The original Series 1 Land Rover was introduced way back in 1948 with the Series 2 arriving ten years later, available with an 88” or 109” wheelbase. The long wheelbase cars were all powered by a 2.25 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 4 speed manual transmission with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears. It also featured free-wheeling hubs, high and low gear ratios and could be supplied with a vast array of body styles.
Recognisable and celebrated the world over, the Land Rover early Series cars are now very collectable and are rightly regarded as an Iconic British Car with an important place in British Motoring history.
First registered in 1959 this 109 spent its first years working as a shoot vehicle, after which time it was sold to its second owner in 1966 who converted it to a campervan immediately and used it for family holidays at home and abroad for the next 52 years.
There is a more than comprehensive history file that includes maintenance receipts and a hand-written document detailing what had been done to the car during its years with the second owner.
In 1998 it had a new galvanized chassis fitted by the local Land Rover Dealership, and a replacement engine, suitably modified with hardened valve seats to cope with unleaded petrol was fitted, and the bulkhead was also completely refurbished.
In 2018, after a few years of the car remaining idle due to the owners ill health, the current owner purchased it and has completely re-commissioned the car and all its running gear over the last few years.
This re-commissioning included fitting a complete new Autosparks wiring loom, new lights front and rear with period Lucas glass, new alternator, new battery, new carburetor, new exhaust, new door and window seals where required, Fairey overdrive, new leaf springs and shock absorbers, original radiator re-cored with all new hoses, new starter motor, and new front door tops with used door bottoms were installed to deal with some rust issues.
The car comes with its V5c showing one previous owner, rather than the historically correct two (possible due to the systems used back then), the original logbook from 1959, virtually all the MOT certificates since 1966 along with many tax discs, some owner’s manuals and service book, and that huge file of paperwork and receipts that reflect its full history.
The awning featured in the photographs is also being sold with the vehicle.
The front cab is essentially original and unrestored with a couple of extra instrument gauges that deal with voltage and water temperature.
Some original elephant hide seats have been added in recent years but other than that the cabin remains functional, showing considerable wear obviously but still full of character.
The floor and sills look nice and solid and the original Lucas wiper motors and Smith heater with screen demister finish the whole period style off rather perfectly.
In the back it has the same aged patina and still has the originally fitted gas stove with 2 burners and grill and the sink which has a pump action tap.
The campervan section has recently been refurbished with a new pull-out double bed, cushions and mattress, new blackout curtains, new flooring in Engineered Oak and a new leisure battery. USB and power points have also been fitted. To keep things warm, roof insulation has also been installed.
With its original paint and panels, other than the front doors, it’s fair to say that the car has considerable presence and its well-worn look oozes character and takes the description of ‘patina’ to a whole new level.
All the panels and the roof all look straight and solid with only the various hinges and external fittings showing signs of surface rust.
Underneath looks well cared for and the car sits on its 4 original wheels with tyres all having plenty of tread left on them.
Original doors also available, frames rotten but door skins maybe salvageable.
All the running gear and the engine have all been recently re-commissioned and fully serviced with the benefit of many new parts and items to keep everything running smoothly and nicely.
The car started first time on inspection runs well with everything working correctly and as it should.
This Series 2 is bound to appeal to many types of people and its cult and iconic status will ensure demand will only grow over time.
There are many Land Rover enthusiasts and collectors out there, and a good solid and original Series 2 with a known history is always going to spark a lot of interest these days, with people looking for a project or that fun, useable classic car.
The car is fully functional as it stands and ready for its next adventure, and you can be sure that it will cause interest and attention wherever it goes.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1959 Land Rover Series II
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
