Driving a Series I is a step back into the origins of Land Rover. You do everything for the car, all via big, mechanical devices, so you feel the effects of those inputs, too. On the move, no Land Rover has more character.
With no synchromesh on fifirst and second, the art of double declutching is needed for smooth gear changes. Expect steering to wander, but 88 inch models are better, having a recirculating ball instead of the earlier worm and nut affair. The shorter the wheelbase, the choppier the ride.
Low gearing means they’re happiest under 50 mph as standard, but fifitting larger tyres and overdrive will allow a 65 mph cruise. Heating is lack lustre (if fifitted), so in heavy rain, expect moisture inside the car as well…