• Gardner 4LK engine conversion

• Newer defender gearbox

• Gorgeous Patina

• LWB Safari model

One of the most instantly-recognisable vehicles ever produced, the humble Series Land Rover revolutionised all-terrain travel across the globe, with the descendants of the original vehicles still in production today, albeit in significantly upgraded and updated guise, whilst thousands of classic examples still put in sterling service around the world every day.

Specifically, the Series II was the successor to the original Land Rover, and was available in short (88in) and long (109in) wheelbase variants, with numerous body styles available on both chassis to cater to the needs and requirements of their customers. 

Later Series II production models - classified Series IIA - are widely regarded by most as the most hardy of the Series Land Rovers, and also the most recognisable thanks to its time on the big screen and in numerous travel documentaries.

A late-model Series IIA example - distinguishable by the headlights being set into the front wings, as opposed to on the central grille recess - this 1970 LWB Safari model came into the care of the vendor around three years ago, and has since proven itself to be a wonderfully reliable vehicle for all situations.

Whilst in recent years it has proven reliable, the journey didn’t quite start that way. Having collected the car, the vendor pointed towards Scotland and, unfortunately, having just crossed the border, the head gasket on the original petrol engine blew, leaving the vehicle stranded.

The decision was then made to carry out an unusual - but not unheard of - conversion, fitting a Gardner 4LK diesel engine in place of the original petrol unit. Most often seen in commercial vehicles of yesteryear and marine applications, Gardner engines are widely regarded as some of the most reliable and well-built engines available, and still enjoy significant aftermarket support to this day.

Interestingly, Gardner engines were assigned to one builder from start-to-finish and were never mass-produced, meaning a significant level of pride was put into each engine, hence the legendary build quality. 

Prior to being put into the car, the engine was extensively examined, fitted with new pistons and liners, and all tolerances checked. The work was undertaken by Joe and his team at Tangent engineering, who are well-versed in the way of Gardner engines.

There were also a few engineering hurdles to overcome - the dimensions of the Gardner unit were significantly different from the original engine, meaning that new ‘happy’ shafts were required to fit the drivetrain and retain four-wheel-drive, a 230-series Defender gearbox was fitted, a custom sump fabricated for the engine, the third front seat removed to allow for a relocated shifter arrangement, and the dashboard was moved forward, requiring a partial re-wiring.

On the outside, there is very little to giveaway the modification, other than the ‘Gardner’ badging and mismatched bonnet (still from a Series II) which was required as the original item had the spare wheel mounted on it, infringing into the engine bay space. The wheel has now been moved to the rear door.

Interestingly, the whole conversion is detailed in the YouTube video below, and is well worth a watch, whether you’re a potential bidder or simply want to understand more about this unusual conversion:

YouTube.com/watch/?v=CzsUj9YSNfY

Included with the vehicle is the V5 showing 12 former keepers, and an extensive service history.

Other than the aforementioned third front seat being removed and the transmission being moved further back, there’s very little that has changed on the inside of this Safari Land Rover. 

The seats are typically worn as you’d expect from an agricultural vehicle, with numerous small rips and tears, but nothing too untoward. The dashboard is typically spartan and wears a lovely age-related patina on most of its components, but we feel this suits the character of the vehicle.

In the rear, both the transverse and longitudinal seating remains and all of the cushions are present and correct, whilst the load bay floor looks to be in good order, as does the roof lining.

The vendor reports no faults with any of the interior switches, systems or dials.

Wonderfully patina’d and aged through years of hard work, reliable use and no doubt a few entertaining adventures, the bodywork and paint on this LWB Series IIA is in well-used condition, but is all the more charming for it.

As we’ve mentioned, the bonnet was sourced from another Series II during the engine conversion and is mis-matching, whilst the offside front wing is painted in almost the correct colour but looks far newer than the rest of the bodywork, suggesting it too has been replaced during its lifetime. 

All four wheels are wrapped in suitably chunky all-terrain tyres, and the spare is also endowed with similar rubber. 

Beyond the usual dings, dents, and wear expected on a Land Rover (along with that fantastic natural patina) there does not appear to be any signs of major damage, impacts or indentations, with the exception of on the roof above the rear door, to the nearside of the panel.

Under the bonnet, the Gardner 4LK engine is reportedly in excellent health, and can be seen working in the above video that details the conversion process.

Due to the design of the engine, it can be a little rough from cold, but the vendor states that the engine will happily run, idle and drive well once warmed up slightly, and return impressive fuel economy for an engine of this era. 

Underneath, the chassis looks typical of a Series Land Rover, with plenty of ‘bloom’ and wear, though nothing that has been noted as requiring attention any time soon.

An icon of its time and England’s industrial past, the Land Rover is a true landmark piece of automotive history, and one that can still be used and enjoyed to this day, supported by an astonishing network of enthusiast and aftermarket support, such is their fanatical following.

This particular 1970-registered, LWB Series IIA Safari example is almost unique in having been upgraded with a Gardner 4LK engine, and as such will stand out even at the most diverse Land Rover enthusiast meet, and has proven itself to be dependable, rugged and solid throughout the owner’s time with it, following the engine conversion.

Whilst it’s certainly not original, there’s no doubt that this Series IIA will certainly appeal to an enthusiast looking for something a little different, yet still enjoyable. Happy bidding!