Land Rover restoration project

The NRMA is restoring a 1958 Land Rover to full running condition, while providing a unique learning experience for NRMA car servicing apprentices.

NRMA heritage landrover loaded on a flatbed truck

Bringing a classic NRMA vehicle back to life

This 1958 Land Rover is a beautiful piece of NRMA heritage. It was donated to us in 2014 by Shane Loder, son of the owner, Mr Milton Loder, Patrol #21, who retired from the NRMA in November 1998.

Mr Milton volunteered the vehicle to Ron Barrett Motors, a franchise NRMA depot, in 1966 and the signage was placed on the vehicle in 1967 as part of the Penrith-based NRMA fleet. The Land Rover sits today in the condition it was last used.

While it retains its original blue paint and signwriting in faded but intact condition, the vehicle requires a full mechanical restoration, and the goal is for it to be fully operative and compliant with legal requirements.

As part of our commitment to the skill development of Australia's most trusted mechanics, we have entered into a partnership with TAFE NSW to restore the Land Rover and simultaneously provide a unique learning and development experience for NRMA Car Servicing Apprentices.

Side view of a lady holding an impact drill and removing the wheelnut from a tyre while wearing safety glasses.

Become an apprentice and learn more than a trade. Receive practical training to equip you with skills to become a great technician.

Take on an NRMA apprenticeship

The restoration activities are part of the apprentices’ course curriculum under the supervision of TAFE NSW instructors. All NRMA apprentices will be involved in the restoration of the Land Rover during the restoration period which started in early February 2018.

The restoration of the Land Rover will adhere strictly to the guidelines developed and deliver a restored and functioning vehicle to the NRMA heritage collection. Retaining and preserving the original exterior finish and interior is preferable from a conservation point of view and is in keeping with current trends in vehicle preservation.

NRMA Museum Curator David Crotty has put together Restoration Guidelines that will be followed throughout the entire process.

Update - May 2019

"Milton" as dubbed in appreciation of his original owner Mr Milton Loder, has been with TAFE NSW since May 2018. During this time the engine has been taken out, stripped back and cleaned. All components were assessed with any items needed to be replaced put on an order list. Parts have been ordered with original where they were available thanks to support from Jaguar Land Rover Australia.

With the arrival of the engine components, the engine block was sent out for machining. Other parts that have arrived are the fuel system rebuild kit, a brand new wiring loom and brake components.

Front view of a blue and green classic car that's smashed up and needs restoration.

The current focus remains on getting the engine back in and running so the the students can fully evaluate the drivetrain, and then evaluate the gearbox, transfercase and driveshafts. By completing each section as we go it reduces the risk of accidental breakages on original parts than may not need to be replaced.

We are hoping to have the engine running by the end of May, as the students will be learning about drive train, steering and suspension as part of the apprenticeship curriculum. We'll also have a clearer understanding of the work needed to restore "Milton".

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