When we first set up home in Naracoorte and folks here started to learn about Ricks love of all things Land Rover we heard about a lonely abandoned Landy in need of a good home and were promised a meeting with it's owner. I had forgotten all about the promise but it seems Rick hadn't and on a recent drive we headed in the direction of the farm where said Landy resided. The chap was far to busy with his sheep to talk to us then but we got his number and a week later Rick rang for a chat. Incredible timing as the evening before the farmer had decided he needed to sell the Landy. Apparently it had packed up a couple of years ago, the front prop shaft was broken unable to be driven from then on it was abandoned on a hill. The chap had had it from new but in more recent years it had been used as a farm run about and had not been maintained.
Rick went out for a closer inspection and, much to the delight of the farm dogs, spent quite a bit of time under the Landy, on their level. Nothing like a dog friendly person to lick.... happiness is.... a good deal was agreed. We happened to have a front prop shaft (as you do) and a lovely neighbour who had loan of a car trailer. Rick set off with neighbour, Landys knight in shining armour to the rescue.
So here she is a 1994 flat bed 300Tdi 110 Defender, which I hope will mean something to someone out there. Now there are a lot of people, me included, who would not be able see beyond the moss, wildlife, rust and disrepair and see a thing of beauty but not Rick (or apparently Fred who was possibly distracted by the lovely sheep aroma). In the blink of an eye he had her stripped down and hosed off, looking loved for the first time in a long time. there is still a lot of work to do BUT for now she looks a lot happier.
Naracoorte Historical Vehicle Club 4 Club Rally
Dear old Landy was dusted off and sorted out for the all important rally, There were some amazing vehicles turned out the oldest being 1908 looking more like a horse drawn carriage without the horses. All shapes and sizes making a wonderful sight. There were approximately 80 vehicles in total but I only took photos of a few of them.
I'd be really surprised if anyone in the UK has heard of the Goggomobil made famous here by an advert with a Manchester accent actor. Which sounds really funny when the advert is relayed back and spoken in a broad Aussie accent!
Activities were planned so after lunch we were split into two groups and off we set to various destinations at a very sedate pace.
For me one of the most enjoyable activities was visiting a local farm run by a couple of brothers. They had a Mans Cave the envy and dream of all men who love sheds. There was a Rolls Royce engine a collection of cars, old farm signs, a blacksmith area......
And these fantastic sculptures made from scrap farm tools, I'll let the pictures tell the story......
And seed pods
The weather was kind to us and the huge effort some club members put in was worth it as the weekend was declared a great success.
