Bought from John Brown 4x4 in 2021 and very limited use. It is believed to be the earliest surviving home-market (not export model) Series 2 109 petrol station wagon in existence. Chassis number - the 6th 109 station wagon ever made. The chassis number on the original VIN plate matches the front chassis leg which is rare.
MOT done in November 2023 and passed with no issues even though exempt. Taxed up to December 2024, but being an historic vehicle there is no cost to renew. Only other work done in my ownership was renewal of new Britpart half shafts on rear axle due to minor play; done at classic car garage. Receipts, MOT etc. available for winch, LED lights, seats, immobiliser, handbrake, waxy completed at John Brown 4x4 before delivery.
Built in 1959, but first registered in October 1977. Overdrive. Original 'Deluxe' interior with door cards. Heater with front demist. Capstan winch fitted and working on front bumper. Exmoor new seats driver and passenger and one folding Exmoor in boot - all with seat belts. All original seats still available in full.
Sold to John Brown Land Rover years ago with original sticker and then dry stored by John Brown 4 x 4 for many years by customer for use on their country estate in France, hence the very low mileage. See John Brown website - sold vehicles for further information.
The vehicle has many original features although tired and needing improving or exchange/ upgrade or retained as a fully working original. Starts first time every time. Paintwork is not perfect throughout, but still the original Limestone colour. There are added spots which work on full beam. There are working side steps for all passengers including the rear. The tropical roof, vents and liner all survive although tired/ original. A matching set of wheels and tyres are fitted with spare - removed from the bonnet, but easy to re-attach. There is an early style valance with twist style type vent hinges, original horn, denoting Series 2 manufacture and later linked wipers.
The capstan works very well with no risk of running out of winch wire, ever and will easily haul the vehicle or trees out as required. It can be removed if not needed to put on another vehicle.
The interior survives intact with new Exmoor seats and original central cubby, but original seats are available throughout. Luxury matting is fitted for sound deadening and comfort. The 1977 registration is etched into the glass windows throughout reflecting the first registration in 4. 10. 1977, but with a different registration plate. It is not known why it was not registered earlier, but could have been on the country estate, retained at the factory for demonstration purposes or spent its early life in military or civilian service.
An overdrive is fitted for better cruising. It runs really well, starts first time, has light steering, the petrol engine is quiet and runs without issue in terms of gears. The undercarriage was cleaned and professionally waxoyled by John Brown 4x4 and has little use since on dry or semi-dry days and no off-road.
NOTE - some photos are taken when bought from John Brown 4 x 4 to show the original layout of the seats that are all available with mounting brackets if required. The vehicle could be re-instated in full with the original seats and the Exmoor seats - (3 of - drive, passenger and folding single seat in the boot) removed along with the capstan winch if not required.
Such a rare and potentially the earliest model on the road, possibly in the world, that is running sweetly is the perfect buy for a collector.
Original Limestone Safari Series 2 109 with Chassis 006 potentially the earliest surviving home market model on the road and running sweetly; possibly the earliest still running in the world. It is reliable, versatile and either an original collectors car or a blank canvas ready for an upgrade without significant nut and bolt spend that inflates the price. Runs smoothly, no work required to run as-is with MOT, original seats all still available in full with brackets or modern comfy Exmoor seats and a very large boot for dogs, gear or wood. A powerful capstan winch mounted on the front bumper with a direct drive off the engine that will haul the vehicle out no matter how far away the tree (if you have a long rope) or pull trees out for fire wood. A very functional, sturdy, reliable vehicle that is likely to keep working for another few decades yet.
