Highlights

Extensively restored between 2016 and 2019 with correct-specification parts
Accompanied by a restored early Sankey trailer, restored and fitted with a rooftop tent
Always garaged and never exposed to salt since completion
Has toured western France and northern Spain without mechanical issues
Roverdrive overdrive fitted

The Appeal

Whatever it may be, a well-restored vehicle is a joy to behold, and this Series IIA Land Rover Lightweight/Sankey Trailer combination is one such outfit.

The Land Rover Lightweight (or "Airportable") was originally designed for military use and engineered to be stripped down for helicopter transport. Their spartan, purposeful character and increasing scarcity make them highly prized among Land Rover enthusiasts.

This example was issued to the Ministry of Defence in 1970 and entered civilian life in 1976. It has since benefited from two significant phases of work: a partial refurbishment in 2010 that included a full respray, re-galvanising, a new military wiring loom, and the addition of a Roverdrive overdrive unit; followed by an extensive three-year restoration between 2016 and 2019. During the latter, the engine and gearbox were professionally rebuilt, the entire tub was replaced, and a host of correct-specification components were sourced and fitted. The vendor states it drives as it was designed to and is a pleasure to use.

Accompanying the Land Rover is an early Sankey trailer, purchased in 2019 and subsequently restored. It has been thoughtfully repurposed to accommodate a Maggiolina Columbus rooftop tent while retaining its original features. Both vehicles have been garaged throughout and never exposed to road salt since completion.

The vendor says:

"I spent three years carefully restoring these vehicles with good quality parts and the help of people who knew what they were doing. What I love most about the Land Rover is that it drives as it is designed to: it's a pleasure to use. I especially like the trailer, which was a great find, and has been repurposed without losing any of its original integrity. If I were younger, I'd keep them both!"

Key Information

Mileage: 36,624 miles indicated (odometer has been replaced)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt
Technical specs: 2.25-litre petrol engine, four-speed manual with Roverdrive overdrive, selectable low-range and 4wd
Paperwork: V5C registration document; further documentation not specified

The Detail

2.25 petrol engine professionally rebuilt during the 2016–2019 restoration; the vendor states it starts first time when in regular use
Note that DVLA data currently records diesel engine
Electronic ignition is the only engine modification
New radiator recently fitted
Roverdrive overdrive unit and Series III brake servo fitted in 2010
Engine oil and filter changed annually; gearbox and differentials changed every three years
Respray inside and out carried out in 2010 with all galvanised parts re-galvanised
Entire rear tub replaced during the 2016–2019 restoration with correct tie-down points and floor running strips
Dashboard replaced with correct pattern; all sensors and gauges refurbished and reported fully functioning
One surviving fuel tank replaced and a second missing tank added back, with functioning gauges and tank change lever mechanism
Correct lightweight wheel rims and NOS headlight assemblies sourced and fitted
Rocky Mountain parabolic springs and door tops fitted
Correct steering wheel and windscreen wipers fitted
Prop shafts replaced and an appropriate oil cooler added
Tailgate assembly detailing added back and NATO tow hook refurbished
Small (2cm) patch of oxidation just below the nearside door
180mm horizontal scratch in paintwork above the offside wheel arch
Two outer seats are reportedly original; centre seat is an aftermarket replacement
Seatbelt bar and assemblies are non-original, fitted for improved occupant protection
Seat box required welding and remains in unrestored condition

1966 Sankey Trailer:

Stripped, dipped and repainted with new MoD wiring loom and brake pads fitted
Fitted with a commissioned hinged lid for a Maggiolina Columbus rooftop tent, operated by two worm drives
Leisure battery charged by a solar panel on the tent lid; powers an inverter for recharging small devices
Canvas cover added to the trailer; original front leg refurbished and included, now replaced by a jockey wheel
Retains original features including rare drain plugs and reversible wheel nuts

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