Description
For sale - Land Rover® Series 2a, 88 Inch Half-Ton Lightweight Military Soft Top, (1968), in Desert Sand
This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a sound example of a very desirable Land Rover Series 2a Lightweight Soft Top…I repeat, Series 2a, not series 3. This Lightweight is very eye-catching, in the much less frequently seen Desert Sand colour, which gains lots of admiration wherever she goes…real stunner! The air portable Land Rover or "lightweight" as it became known, was designed for transporting by helicopters and could also be carried two abreast in transport aircraft. The lightweight Land Rover went on to become the standard short wheelbase vehicle for the British armed forces as well as other armed forces around the world.
This vehicle comes with six months MOT (although exempt), with no advisories during the last MOT; it is also road taxed which is zero cost. This vehicle is the 12volt version and comes with the original 2286cc petrol with a recent change to a Weber carburettor, all in good working order. The current mileage is 44, 507 but the mile counter stopped working 3 years ago, and so there’s about another 100 miles on top. The speedometer does work.
Written statement from The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust…This Lightweight, with the Chassis Number 236-00109-A was manufactured by Land Rover Limited, at Solihull, Warwickshire in the year 1968 (2nd December). The first production models were completed on 11 November 1968. We, therefore, believe this vehicle to be one of the first to come off the production line.
This is an exceedingly rare Series 2a lightweight – the earliest vehicles of which have the headlights in the grill, just like the standard 2a. This changed by 1971 to headlights in the wings. These models were only manufactured for a truly brief period of time…. and due to their age, very few have survived. This is one of approximately 2, 000 Series 2A Lightweight/ Air portable/ Land Rovers.
EXTERIOR:
The body overall, is in decent shape and all the panels are remarkably straight considering its age. The paintwork is sound but is not like a brand new or refurbished finish. The rear tub unlike most Land Rovers is remarkably straight in the back and doesn't show any signs of hard use.
It received a rear half chassis approximately eight years ago. The front half of the chassis has been repaired (welded) in a few areas but is sound and continues to fly through MOTs.
This vehicle has always had a spare wheel fitted on the bonnet and this is in working condition and secured correctly with the straps. Sand/ Mud tyres are currently fitted but I do have spare wheels with the original tyres, although not in good condition.
This is one straight lightweight. It has been detailed well with a rear, under arch toolbox, rear bumperettes and a split tailgate, also fitted with the correct military shovel and pickaxe.
INSIDE:
Moving to the inside, the rear is detailed with the floor strips and is fitted with two bench seats, all in matching black vinyl which is a little tatty but looks great and authentic. To the front, there are the correct three military spec seats with shallow backrests as needed to give the required legroom, and the cabin has not escaped the detailing either –smiths heater (needs attention) with de-misting hoses, fire extinguisher, etc. etc.
The vehicle retains quite a few of the original features such as:
Screw in glass Lamp lenses
2-piece tailgate with military shovel and pickaxe.
Original seat belts
Oil cooler (not connected)
Correct type of screen washer bottle
Rear bench seats
Lashing hooks in the rear
Flat type smiths heater mounted to the centre of the bulkhead with demisters for the windscreen (needs attention).
Long type swivelling mirror arms on wings (where they should be)
Army fire extinguisher
LH and RH fuel tanks with changeover tap
Strap type spare wheel bonnet mounting
Crank starting with original turning handle
UNDER THE BONNET:
The engine bay has been maintained as completely standard, including the original 2. 25 petrol engine, 12volt electrical system. The engine busts into life on the turn of the key, mostly starting first time and is a great runner. The vehicle really does pull very well with plenty of power and will happily sit at 55/ 60mph without any problem…it is a joy to drive. The engine can be turned over with a starting handle, which will be included.
The gears change up and down as they should in the main box and the transfer box functions correctly.
SUMMARY:
This is a fantastic example of a Series 2a lightweight and there aren't many around in such original and great condition. All the numbers match - the chassis numbers on the plates are the same as on the logbook registration document and that stamped on the chassis itself.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a sound and rare lightweight. This particular lightweight turns peoples’ heads AND it is a sound investment. If you are an investor then you will already know how these vehicles have appreciated over the last 5 years, some doubling in value. Though this Land Rover may not be a concourse winner, it is a really nice functionable and usable vehicle suitable for a number of uses and could be improved to near-new condition if that were required.
There is a huge history file with this Land Rover, including twenty old MOT certificates to support the 44, 000 recorded mileage. Other documentation includes build date letter (from Land Rover UK). We believe this vehicle to be a Royal Marine Commando version, owing to the decals on the front and back and the flag that was on the vehicle when we purchased it. Additionally, we have written confirmation, given to a previous owner, saying that she did not belong to the Army fleet.
Also included are many pages of service records – detailing all work carried out by previous owners.
Vehicle located near Bigbury, South Hams, South Devon
For more information, photos and/ or to view contact Peter:
Phone - the details below
Email – using the button below
