Hi.

A week ago I never thought about owning a Rover. Then I saw this 1959 ser.2 88 for sale locally and I've become obsessed. I need some advice. The Rover is fairly beat, has some Bondo, some crumby silicone caulking, the cabin leaks water, has some dents, some surface rust... owner says it leaks and burns oil and has an engine knock when it gets up to temperature (and it probably has other issues ) He is asking under $3,000 for it.

I am reasonably handy and posses moderate technical and mechanical skills. I'm not looking to attempt a full restoration, but I would like to know, in general, if Land Rover's are "easy" to work on... they look so damn simple... are parts for a 1959 "easy" to come by, and "cheap". My goal initially would be to make it mechanically sound ? Am I out of my head ? Should I just stay the hell away from ? I don't mind a project, but I want to avoid nightmare. I realize this is very vague, but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, JC.