I bought a LINLEY last winter that was in brutal condition. It was an absolute ruin and would have looked better in a scrap yard than on the back of the transport trailer outside my home when I brought it to my head shaking wife!
I've spent the past 12 months restoring it and it's almost as good as new.
The steering wheel has been completely refurbished with the original stainless steel inserts reinstalled, wood and leather refurbished and it looks like new. The leather roof was removed, reconditioned and reinstalled. An entire set of air suspension, hoses and compressor plus bags was refitted. The engine was removed and completely overhauled. All steering components were replaced with new parts. I removed the interior completely, including the dashboard and steering, sandblasted the floor, primed it, painted it and resound proofed it. I had the wool carpeting washed and redyed. All light bulbs, fuses and relays were replaced with new ones regardless as to whether the ones in place needed replacement. All blend motors were replaced. Both blower motors were replaced. Both headlamps were replaced with brand new headlamps. Both front seats had their heating elements repaired. All electrical contacts were cleaned and repaired where necessary. All fluids from diffs to transmission were replaced. Previous owner had the wrong wheels on it but fortunately the original spare was present. I was able to use that wheel as a template when I had a new set of wheels powder coated to the exact original color.
Fortunately the leather on the seats was in good condition except for the front drivers seat which was torn in several places and needed replacement. The passenger seat had some damage but was repairable. All the electrics for seat motors have been repaired, including headrests. Interestingly enough, all the seats and wooden trim have special decals on the back of the trim or stitched inside the leather that contained a date that the item was inspected plus two separate signatures verifying the quality of the workmanship.
I have to replace the exhaust system with item DA4245 as the original stainless steel exhaust had been replaced with a bog standard P38 one and doesn't look right.
The photo of the steering wheel was taken prior to me removing it and sending it to Dallas for refurbishment. The cubby box has a leather cover, which according to LSV (Landrover Special Vehicles) was a "special order" on the Linley as the original idea was to have them all fitted with a wooden cubby lid. I believe that 2 Linley's had the leather box lid.
It has 4 black Scottish lambswool rugs which look fantastic installed.
The only thing left to do is the painting which will be done in the summer. This will be the most expensive part of the restoration. Once painted I will share the photos.
My vehicle has been authenticated by the Dunsford Collection in UK and by Landrover Special Vehicles and its restoration has been an absolute labor of love. I am glad to have been able to rescue this vehicle as it is the only one of 5 LINLEYS remaining in the world and the ONLY Left Hand Drive one ever made.
Landrover Owner International magazine, issue 9 dated August 2014 did a very good article on the LINLEY Edition.
I've spent the past 12 months restoring it and it's almost as good as new.
The steering wheel has been completely refurbished with the original stainless steel inserts reinstalled, wood and leather refurbished and it looks like new. The leather roof was removed, reconditioned and reinstalled. An entire set of air suspension, hoses and compressor plus bags was refitted. The engine was removed and completely overhauled. All steering components were replaced with new parts. I removed the interior completely, including the dashboard and steering, sandblasted the floor, primed it, painted it and resound proofed it. I had the wool carpeting washed and redyed. All light bulbs, fuses and relays were replaced with new ones regardless as to whether the ones in place needed replacement. All blend motors were replaced. Both blower motors were replaced. Both headlamps were replaced with brand new headlamps. Both front seats had their heating elements repaired. All electrical contacts were cleaned and repaired where necessary. All fluids from diffs to transmission were replaced. Previous owner had the wrong wheels on it but fortunately the original spare was present. I was able to use that wheel as a template when I had a new set of wheels powder coated to the exact original color.
Fortunately the leather on the seats was in good condition except for the front drivers seat which was torn in several places and needed replacement. The passenger seat had some damage but was repairable. All the electrics for seat motors have been repaired, including headrests. Interestingly enough, all the seats and wooden trim have special decals on the back of the trim or stitched inside the leather that contained a date that the item was inspected plus two separate signatures verifying the quality of the workmanship.
I have to replace the exhaust system with item DA4245 as the original stainless steel exhaust had been replaced with a bog standard P38 one and doesn't look right.
The photo of the steering wheel was taken prior to me removing it and sending it to Dallas for refurbishment. The cubby box has a leather cover, which according to LSV (Landrover Special Vehicles) was a "special order" on the Linley as the original idea was to have them all fitted with a wooden cubby lid. I believe that 2 Linley's had the leather box lid.
It has 4 black Scottish lambswool rugs which look fantastic installed.
The only thing left to do is the painting which will be done in the summer. This will be the most expensive part of the restoration. Once painted I will share the photos.
My vehicle has been authenticated by the Dunsford Collection in UK and by Landrover Special Vehicles and its restoration has been an absolute labor of love. I am glad to have been able to rescue this vehicle as it is the only one of 5 LINLEYS remaining in the world and the ONLY Left Hand Drive one ever made.
Landrover Owner International magazine, issue 9 dated August 2014 did a very good article on the LINLEY Edition.
Attachments
Last edited:
