Beschreibung
Rare, desirable and delightfully original. South Dorset-based since new and a Swanage-resident for the past 32 years, this early Series II 88" presented in iconic Bronze Green with White back is everybody`s idea of how a classic Land Rover should look. With just 74, 050 miles recorded and the subject of an older restoration, it starts up instantly and runs very sweetly albeit now offering scope for further improvement. But with fully restored examples now fetching over £25, 000, this is a superb opportunity to acquire an unmolested, up and running example for a fraction of the price.
Launched by The Rover Company at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the Land Rover was perceived as a compact four-wheel-drive vehicle designed specifically for farm and industrial use. Featuring a box frame chassis and aluminium body panels, the initial offering (or Series I) was available in just a single variant - 80" wheelbase with 1. 6 litre engine, a 4-speed gearbox from the Rover P3 and 2-speed transfer box. This incorporated an unusual four-wheel-drive set up with typical Rover freewheel unit enabling the front axle to disengage from the manual transmission on overrun. Available with just a simple canvas roof and optional door tops, this was a spartan vehicle and almost immediately demand for something more comfortable persuaded Rover to offer a Station Wagon variant with bodywork by Tickford. Through the 1950`s, the Series I developed further with a more conventional four-wheel-drive system and bigger engines and notably, from 1954, an extended 86? wheelbase and the introduction of a 107" pickup. This longer chassis gave the design team the ability to create the first 5-door variant and the ever-popular 10-seater station wagon was born fitted with the Safari roof keeping the interior cool in hot weather and reducing condensation in colder weather. In mid-1956, the 3-door version grew again to an 88" wheelbase and this remained a constant for the next 25 years of Land Rover production. By early 1958, a revised and more modern-looking model was deemed necessary and Chief Stylist, David Bache, set to work creating a wider vehicle with definite waistline incorporating an all-new 2. 25 litre petrol engine. The Series II had arrived. The very first 1500 or so 88" models retained the earlier 2. 0 litre engines with just 52BHP whilst from late 1958, all petrol variants came with the later and larger unit boasting a heady 72BHP. In addition to the 88? model, an extended chassis of 109" was offered as a 5-door station wagon with the option of a 12-seater, a body style that remained for the next 44 years. Only in production for 3 years, the Series II was replaced with the Series IIA in 1961, offering a wider choice of body styles and engine configurations as well as servo-assisted brakes. It soon became the best seller of the entire Series range with over 60, 000 units a year being manufactured by the late 1960`s and new markets appearing worldwide.
Our Land Rover dates from November 1958 making it an early Series II fitted with the correct 2. 25 litre petrol engine. It was supplied new to a farmer at Childhay Manor near Beaminster and was originally registered as "269 CYC" albeit was re-registered at some point (we believe the 1980`s) on the registration seen today. It remained ay Childhay Manor for 10 years before moving to nearby Lewesdon Farm in Stoke Abbot (owned by the same family), where it resided for a further 10 years. From the late 1970`s to 1991, the trail goes cold although we are advised that the vehicle remained in Dorset in the hands of several short-term keepers. In May 1991, it was purchased by a gentleman in Swanage who subsequently sold it to his neighbour less than 10 months later. This new owner soon embarked on what was to become a full restoration (1994-95) and with a recorded mileage of just over 71, 000, the Land Rover was put back on the road and freshly MoT`d in April 1996. It was subsequently MoT inspected every year thereafter up until May 2012, when with a recorded mileage of 73, 730 it passed with no Advisory Notes. For the past 11 years, the Land Rover has been used sparingly covering less than 300 miles in total and has lived primarily in an open-fronted barn. Recent invoices from John Craddock confirm regular maintenance to notably include the replacement of the fuel tank and lift pump. After 31 years of ownership, the Land Rover has only become available as a result of the keeper`s desire to find it a new loving home.
The Land Rover presents just as can be seen in the photographs. The original Bronze Green paintwork is tired and some light bodywork restoration could be undertaken especially around the top of the bulkhead and to both driver and passenger floors. The chassis though would seem remarkably sound and the vast majority of other body panels are likewise very solid just carrying the age-related marks and light dings commensurate of a 65-year old Land Rover. Inside, the cabin is largely original and offers scope for cosmetic improvement albeit is perfectly serviceable as is. Push the starter and the 2. 25 litre fires up immediately sounding smooth and sweet. Select 1st gear and the Land Rover pulls forward gently moving swiftly on up through the gears with back-lane cruising speed reached in no-time. Clutch, brakes and steering all feel positive and typical of any Series Land Rover and all electrics would seem to work as one would hope. I took the Land Rover out for a short spin across the South Dorset Downs this afternoon and it performed faultlessly. Yes, it`s noisy and rattily but I wouldn`t expect it to be anything else! A running restoration, the vehicle would make a fantastic Winter project and is not only a rare and desirable early variant but importantly, hasn`t been modified or changed in any way. It is exactly what it is.
The Land Rover comes with its original Buff logbook and subsequent Registration Documents, a full set of MoT Certificates from 1996 to 2012, sundry bills and receipts from John Craddock and a current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A genuine and unmolested early Series II to use and improve. What`s not to like!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit Taken.
