Description
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover® Series 2a Ragtop in Deep Bronze Green (1965).
Petrol 2286cc. MOT & Tax Exempt. Exceptionally rare “Searle Safari” with Bulkhead Removal Bar & Elephant Hide Seats. Free Wheeling Hubs. Towball and Electrics. Recent Canvas. Bonnet Mounted Spare. Only 1 former keeper from new and Genuine Mileage – a real survivor. Supplied new to Harrogate, North Yorkshire, only 20 miles from our premises on 1st December, 1965.
We are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally rare vehicle – a “Searle Safari” Land Rover® Series 2a. This Series would’ve started life as a hard top, and converted by Searle into a short wheelbase camper – this is why the bulkhead is removed and replaced with a bar that can be taken out so that it can be slept in. We gather that the first owner, who lived in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, converted this into a soft-top at some point during his ownership. The vehicle then passed into the hands of a gentleman local to our founding director, John Brown Sr, and he collected the vehicle personally and drove it to our premises where it now resides, awaiting its 3rd owner from new. The mileage of 79, 960 is believed to be absolutely genuine, as the vehicle was used very sparingly by the 2nd owner.
What is particularly notable about this vehicle is just how straight a condition it has survived in – and the way that the doors close is so very pleasing. As can be seen from the photos, it has all the exterior features one would expect to see from an unmolested Series 2a… deep sills, free wheeling hubs, tow bar and electrics, bonnet mounted spare, vintage number plates, razor edge bonnet etc etc.
The interior affords accommodation for three occupants currently, with replacement Elephant Hide Seats being fitted. Deluxe matting is fitted to the footwells. The dash is entirely standard which further demonstrates that this vehicle has not been messed with. The rear is unfitted with the exception of a load mat, but bench seats can be added for £595 to bring seating to seven including the driver, if so required.
Out on the road, this old girl feels like she wants to go on forever…. and drove into our premises without incident. The 2286cc petrol engine runs just as it should and there are no dramas whatsoever.
In summary, if you are looking for an extremely low owner, low mileage Series 2a Land Rover® that has never strayed more than 20 miles from where it was supplied new, then you could be the 3rd registered keeper of this wonderful 1960s surviver.
Priced at £20, 995
Visit our website for comprehensive photos and a varied stock list of Series 1s, 2s and 3s. We Export Worldwide. John Brown 4x4 are the Market Leaders in Vintage Land Rover® Sales.
