Description
** DEPOSIT TAKEN**
This Land Rover is extremely original, having spent many years in storage before undergoing a very careful and sympathetic restoration over the last two years in my ownership. Supplied new to a buyer in Coventry in 1967, it retains its original registration mark and is believed to have covered just 49, 600 miles since new.
Over the last two years, the mechanical aspects of this car have been fully restored using new old stock parts wherever possible. Both axles have been stripped, cleaned and painted. Every axle bearing, wheel bearing, bush and seal has been replaced, along with new steering swivels and stub axles. Military NOS heavy duty rubber swivel gaiters have been fitted, and the new roadsprings have been wrapped with Denso tape to protect from grit and corrosion. The front propshaft has been replaced, along with new brake cylinders, Cunifer pipework, shoes and drums all round. Brake and clutch master cylinders have been replaced with NOS items of the correct type for this year. The steering box has been fully rebuilt with new bearings and races, and the idler is a hard-to-find NOS unit. All balljoints have been replaced and the steering feels as new. The original steering wheel has been restored to new condition, along with the original hornpush and indicator switch. Both wiper motors have been stripped, cleaned and restored and work as new. New headlamp units are fitted and the car has been rewired with an Autosparks correct harness. All electrical systems work as intended, with some minor modifications such as conversion to negative earth, fitment of an alternator, a modern 12V power socket in the cab and a concealed headlamp flasher switch.
The 2. 25-litre petrol engine was rebuilt at the beginning of 2020 and given a 20thou rebore. New AE pistons are fitted along with a NOS original-spec camshaft, new rockers and cam followers, the crankshaft requiring a machine shop polish (no regrind necessary) and new standard main and big-end bearing shells. New oil, water and fuel pumps are fitted, along with a Carburettor Exchange rebuilt original Solex carburettor and a Distributor Doctor Lucas distributor. The engine is topped with a Turner Engineering 8:1 unleaded cylinder head, but the original 7:1 will come with the car. Timing sprockets and chain are new, as is the stainless exhaust. There is a new flywheel and clutch, and a restored original 2A 'flat top' radiator and all hoses. The gearbox units have all been completely rebuilt using the original components, with all new bearings, 3-4 synchro hub, bushes and seals into bead-blasted cases. A ‘Roamerdrive’ overdrive is fitted, along with a cast aluminium finned transfer box sump.
The interior has replacement elephant hide front seats, but retains the original four rear seats unrestored. The original ‘Irvin’ parachute company static seat belts are retained, and the central dash panel has been restored to original condition. The circular heater has been rebuilt with a Clayton core and is very effective. All new Hardura mats and trim panels have been fitted. The canopy panels over the windscreen have been replaced and the rare, original Station Wagon interior mirror has been restored. The original jack, handles and starting handle are in their clips behind the seats.
The bodywork is in exceptional, unrestored condition. It has never been repainted and retains every mark acquired during its life so far. The paint has been polished through in places, and there are some minor dents – but once lost, no restoration can ever replicate the genuine patina of this car. The chassis is the original, with stamping intact, and must be near-unique, having never been welded from new. There is some non-structural rust in the door frames, which are still the originals.
Engine and gearbox numbers are not recorded on the heritage certificate, but have numbers which match the build date. An extensive history file is included, as is a complete, running spare engine, a gearbox and other spares.
This Land Rover has had four previous owners, drives as it did in 1967, and with its sensitive restoration represents a true survivor in great condition.
Large photo file available.
