Test: Land Rover 88 by dboss, best all around

Put On testing a Land Rover 88 it is always a joy. Even more in this case, in which we have enjoyed a unit updated by dboss. It is a specialist from Tenerife that works on classic land rovers, either English or produced by Santana in Linares. They review all the cars down to the last screw to guarantee a top-level final result.

The model that we have had the opportunity to test is a Land Rover 88 Series 3, specifically a 1978 unit with a pick-up body. Of this generation of they built no less than 440.000 units between 1971 and 1985. The short and long models continued to be assembled, known as 88 and 109 due to the measurement in inches of their wheelbase.

Series 3 saw how the front metal grill gave way to a plastic one, giving a more modern look to the model. In addition, the headlights were permanently installed on the fenders and welded steel frames were mounted on the bed. Inside, the dashboard became plastic and the instrument panel was relocated in front of the driver. A synchronized gearbox was also introduced.

As we will see below, in dboss they have reversed some of these changes to give their product a more classic air. Let's move on to discover what work they do on their cars before putting them up for sale.

THE DBOSS LAND ROVERS

Before starting the test of this Land Rover 88, we are going to review the work that dboss has carried out. first of all, disassemble the cars completely, to carry out a comprehensive restoration. They blast the chassis and paint them with a marine epoxy primer, the best there is to prevent corrosion. They also use marine polyurethane, which guarantees a lifetime of protection. You can tell they come from an island, if you'll allow me to joke.

All the screws are replaced by new elements, as well as the damping and the leaf springs. Gearboxes and differentials are disassembled and they are given a complete service, replacing seals and gears if necessary. Also the engines are made whole. They are disassembled, rectified and jacketed if necessary. In addition, the peripherals, such as the alternator, the starter or the radiators, are new. The idea is that the car is as fresh from the factory, so everything is changed, even if it is not necessary.

The engine and the box are painted in polyurethane in a color to choose. In addition, some improvements are allowed, such as the front disc brakes that our unit mounts, and that replace the original drums. If the client requests it, You can even replace the mechanics with a more modern brand that guarantees a little more performance.

Classic look in a facelifted Land Rover.

The metal front grill.

The veneer is completely restored or replaced.

As well major sheet metal work is done, since these cars hardly admit putty. They maintain the welding points in the aluminum so that they do not get lost and the rivets of the case are replaced by A2 stainless steel screws. The door panels are restored if they are good, and if not, they are replaced with new panels and frames, wings… Everything is changed as necessary. The bottom is painted with T-Rex, the paint that 4×4s use to avoid scratches. Depending on the model, it is upholstered in leather or imitation leather.

OUR LAND ROVER 88

It's time to introduce you to our protagonist, a 88 Land Rover 1978 with a pick-up body. In this configuration, the 88 was the smallest seven-seater model sold in Europe at the time. In this unit, elements such as the leaf springs, the bushings, the steering, the front end, the radiator, the alternator or the electrical installation have been replaced. Besides, the engine has been rectified and restored the gearbox and differentials.

The case back is covered in African mulberry and the plates in A2 stainless steel. The seats have been renewed and are all leather, front and rear. Besides, the dashboard and the control panel have been replaced by the more classic ones of the Series II. On the front floor we find some practical rubber mats.

Leather upholstered seat.

It is restored to the last screw.

The original dashboard has been replaced by that of the Series II.

On the front, it shows off the metal grille instead of the plastic one that would correspond to it per year, seeking to give it a more classic air. The set is finished off by BF Goodrich wheels in sizes 235/85 16 with black rims that give it a resounding appearance. The last detail is the spare wheel located on the hood front which, in any case, does not impair visibility. The time has come to get going.

AT THE CONTROLS

Driving a classic Land Rover is almost like taking the controls of a tractor. It's basically an industrial vehicle and that's part of its fun. Although the two units that dboss brought to ClassicMadrid they came rolling down the roadIt does not appear that this is its natural habitat. You can already see in the photos that the driving position is fully upright, which favors the already excellent visibility. It could not be otherwise in an all-terrain vehicle without a roof.

The clutch is a bit hard, but its actuation does not present any major difficulty. In addition, the pedals go together, although with a more than correct space. gearbox It has the first two very direct gears, with ultra-short travel, something that you have to get used to initially. It has two positions, normal and overdrive, basically a overdrive. Evidently, has 4×4 traction connectable -rear-wheel drive in normal mode- and also reducer.

We began the march through the roads of the Casa de Campo in Madrid, and He asks us soon to put the overdrive. This way it rolls more comfortable and relieved, leaving the normal position for when we drive on the roads. The steering is quite geared down, although turning radius is very good, at least in this short version. From what Gonzalo, owner of dboss, tells me, in the long variant it is somewhat more compromised. When we leave the asphalt, he moves like a fish in water, he is undoubtedly in his element. We found a slope to climb and, thanks to the reducer, the 88 climbed decisively and without the slightest difficulty. We go back down and the result is the same. The courage of the driver sets the limits.

ON THE HIGHWAY

We have to return and, for that, We take the opportunity to test how it performs on the road. In fourth and at a certain speed, you have to get used to the slack of the steering typical of Land Rovers. Still, it handles relatively well in today's traffic, even if it's not your element.

In short, it's a lot of fun, although yes, it's not for everyone. We must know that we are before an old school SUV, hard and rough, and therein lies much of its grace. It is an enjoyable car, to have a good time on the farm, with friends from the town or even as a beach vehicle. Regarding the work of dboss, I like how they take care of their product. It is very well presented, with quality materials and is a different way of approaching the restoration of a classic.

Furthermore, it is an interpretation that fully respects the essence of the original Land Rovers. The modifications they introduce are done with good taste. In the mechanical part, what they are looking for is that the buyer does not find unpleasant surprises and that seems essential to me.

HOW TO BUY ONE

They tell us in dboss that so far they have already restored four units. They always have cars running at different points of evolution, with the idea of ​​starting one a month. If someone orders one from scratch, the delivery time is about six months, more than reasonable, of course.

A 109 and an 88 signed by dboss.

There is no doubt that it is tastefully done.

The wheels and tires have been renewed.

The spare wheel on the hood serves as an ornamental element.

In addition, there is the possibility of bringing them a donor car on which to work, since there can always be someone who has a special affection for a specific unit. Of course, the quality of the final result is not negotiable. You can contact dboss by WhatsApp on the phone 699 145 668 or in Instagram.

Photographs Javier Romagosa

LAND ROVER 88 TEST PHOTO GALLERY BY DBOSS

Classic look in a facelifted Land Rover.