101FC owners in Greater Victoria? Plus import question

[username]

Hi

I am not a Land Rover owner... yet. I am looking into getting a 101FC later in the year, to convert as a camper/overlander.

Any 101 Forward Control owners in the Greater Victoria area or South Vancouver Island, possibly willing to meet up with someone interested in these vehicles (i.e. me) to take a look at it?

I was reading the import regulations for vehicles, and came across this kind of ambiguous part:

The Green Levy will apply to automobiles (including station wagons, vans, and sports utility vehicles) designed primarily for the use as passenger vehicles, but not including pickup trucks, vans equipped to accommodate 10 or more passengers, ambulances, and hearses.

It seems fairly clear that a GS or Ambulance would be exempt from the levy, but I'm less certain which category a Radio body would fall under. Anyone who has done this or knows?

Thanks

http://s23.postimg.org/d2sgx5v2z/image.jpg

[Greg S]

The 101 FC is a bit rare on this side of the world. "Sailorboy", aka Ted, is on the lower mainland, has one, and is considered an authority on them. I'm pretty sure he will be at Founders Day this Saturday with his 101. There is another 101 on the lower mainland that has been at founders Day a couple times too.

Highly doubt there will be one on the island 'til you import yours. Then we would all like to visit to check it out.

[sailourboy]

Yes that will be me! The 101 was supposed to be at Founders Day but is presently has a gearbox lock up so not moving anywhere and today wouldn't start up. We will see.
I have a 101 GS and an Ambi. As Greg suggests if you never have sat in one you might want to do that first, I can tell you it is a tight squeeze for me and trying to see out the top of the windscreen if a PITA, plan on fixing that on the GS but that is another story. For example , most of the British Army clothing from 1985 which is the time period I choice for the Ambi restoration ( 10 years after they were made) is almost all size 28 to 30 waist and 5'6". This would be a good size for someone driving these trucks.

They are a unique vehicle.

Parts pretty much have to be all ordered from the UK with some only available (when they have them) from the 101 club and so are 900 -16 tires, though Chris has a bunch currently, or you can change out the rims for some Craddock rims which will give you a range of tire sizes to choose from.

They are very thirsty trucks.

To camperize: if you go much higher than five feet of headroom or use an Ambi they become top heavy and off pavement I would suspect will roll a lot on corners and rough roads..
There have been numerous Ambulances and radio bodies converted to campers for use in Europe, Spain and Africa. A bunch of them converted to diesel.

Rather than import one have you considered buying a GS here and converting it. The back section comes off with 6 or so bolts and another rare Radio body won't be lost. There are several around if you wish to contact me. Should you make it over to Vancouver drop me a line and we can arrange a visit the LR emporium here plus I always have spare spanners and hammers :)

The above is strictly my humble opinion and one of the other 101 owners here in the lower mainland may have similar or differing opinions!!

Cheers
Ted

[LandyAndy]

Firstly, as any 101FC import will have to be 15yrs or older.... the 'green levy' won't apply as it's not coming in under the RIV program...... it's too old !

Secondly, as a noted above the 101FC is a real 'enthusiasts' LR, many parts are specific to the vehicle & if not already rare, they will soon be. There also not that comfy to drive, noisy and guzzle gas like it's only 50c / gallon.

If your intent on a LR for expedition type travel, this might be more suitable.....

http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4expedi ... 130AMB.htm