How many dormobiles ever built?

[marc78]

According to a knowledgeable and reliable source, only 150 dormobiles land rover were ever built. That destroys the previous number I thought was right at 1,000.
What are your informations?
Kind regards,
Marc

[michelji]

😀 salut marc,
ou as-tu eu cette info?

[Jonny]

No one actually knows as all factory records have been lost. I do think that 150 is too low, by searching the net I’ve found over 75 different vehicles for sale or just as photos, over the last 5 years, given the number which still turn up found in a barn or a hedge each year, I struggle to belive that 50% of all landrover’s made have their photo appear on the net.

Production ran from 1961 to mid 1970s, thats around 15 years or production, if 150 were produced then that’s an average of 10 per year, less than one per month. I’ve seen a photo with a production line for landrovers with 6 in a line being worked on in one go….I think the figure is over 500 and possible nearer 1000.

Regards
John

[walli7116]

I heard about 850…not sure where I read that number…

[marc78]

Hi all,

Cant’ disclose source but will certainly get him (a seasoned LR independant garage in the midlands who owned/repaired/sold 15 dormobiles at some point… ) to consider Jonny’s numbers!
Let’s keep an eye on this!…

Marc

[jkhackney]

Bea (Phil) has a list of build details of 109″ Station Wagons which I think he copied from records at the Gaydon center. The details include the destination for dispatch. He had told me that for a time in ’68-’69, half the Land Rover production of 109 Stations went to either Martin Walter or Searle for conversion. He may see this thread and summarize his findings, but I think the indications are that a rather higher number of vehicles than 150 were converted.

-Jeremy

[Jonny]

Don’t forget Dormobile only took chassis number with an export number and not for home market.

[jerryd]

The dormobile I’ve recently discovered was the last one to be converted by Martin Walter in 1976. This was confirmed to me after I recently found and spoke to the owner. They also confirmed that they will sell it to me 😀 😀 😀 Why didn’t they confirm this before xmas 🙄 now I have to find a few more dollars rather quickly

[forticq]

Jerry:

Did you end up buying the 1976 Land Rover Dormobile from the owners who asserted that this was the last Domobile conversion from the Martin Walter coach builders?

Best regards,

Curtis
Houston, Texas

[jerryd]

Hi Curtis,
Yes I purchased the landrover 😀 , according to the lady owner it was the last “landrover” converted by Martin Walter. It’s in rust free condition which is great, the drivetrain is tired and the interior has been trashed 🙁

I’m currently fitting stage 1 V8 diffs / axles, new springs / shocks, bushes etc. I’m in the process of re fitting the interior too. There are some pics on here if you explore

[forticq]

Jerry:

Awesome and looking forward in hearing how the project is coming along!

[Bea]

Sorry all have’nt been around much lately so not seen this thread until now, not sure where your ‘knowledgeable and reliable source’ got their information from Marc but from the Land Rover Factory records at Gaydon I postulate:

Series 2
RH Drive Export Chassis Petrol x 29
LH Drive Export Chassis Petrol x 2

Series 2A
RH Drive Home Chassis Petrol x 1
RH Drive Export Chassis Petrol x 264
LH Drive Export Chassis Petrol x 143
RH Drive Export Chassis Diesel x 38
LH Drive Export Chassis Diesel x 26
RH Drive Export Chassis 2.6 6 Cyl x 220
LH Drive Export Chassis 2.6 6 Cyl x 6

Series 3
RH Drive Export Chassis 2.6 6 Cyl x 89
LH Drive Export Chassis 2.6 6 Cyl x 4

So 822 Land Rover Dormobiles in total, 729 Series 2s and 93 Series 3s.

These are the Land Rovers that are documented as being despatched to Martin Walter Ltd, this is the best indication we have of Dormobile Production in the absence of the Folkestone Factory records.

Kind regards
Phil

[Jonny]

Phil, that’s amazing, can I just double check with you, these records do actually specify these were despatched to Dormobile? (I know you state it, but I almost can’t believe it) I never thought we would get to a production quantity.

Thanks
John

[MrJones]

Thank’s Phil for this information, very interesting .
I am surprised there is not , on this list , more Home chassis , can you explain this fact ?
Michel

[jerryd]

Hi Phil,
I note that all the 93 Series 3 conversions are 6 cylinder models, my dormobile is a 1976 model and was a 2.1/4 four cylinder with factory fitted winch when it went to Martin Walter for conversion 😕

I’m told by the original lady owner that it was the last landrover converted by Martin Walter and that it very nearly didn’t get completed. There was no wardrobe available so had to settle for fridge/ stand. No double front seat was available so they fitted a single passenger seat, this was not accepted and they had to get the double seat made and supplied it diy !! I have the spare single “as new” seat.
Bear in mind this lady had just sold her much loved “old dormobile” to purchase this “brand new dormobile” and wasn’t being treated very fairly. Also bear in mind that this lady exploded at all this inconvenience to her and her family. Martin Walter were quick to throw in a few extras I’m told to keep the peace. I’m still hoping to receive the rear tent and gas heater.

Were any chassis numbers available from these factory records ?? or is it just numbers ?? Maybe it should be 94 Series 3 Models converted 🙂

[Author]

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