What vehicle do you drive?

A 1978 Land Rover Series III 88 hardtop. Built on July 31, 1978, painted marine blue with a 2.25- litre petrol engine and optional extra hazard warning lights and heater/demister. The third out of 10 vehicles built that day in Solihull, she was shipped to Ashchurch Vehicle Depot in Tewkesbury.

How long have you had it?

Since my 18th birthday in June 2008, as the insurance dropped miles between age 17 and 18.

How much did it cost?

£1,200.

What work have you done to the vehicle? How much did it cost to repair?

Countless repairs amounting to thousands! Though when I bought the vehicle it was a pick-up truck, I added a rear canvas then one day fancied a change, so unbolted the truck can roof and bolted on the van hard top. It had a new gearbox after the old one went bang. But just generally lots of small servicing repairs.

Why did you get this particular vehicle?

I’d wanted a Land Rover since I was six! But yes, I think it reflects my personality.

What do you like most about it?

Everything! Personality, simplicity, the fact you can change bodystyle at the drop of a hat. There’s also something I love about the deafening four-speed gearbox and engine which can reach 90 decibels, the bare metal doors and roof which drips water and melts icicles all over you in the winter, the leaky seals and the tendency for mirrors to self-adjust in the wind, cables coming loose and the starter gumming up.

What irritates you most about it?

Lots of tiny irritating repairs like wires working loose/breaking.

Is it good value for money?

Well, in ways. It guzzles fuel and is very high maintenance but is cheap as chips to insure (my insurance being £1,600 at 17 years old for a Ford Fiesta and dropping to £700 the second I insured the Land Rover at 18 years old).

Does it have a name?

No, but has lots of nicknames like ‘Death Mobile’ and ‘Tank’.

What is your favourite memory of the vehicle?

Driving it to and around Wales with my girlfriend, Zoe.

And your worst?

Getting a little too personal with a Kia Rio on the MoD Bicester roundabout.

If you could own any vehicle what would it be?

Alongside mine, probably a Land Rover Series III ambulance or a Land Rover 101FC or 101GS.

What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did you own it?

A 1997 Ford Fiesta 1.3. It was £400, I bought it off my sister and had it for a year.

  • Tell us about your vehicle. Do you drive an old banger which you can't live without? A reliable motor that gets you from A-B? Do you drive something unusual or extravagant? If you drive a car, motorbike, van or truck and want to tell us about it, email chris.walker@oxfordmail.co.uk