I have 71 2a that is basically my daily driver - I find it relaxing and more fun to drive than the modern cars ( unless you’re in a hurry!). The trick is to make sure they are set up well. Get a really good service / tuneup, including brakes, steering, suspension . When everything is nice and tight it makes a world of difference! Also finding and stopping rattles helps too! Have fun!

The hand throttle was fitted to control the speed of the capstan winch or a rear power take-off when fitted.

I learned to drive in a 55. Owned a late 1948

Lovely looking Series 1. The hand throttle is for adjusting the speed of the engine when using the PTO (Power-Take-Off) or winch.

These things are simple and foolproof. I suspect your starting problem is related to corrosion in the connections. With an original harness that is often the main problem. Being as mechanically basic as a knife and fork they should be instant starters, and 100% reliable, always provided the plugs, points, condenser, and coil are in good condition. Great car, and great channel!

I’m sure people look at the car with admiration, thinking Wow, that’s cool !

A friend of mine had the same issue on how to age panels parts on his 66 S2A, but here in Costa Rica you just simply remove the "part" left it at the sun/rain (6 to 12 months) etc, throw dirt, small rocks, scratch it with some branches, etc or simply use the car every day abusing a little of elements... be creative and have fun hahaha

The only temperamental thing is that super hot weather can cause it to vapourlock , only if you do a short 5 minute stop ,

I own a 1974 hard top series 3, the more I watch these LR videos,the less I want to get rid of it and now thinking about investing in a restoration!!!

Hi Doctor, glad to hear you are enjoying the Series 1 and it is mainly a positive experience.

Hi Doc,

The hand throttle was probably handy for the capstan winch

G'day, looks way better with the patina you have done to the guard and bonnet. Nice car I have a 80 inch.

Lovely! My dad and I bought one last year that’s very similar to yours! It’s called the Leopard.

I had a mark 1 in the 1964 I had great fun in it but couldn’t keep up with the petrol consumption. It was using 9 gallons a week just to get me to work. I traded it for a mark 1 mini this took 2 gallons a week for the same journey! Both cars worth a mint now!

Got a 1954 Series 1 (Evelyn) and it starts first time every time, hopefully get some serious work done over Winter to unveil her to the world next summer.

Hi doc I really in your you tube on series 1 I have 1958 series 1 88 inch Got 2/4 motor You said have trouble running maybe check your earth leads also check alternator I think your petina is good only think. I look at strip bonnet back to raw ally then clear coat I did same on mine good contrast also put disco rims on it if you like I could send couple of photos you are right so cool to drive around Cheers. Andrew. Cooee

Glad you’re enjoying it looks like a lot of fun - in the dry :)

Lovely vehicle by the way, to get that paint glistening, in that condition you’ll probably have to strip most of it off. You can do this with paint stripper or remove each part and angle grind it vaguely (but make sure it’s not all shiny when you grind it as you want some paint to still be there to act as a base paint) it’s much easier to use paint stripper on each panel and then either respray or paint with layers.

When it won’t start, do you “punish” yourself by having to drive the Defender? You poor thing! Thanks for the video!