but the 3 might have servo brakes etc. Nothing wrong with either if well maintained

Ive got a series 3 but if given a choice Id have a series 2, I love the look of the headlights inboard, but it would have to have a decent chassis and bulkhead. Welcome to landyzone if you can post any pics we will be glad to give better advice.

Col

Yeah - go with whichever one has its chassis / bulkhead in best nick. Pretty much everything else can be fixed or replaced but take it from me there’s nowt more depressing than watching your chassis rot from under you while you keep everything else in good order - there’s only so much patching and part chassis replacement you can do unless you get the money and space to rebuild on a galvanised one

Welcome to the forum.
Having owned both, and has been said, chassis and bulkhead condition are the deciding factor.
Also, as I'm finding out to my cost, check the condition of the a,b,c pillars and cills.
If you are not worried and have money to throw into a bottomless pit, buy either one blind and just go for it!

I have a 1974 Series 3 SWB. I love it. However, I'd probably go for the Series 2 if the condition is the same. As others have said, chassis and bulkhead condition are key, but also petrol or diesel. My preference would always be petrol in a Series. You say it is a Safari roof - if it is an original Series 3 Station Wagon, these are getting sought after. Of course it depends on whether you want to go for the canvas roof/open top option (as i did, when I bought my hard top Series 3). If so, having a great station wagon roof is less important. Good luck - either one will be great fun.

Run. Run now before your life is destroyed

Your question should be about 3-4 on a buyer list...

Look at them in this order....

1) Galv Chassis and bulkhead (if poor, and at £8K these shouldn't be, walk away)
2) It seems Diesel is set for its deserved kicking, petrol if you can.
3) Then when all else is equal, S2 if you can. It'll be more long-term collectable. Hold its value etc. My choice would be a late headlamps in wings 2A, But that's me. Most want headlamps in grill.
4) Don't overlook the 109, slightly cheaper, aside from the truly ridicuous turning-circle, actually truly practical. Owners of 88s will pretend an 88 is too, it isn't really.

An S2 with galved everyhting might not be £8K. If you can't get 1 right. take the S3 all day long.

You can buy diesel and swap to petrol. Better to buy petrol from the off. Petrol lumps are getting VERY pricey and diesels are er... not, You'll struggle to sell a 2.25 diesel at much over scrap. 2.25 petrol sell at £1500+ if it's any good.

On your budget, with 1) AND with a 2.5 Petrol, 17H, I doubt you'll get one.

As others have said, level of rot between the 2 would be the most important, but petrol over diesel anytime for me, I sold my Defender td5 and bought a 2a to move away from diesel. Series 2s are generally worth more than 3s when in similar condition. Remember you can always change roofs etc. too.

Each have a different centre of gravity. To find the absolute centre simply drop a half inch socket.

I find an 88 near undriveable. If you're tall, you'll want a 109, A good 3-4 inches more leg-room. If it's an 88 you're after, some say they manage, but better you're not nearing a six footer or inside leg at 32-34" or greater.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

As you can see from my driveway, I opted for the Series 3 Safari Station Wagon.

She needs a bit of electrical work, but I have fallen in love already. I find myself just standing there looking at her!

109SeriesIIA said:

I find an 88 near undriveable. If you're tall, you'll want a 109, A good 3-4 inches more leg-room. If it's an 88 you're after, some say they manage, but better you're not nearing a six footer or inside leg at 32-34" or greater.

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My 88 works for me. I’m 6’ 4” and around 20 stone.

Southy01 said:

Thank you everyone for your advice.

As you can see from my driveway, I opted for the Series 3 Safari Station Wagon.

She needs a bit of electrical work, but I have fallen in love already. I find myself just standing there looking at her!View attachment 274590 View attachment 274591

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The long slippery slope. I wish you well and prey for your mental well-being.

That looks nice, as if previous Owner gave it some love.

I take it its nice and solid under and you weren't blinded by the good looks.

J

I would get that spare off the door as it will wreck the door pdq.

marjon said:

That looks nice, as if previous Owner gave it some love.

I take it its nice and solid under and you weren't blinded by the good looks.

J

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As if. He did what the rest of us did. A back pocket full of money and a head full of dreams.

Bobsticle said:

As if. He did what the rest of us did. A back pocket full of money and a head full of dreams.

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Speak for yourself. Never had a pocket full of money.

Yeah I know "its not surprising with all your landys".
I will have you know the chassis I tap has a nice ring to her.

J

Bobsticle said:

As if. He did what the rest of us did. A back pocket full of money and a head full of dreams.

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Spot on!!

But WTF!

Who cares, (apart from the Mrs!!)

lynall said:

I would get that spare off the door as it will wreck the door pdq.

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Thanks, will do! I prefer the look of the bonnet mounted spare anyway.