Series 2 Project - Advice Sought

Evening all,

I've been looking for a Defender 90 project for a while now, however despite my efforts (putting ads in local newspapers etc), my search remains futile and the values of Defenders, well there appears to be no stopping the ongoing increase...

As such, I've switched my plan and now considering a series 2/2A or 3, having taken a 3 out for a run recently. This was/is an ideal vehicle, however the owner sadly will not part with it.

I now have the chance of a petrol 1960 Series 2, currently sitting in a field. The truck is in a sorry state and requires a full restoration.

Can anyone give some guidance on what the truck is worth and how easy parts can be had for a Series 2?

Would it be worth the work or would the cost outweigh buying a cleaner example? I do want a project for myself and my daughter to work on in our large double garage.

Parts aren’t an issue. You can pay budget prices for mostly Indian junk copies, high prices for decent reproductions and just about anything inbetween.
Cost for a full resto will be around ten grand. Series are always worth saving but the big costs will be chassis and bulkhead, the only big steel parts on the vehicle.
It’s only worth scrap value by the looks of it but you’ll still have to pay over the odds as everyone thinks a pile of rust like that one is worth a mint.
You may be able to rescue the chassis but it could take more effort than a new galvanised one all ready to add salvaged bits to.

A second look at the photo seems to show the lack of bulkhead at all. Looks like it’s turned to dust.
It will be a huge job.

Even the steering wheel is sad

On the plus side early cars had alloy seat boxes and they tend to stand the test of time well!

Dont under estimate the cost of parts needed on top of a new chassis and bulkhead.

Early cars are always where the money is, people always want an early example, so financially wise if it was a 58 I would say it could be worth it, but a 60 maybe not so much, could still be worth a few quid in parts alone, plus that will give you and your daughter a good insight into whats involved, so buy it, strip it, price it up, shti a brick at the prices, sell the bits and make a few quid.

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I will go see it and check it out to see if it's worth it.

Looks like a headache and lot of work. Perhaps easier buying a better one.

The 3 I mentioned is perfect, middle of the road compared to this. The chap won't sell it though....