History
I purchased this vehicle as my first car at the age of 17 in 2007, from an unknown man in Sydney. Alarm bells would have normally run wild purchasing a used Land-Rover from the internet shy of 250,000Klm and picking it up with the intention to drive it home from Sydney Central Station to the Central Coast; however, we made un-encombered. Shortly after a good intensive service the vehicle had definitely made a reliable impression in the family. It was the beginning of a memorable partnership that is still here today.
I was accepted into the University of Newcastle to undertake a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in Geology meant lots of traveling and internships in Mining corporations and rural areas. The car traveled with me to the University of Newcastle where it was an instant hit among the more maverick of explorers and admirers of outdoor pursuits. Almost every weekend we would be out and about. 3 years later I graduated university and began my career, at the same time the LT77 transmission failed and was rebuilt.
During my career, I entered into the Petroleum industry and my Land-Rover was left behind on many occasions to travel by air to remote locations. Leaving it garaged at my parents home. Upon every return and 3-month stint in the middle of the Australian outback I arrived home; to a car that started without fail every time. With the extra income, many modifications were made and many features upgraded. Getting a better set of tyres helped the outdoor pursuits on sand, and more tools meant more intensive maintenance. This was definitely the most memorable of times as I turned 21 and was emerging in my industry.
In 2012 at the age of 22, as serious incident at work had occurred. Badly injured after a blowout preventer failed on a drilling rig I was trapped under tons of metal and lay with shattered bones, the worst a right femur shattered and compressed among fire and the smell of hot oil. I was trapped for 3 hours until I left my long faithful car behind, recovered by emergency services to suffer a heart attack on the road to Hospital and being later pronounced dead: until I scared the life out of a nurse on the way down into storage.
Upon release, I was 7 months in care and able to shakily walk on a stick. My possessions and home taken from me, the car was not to be found, but in my Mother's name. Sheepishly returning to where I left it on the now abandoned drilling lease was my vehicle. Using the jumper leads in the back, and the rather confused cab driver's taxi the car started. Astonished, the cab driver took off none the wiser and without a care. I drove to the family home and was reunited with my most beloved possession.
In the interim; the Land-Rover 25 years of Discovery campaign was launched. To my surprise, it won the top 25 Discoveries in the world and was published in the Commemorative E-book. With it 3 motoring awards, for the best in its class. This was a time that saw the partnership long forgotten about come back alive. Never before had I been so proud of my vehicle. Especially after the feature that it had always delivered my not to work, but back home from it.
The car did not fair the outdoors in full sun too well. Much needed TCL was brought forward with myself refusing to stay on couches, the car electrics were upgraded, and a new windscreen was installed with the repairs to the roof which was re-painted white. I even purchased a series 3 vehicle to absorb my now favourite hobby, mechanics.
Returning to University in 2013, to study the art of Teaching Science. Although with Post Traumatic Stress at the forefront ; and many other things, that included a walking stick, it was not too long before I started work at my local Autobarn store. After a point where extra money was available, other modifications and maintenance started to take place, none like any other scale attempted. The temptation of high-quality parts and staff discounts saw a very well used bank card. Differential, transmission, and engine rebuilding took place. The car’s worn out but still good parts were swapped out for new ones, but hoarded in the back shed just in case. A roof cage and snorkel were added to see very daring ventures deep into the New England region, about centre the University this time alone, but in the company of my most faithful.
In 2015; working and studying at UNE proved too much as the Liberal budget cuts saw university course durations to rapidly contract. Work decided to let me go three weeks prior, due to their own budget emergency. The car had never looked or ran better in its life so far. Late in the year I gave up using my walking stick, intense physiotherapy drove the injury to a disability, but also independence to walk upright for the first time in years. Chronic pain had set in but the vehicle always took my mind off it. Over Christmas, Land-Rover collectables were now the dominant choice of gift, as the car surpassed 400,000klm. Even better was the look on my elderly parents face as I walked free of the vehicle as if returned home from work uninjured.
Now in 2016; With the addition of an awning to prevent picnics being ruined by “weather events”, I sit awaiting graduation. It was my passion to retire from industry and re-train as a teacher. Although not the straightest path, I arrived at my new career very early although, over the duration of nearly 10 years of academic pursuits. The very best part is, that I get to drive my Land-Rover to work every morning.
Graduation is set for October 2016.
Modifications
Snorkle
Wind Deflectors.
Wheel Arch Flairs.
1998 Differential
Roof Cage & Racks
Driving Lights
Upgraded Headlights & Protectors
Clear Indicators
Tow Bar
White Roof
White Alloy Rims
Bull Bar
Air Conditioning
Loadspace Modifications
