17 March 2023
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Getting there!
: credit: © Endak Hudson
Endak Hudson, a Lifestyle and Travel Photographer from Sydney, Australia, talks us through his Landy project...
How did you find this project?
I found it in a panel beater shop in the back streets of Sydney, hidden away from Land Rover fans and potential suitors. Like it was meant to be.
What’s the story so far?
I used my Range Rover Classic to travel around Australia in 2020. Then after this circumnavigation of the greatest country in the world, I decided that following 40 years of use and abuse, some major work was required. So, I set out to build my dream touring rig. I am sure many Land Rover owners, especially if their Landys are of a certain age, can relate to that.
How long have you owned it?
Five long and fun years.
How is the engine running and are you planning on replacing it?
The engine has been replaced with a fully rebuilt 300Tdi that is mated to a new Ashcroft R380. So it should be good for another 40 years, I would like to think.
What are your plans for it?
Eventually I would like to travel all around the world in it. That is what Land Rovers are for, right? The immediate plan is to explore more of Australia first, then Africa and eventually Europe and Asia. That would be good.
What have you done so far?
Rebuilt the Range Rover from top to bottom. That involved stripping the body, galvanising the shell and chassis, repainting the body, overhauling the suspension setup, installing the rebuilt 300Tdi engine, transfer case and new gearbox, and rewiring the entire car. Currently we’re installing a few more ongoing modifications. So overall you could say that we have done a fair old bit already.
Any other projects on the go?
I will be rebuilding my old man’s 1986 200Tdi Range Rover Classic. We only recently picked up the car and then drove 3000 kilometres across Australia in just four days. Like father like son, they say.
What is the hardest part of this project?
Maintaining consistency with the progress of the build. Key to that goal is ensuring parts are ordered and delivered ahead of schedule to maintain progress: you don’t want to be waiting for the postman to arrive…
When will it be finished?
This year. And then I plan on taking it across the Simpson Desert and through remote South Australia after that.
Who is helping you with the project?
It has largely been completed by myself, aside from prepping and painting the body, which I got done by a friend.
Anything to add? How can readers follow your project?
The build has been detailed on YouTube and also Instagram where I’ve documented all my adventures and the build. See @endakhudson.adventure. I’ve also got a website (hudsonadventure.com) where I’ve documented my travels around Australia.
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