Highlights
- Retrofitted Gardner 4LK engine - a powerplant of great repute
- Desirable long-wheelbase Station Wagon with vented ‘Tropical Roof’
- Defender gearbox, transfer case and diffs
The Appeal
Land Rover and Gardner, two giants of Britain's industrial past, are engineering icons, and in this unique creation, their combined excellence can still be appreciated today.
This Land Rover Series IIA has been upgraded with a Gardner 4LK engine, and as such will stand out even at the most diverse Land Rover enthusiast meet. It has proven itself to be dependable, rugged and solid throughout the owner’s time with it.
This vehicle's previous owner had commissioned Joe McCool, of Tangent Engineering, to carry out the Gardner engine conversion. Interestingly, the conversion can be seen via this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzsUj9YSNfY
Gardner engines were (and still are) widely regarded as hugely reliable, economical and well-built engines, and thus they were used in buses, lorries, railway locomotives, and various marine applications, including submarines.
The Gardner 4LK engine (introduced in 1935) were used in World War Two midget submarines, which attacked and damaged the German Battleship Tirpitz while anchored in a Norwegian fjord.
In manufacture, Gardner engines were assigned to one builder from start to finish, and this led to those engineers having great pride in their work, hence the legendary build quality.
Prior to its installation, this engine was extensively examined and fitted with new pistons and liners.
There were a few engineering hurdles to overcome; the dimensions of the Gardner unit were significantly different to those of the vehicle's original engine, the drivetrain retained its four-wheel-drive capability. A new Defender gearbox, transfer case and diffs were fitted, a custom-fabricated engine sump, the middle front seat was removed to allow for a relocated shifter arrangement, and the dashboard was moved rearward.
This is certainly among the most unusual and interesting Land Rover engine conversions you’re likely to come across. It’s a real treat for fans of British engineering.
History & Paperwork
- V5 Registration Certificate.
- Classification: Historic Vehicle.
- Several service, maintenance receipts and past MOT certificates
The vendor purchased this vehicle three years ago and, in his ownership, this vehicle has proven itself to be a wonderfully reliable vehicle and although the vendor hasn't added greatly to its overall mileage, he reports that the engine starts and runs perfectly. His longest single journey was 60 miles, when it reportedly ran faultlessly whilst achieving a steady 35 PSI oil pressure
Sadly, the vendor's age and declining health have now led him to put the vehicle up for sale
Sadly, the vendor's age and declining health have now led him to put the vehicle up for sale
The Condition
- Wonderfully patinated and showing its age with pride
- All five wheels have Avon Rangemaster 7.50 R16 tyres
- There are the usual dings, dents, and wear that might be expected on a Land Rover of this age
- The vendor believes the chassis is in a very strong condition
- The vendor has had an oil pressure gauge fitted to a position in front of the driver.
- The dashboard has been moved rearward and the middle front seat removed to allow for the transmission being moved further back
- The seats are typically worn as you’d expect from a vehicle of this age
- In the rear, both the transverse and longitudinal seating remains and all of the cushions are present and the load bay floor looks to be in good order
- The vendor reports he is not aware of any faults with any of the interior switches, systems or dials
The Mechanics
The engine conversion by Joe McCool, consisted of the following:
- 3.8-litre Gardner 4LK diesel engine
- 57 bhp at 2100 rpm
- Bore: 3.25 inches (95.3mm)
- Stroke: 5.25 inches (133.4mm)
- Operating temperature: 65 degrees C
- Oil pressure 35 psi at 1000 rpm
- Torque: 162 lbs ft (219.643 Nm) at 1100 rpm.
- Approximate weight: 775 lbs (352kgs)
- New Defender gearbox: R380, Type 56A
- New transfer case: LT230 transfer, ratio 1.100
- New diffs: 3.54 ratio
- In 2024 - The braking system was given a full service
2024 service included:
- Strip down and rebuild front hubs with new oil seals
- Under the bonnet, the Gardner 4LK engine is reportedly in excellent health
The vendor says:
“A Gardner engine in good condition will start very quickly and without the need for long periods of cranking, and this particular engine is a perfect example of how one should start.
During the vendor's ownership, this vehicle has been seen and driven by Henry Tuer, and while at his premises, Henry fitted a new electric fuel pump and installed an oil pressure gauge, positioning it in front of the driver.
“Of particular note, twenty years earlier, Henry had already completed this very same engine conversion on his own Land Rover Series II swb and so he is very knowledgeable in this area.
“Henry Tuer and Joe McCool have both been a great source of support in terms of information and advice to me. And in Henry's case, actual engineering work.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
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