Highlights
- An early example featuring Land Rover’s 2,286cc inline four petrol engine
- Very original and well presented
- Running and driving well, benefitting from the recent fitment of a new clutch
- Full original rear canvas is provided
The Appeal
By the early 1960s, the Land Rover had forged an enviable reputation for off-road ability and the capacity to work very hard. What even their long wheelbase models lacked, however, was load space. An off-road capable ‘cab over engine’ vehicle would be suited to a number of commercial applications, so that’s exactly what Land Rover built.
Extending the Series IIA’s chassis, the Forward Control arrived in 1962 and we’re delighted to offer this prime example, first registered in the following year. Seldom do you encounter such an early Forward Control, especially one still sporting its 2.25 litre petrol engine. This particular example has seemingly covered very few miles, with just 31,234 indicated on the odometer which the vendor believes to be accurate. It is in fantastic condition and apparently remains exceedingly original inside and out.
We’re sure that it’s amongst the best early Forward Controls around today, so don’t miss the chance to get your hands on this charming piece of Land Rover history.
The History and Paperwork
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- V5C present
- Seven previous keepers
- The vendor believes the indicated mileage to be accurate
- Certificate of Authenticity from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
- Collection of old MOT test certificates present
- An invoice from June 2018 entails some cylinder head work, amounting to £1,941.06
- Acquired by the vendor in January 2021
- Formerly part of a car collection, stored inside for the past few years
The Interior
- Original ‘elephant hide’ grey vinyl upholstery
- The engine sits betwixt the two seats
- In very good overall condition and rich in patina
These Forward Control Land Rover’s were built to work hard and as such, the interior of surviving examples are usually in poor condition if they’ve not been restored. No so with this 1963 vehicle, which sports its original interior in very good condition.
Naturally, there’s the odd small tear and a little wear to the original ‘elephant hide’ grey vinyl upholstery - but nothing especially noticeable. Even the headlining remains in really good order, with just a few little splits and some slight discolouration. We note the door cards are complete too, with some light patina that’s very appealing visually.
The basic steel dashboard appears free from modifications, with all the standard equipment looking to be in good order.
It isn’t often we see an original Land Rover interior that has aged so gracefully, so there’s absolutely nothing we would do other than carefully preserve the inside of this Forward Control’s cab.
The Exterior
- Mid grey paintwork
- Straight bodywork with just a few scars
- The chassis looks incredibly sound
- Complete with its sought-after galvanised hoops for a rear canvas, (although no canvas is supplied)
- We’re informed that the original wheels have been refurbished
- Steps fitted to the tailgate and doors
On the outside, this Land Rover presents remarkably well. The cab bodywork is really straight for a vehicle of this age and nature, with just a couple of fairly light creases down the sides and the odd superficial dent in the doors. We noticed a small crack in the nearside front side-light lens, but otherwise the lights look in good condition, as does all the glass.
The vendor points out the refurbished wheels which look really smart. All the galvanised cappings look good, as do the galvanised bumpers and the bed lining. There’s a healthy quantity of patina on display, but nothing excessive.
Underneath, the chassis and running gear appear incredibly sound, with the vendor commenting that a soft spot on the rear crossmember has been previously rectified. We couldn’t see any evidence of corrosion, or even much in the way of road grime as it is very well presented under there.
The aforementioned wheels are shod with 900 X 16 Michelin tyres, which appear in good order.
The Mechanics
- 2,286cc four-cylinder petrol engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox with selectable low range and four-wheel drive
- Said to be running and driving well
- Apparently serviced not long before the vendor acquired it
- An invoice from June 2018 entails some cylinder head work, amounting to £1,941.06
- New clutch recently fitted by the vendor owing to mechanical failure of the existing item
- The vendor estimates to have covered around 250 miles during their ownership
Early Series IIA Forward Controls retained the 2,286cc engine of the conventional Land Rovers which this example still has fitted. The vendor comments that it was professionally serviced shortly before they acquired the vehicle in January 2021 and has since received a new clutch in their ownership after the existing item failed.
We understand that the engine received a cylinder head rebuild in June 2018 and has since run well with no apparent faults. The vendor comments that it drives as Land Rover intended. This is by means a fast vehicle, but it is eminently fit for purpose. All the controls reportedly remain tight and precise, with the gearbox remaining quiet and the engine starting readily.
Summary
It’s incredibly rare to see a Series IIA Forward Control of this vintage, let alone one in such incredible and original condition. We’re sure this vehicle will cause quite a stir amongst Land Rover collectors, so don’t miss the opportunity to become its next custodian.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
