107" and 109" Basics were always less common than 88's.

You had to have a need for one and not everyone had that need.

For most of my 55 years as a Land Rover enthusiast, the LWB variant was always less popular.

I have owned LWB versions in all three Series, and they were always cheaper to buy and sold for less than the 88".

This attitude has only changed in more recent years, as people have come to appreciate the longer vehicle.

For instance Series One 107" Station Wagons were considered "ugly" for years.  Now they are one of the most sought after Series Ones - and considered beautiful!

Fashions change - and will continue to change.

For instance, with the early-sliding window One Tens, it is currently all about "County" Station Wagons.
Non-Countys, despite being much rarer, are not sought after.

Which is why I have one.....

Quote from: 2DieselMan on May 18, 2024, 07:23 PMOn Exile's 1959 diesel the Sparto Indicators fitted look like the later Sparto indicator style - the attached photo showing the original Sparto light assemblies.   
 

Exile as I believe a lot of SII Land Rover's left the Factory and Dealerships without Indicators maybe the Sparto indicators on your SII were fitted later?   

I bought the vehicle from the first owner's son, who had grown up with the vehicle for 50 years.

He told me that his father ordered every conceivable extra from the factory when he ordered it. The dash and auxiliary panels do look as though they were painted at the same time (see photo) and there is no primer under the aux panels, which is the case when these are sent out as spare parts for later fitment.

However, I will see if I can find a date on the vaccuum switch.

I would conclude that the indicator system is factory fitted, but that the lenses may be later replacements.

I wonder if they chose Spartos again, because they have the same size base?

You are correct Craig, that is a lot of glass.
Fortunately, my "flat pack" project came with the rear tub complete with the original sliding glass
and these had already been done, probably many moons ago.
I was able to measure the heights of these etched figures and chose the kit size to match.
I was able to speak to the seller and explained what I needed and he kindly added an extra 4
templates and there was enough etching fluid to cover these.
I think any form of deterrent has got to be worth it with the scumbags we have around today.

I smile at the knotted-hanky. Love it. Not seen that done for years, somehow it shows a wit long since gone.

I temporarily hung the n/s door to get an angle on body alignment.  I didn't have the time to further play with tools as my ride-on's mower deck needed essential repairs!

Just opened it (inlcuding fax and phone). That's the one you meant, I presume?
Richard

Agreed, I don't think I've ever seen farmers of that era with anything but... why would you want a 109 which would have cost more? For that use a 109 makes no sense. Every farmer had an 88, and on market-day, a 109 would be a pain.

Website has always been terrible. Worth calling them up and keep trying a few times as they don't tend to answer when flat out.

I grew up on/next to farms (and still live on one) and every farmer I knew in the 70s had 88" Landies - my current farmer landlord has a late 90" Defender too.

I personally always hankered after the 88" as a result, but I find that my collies wobble more now when I see an old 109". Maybe it's the Land Rover owners' Land Rover.

Or maybe I've just been scouring eBay too long...

Are undercover covers still operational?  Google says Temporarily closed.  Their website doesn't list any products or prices