Highlights

Remarkable history: just two former registered keepers, the first from new until 2017
Just 78,262 miles from new
Exceedingly original example retaining its original chassis, panels, engine, and gearbox
Original bill of sale from 1963, service books, owner's manual, and numerous MOT certificates
Bodywork and paintwork restored this year, with the original petrol engine being rebuilt a couple of years ago
Supplied with both a hardtop and a new unused soft top

The Appeal

Land Rovers are such useful tools that they usually live colourful lives. It's typical to find an old Series has had fifteen or so owners, three engines, and a raft of modifications and repairs to keep it going over the years. That's where our 1963 SWB Series IIA is a different story entirely.

Finished in classic Bronze Green with matching wheels, this car has had just two former registered keepers. The first, a mechanic based in Carmarthen, South Wales, bought the Landy from Morsmith Motors Ltd in Swansea, South Wales and kept the vehicle from new until 2017, maintaining it himself throughout. Crucially, it retains its original chassis, body panels, engine, and gearbox, a combination that is genuinely difficult to find in a vehicle of this age.

The second owner acquired the vehicle in 2017 through renowned Land Rover experts Williams Classics in North Wales, before selling it to the current owner in 2024. The current keeper has invested heavily in restoring the bodywork and paintwork and rebuilding the original three-bearing crank petrol engine. The vendor reports that it starts on the button without fail, idles smoothly, and drives with light, precise steering. The vehicle has also been comprehensively serviced throughout the drivetrain.

The vehicle comes with an impressive history file, headlined by the original bill of sale from Morsmith Motors Ltd in Swansea, dated 31st October 1963, along with the original owner's manual, service books, and numerous MOT certificates. A soft top is also included alongside the factory hardtop, offering versatility for warmer days.

Key Information

Mileage: 78,262 miles (supported by MOT history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
Technical specs: 2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol (three-bearing crank), four-speed manual gearbox with selectable four-wheel drive and low range
Paperwork: original bill of sale from 1963, owner's manual, service books, numerous MOT certificates, and original toolkit
Supplied new by Morsmith Motors Ltd in Swansea, South Wales, which was a Land Rover dealer on 31st October 1963.
It was sold on the 31st October 1963 for the sum of £729.00 Extras included a hardtop (£22), flasher equipment (£5), Delivery charges petrol, number plates etc (£15) and road tax (£15).

The Detail

Bodywork and paintwork recently restored
Paintwork presents brilliantly as seen in the sunlight
Bulkhead has been restored and is in great order
The car retains many elements of its original patina
Original petrol engine recently rebuilt
Recently fully serviced including engine, oil filter, main gearbox, transfer box, overdrive, diffs, and swivels
Leaf springs removed and greased between the leaves
The vendor states the chassis has never had an outrigger or rear crossmember replaced
All body panels reported to be original and straight.
The car is believed to have never been taken apart.
Engine bay retains its original stickers still in place
Early Lucas distributor cap fitted, as per Series 1 specification
Replacement front seats fitted in correct grey elephant hide material; original seats included in the sale
Original pressed footwells still present
Original jack, handle, starting handle, and wheel brace included
Four-wheel drive and low range reported to engage correctly
The vendor states the gearbox is very quiet
Matching pair of rear bench seats available to be fitted if desired
Great honest and usable example

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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