・Comprehensive restoration by gifted engineer

・Highly desirable Series 2A

・Freshly rebuilt petrol engine and gearbox

・Driven just 250 miles since completion

The successor to the immortal Series 1, the Series 2 was produced from 1958 to 1961 and came in 88-inch and 109-inch wheelbases, using the tried-and-tested 2.25 litre petrol engine.  It was replaced by the very similar Series 2a in 1961 which remained in production for 10 years and is widely regarded as the hardest of all the Series models.

Most of the changes were cosmetic, although a 2.25ltr diesel engine was added to the engine options.  According to various Land Rover histories from May 1969 onwards the headlamps moved into the wings on all models.

This gorgeous Series 2A is thought to be the last but one made before the Solihull factory started production of the Series 3.  Interestingly it has the earlier configuration with the headlights mounted in the grille, a feature normally found on Series 2As only until May 1969, after which they were moved to the front wings, so perhaps they were using up the last of the older stock grille?  Built in August 1969 it is thought to have languished at a dealership until first registered in January 1971.  The first owner kept it for 32 years, and in 1980 it had its first engine and gearbox rebuild.  Purchased by the seller, a retired qualified main dealer mechanic and ex MOT examiner in October 2018, it has been the subject of a 3 year comprehensive and detailed restoration.  Since his retirement the seller has restored numerous vehicles for pleasure, but an imminent house move means that the Land Rover is to be sold.

The first document of note is the list of hundreds of items purchased, along with source and prices that stretches to six pages!  It details every clip, gaiter, washer along with consumables such as rust inhibitor, paint and filters.  The parts total is £6,886.84 alone and all the receipts are in the history file.  There are plenty of photographs of the work in progress, starting with a new fully galvanised and coated chassis and a complete engine rebuild and gearbox overhaul.  You can see that all the work has been completed to an exceptionally high standard. 

All new suspension, a steering box overhaul, new steering relay and new track rod ends, new front swivels and bearings were installed.  All new brake pipes, cylinders, shoes, in fact every part was either refurbished or replaced. The only job we could find that appears to have been done elsewhere was some welding repairs to the bulkhead. The seller tells us that although it’s not a Concours example, in his opinion it’s as good has he could manage, and as a usable Series 2A, it’s probably better. There are a few upgrades most notably a stainless steel exhaust from tailpipe to manifold, and the upgrade to halogen headlights.  Along with the V5c there is an MoT valid until 11th April 2022 for added peace of mind.

Since completion the seller has driven it a mere 250 miles, so just enough to shake down and fix any niggles, but essentially it is a fresh restoration.

The interior appears to be completely standard, with the addition of seatbelts.  The floor has correct rubber mats, and the seats have correct good quality faux leather cushions and seat backs.  The same attention to detail has been applied to the rear cab area, with rubber floor mats.  As with all early Land Rovers it’s all pretty agricultural and basic as it was originally intended, and just as it should be.

The Bronze green paint has been nicely applied and contrasts well with the cream colour cab and roof. As everything is essentially new or refurbished to factory stock, the exterior appears as it would have from new. 

The photographs that show the engine and gearbox at various stages during the rebuild should be reassuring to any potential bidders.  The Seller reports that the 2.25 litre petrol engine runs smoothly, and the gearbox is easy to use.  Under the bonnet the installation has been completed to a high standard, with nice period detailing throughout. It all looks clean and factory fresh. The same attention has been lavished on the underside and running gear; all is rebuilt or new.

It’s a widely held belief amongst Land Rover aficionados that the Series 2 and subsequent 2A are the best of the early Land Rovers.  Between the Series 1 launch in 1948 and the launch of the Series 2A in 1961 the original concept had been developed and vastly improved.  1969-1970 was the peak year for Land Rover production, with over 60,000 made of which about 70% went for export. Most have led a hard life or went to the scrapyard many years ago.  Series 2As are relatively rare and it’s not often we see one that has benefitted from such expense and attention in the hands of a skilled engineer.  We think you’ll agree that the result speaks for itself.  This has to be the one to have!

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