Description
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover Series 2a Ragtop in Desert Sand (1980).
Petrol 2286cc. MOT & Tax Exempt. Military Reg 73 EN 72. Circa 68, 000 recorded miles – with mileage records back to 2005. 3 Former Keepers since release. New Weber Carburettor. “Eberspacher Diesel Heater”. Loud Siren and CB Radio System. Pioneer Tools. Front and Rear Tow Bar – Height adjustable Rear Tow Bar with Electrics. Lamp Guards. Bonnet Mounted Spare. Front and Rear Bumperettes. 750×16 BF Goodrich Tyres. Military Flyscreens. Rear Bench Seats – seating for 7 people including the driver.
Here we have for sale something a little different from the norm – but entirely cool – and something for the adventurer! This early 1960s Series 2a Land Rover began life in the British Forces, until it was re-registered for civilian use in the early 1980s…. it has managed to survive with many of the period features still intact perhaps due to the low number of former keepers (3). On that note, whilst we do not have a full mileage record for this vehicle, the low number of previous owners and late release could point to the mileage being 68, 000 rather than 168, 000 – but for the sake of fair description, we won’t comment upon that further!
Externally, this superb truck looks like it is ready for a trip across the wilderness whether that be a hot, or a cold, climate… for the hot weather, roll up the canvas sides and enjoy the sun, or in the cold, fix the canvas down and fire up the heater! The 750 tyres promise good off road ability and should you get into trouble, there is a handy shovel on the rear to get rid of snow or mud. If you do get stuck, there are plenty of tow bars to winch you out – one front, one rear…. if no one is around, why not fire up the siren and loud speaker to alert people to your presence! The speaker system, fitted to the front bumper, is the loudest we’ve ever heard and could be used in a range of circumstances for good (or evil!). The eagle eyed will notice the rear military socketry, which harks back to its past and there are lots of other nice touches for the historically minded individual – lamp guards, pioneer tools, bumperettes front and rear – along with various insignias and military headlights too. The bonnet is retained in the usual military fashion with the correct clips, and there is a bonnet mounted spare to complete the look. We think that the sand paintwork and the “nicely faded” canvas look really cool and set it apart from other Series 2’s you may see.
The inside enjoys seating for the whole family (7 seats) and there are some front seat belts fitted too. The metal “banjo” steering wheel is still fitted, along with the individual wiper motors and individual fly screens… even the military convoy switch survives with integral ignition key. The dash is largely unmolested but does incorporate an extra panel with a 12v charging socket – ideal for charging a mobile phone if needed. The radio system is a complete hoot and we’ve had great fun playing with it… so in this case, we’ve elected to leave it in situ as it could come in useful in a whole range of intended uses. The rear houses the fantastic “Eberspacher” Diesel heater, which works independently of the vehicle… so you could be out in the field, and enjoying a warm cabin without the need to run your petrol tank down or worry about a 12v drain – this heater has its own dedicated fuel tank which can be run on red diesel due to it being for heating purposes only. It is a great system and works seamlessly via a dash mounted thermostat. This system promises to keep you warm whatever the weather may be!
Out on the road, the petrol engine sounds lovely, aided by a Weber carburettor for smoother running and a little more power than standard. The larger wheels give a slightly increased rolling radius and a more relaxed driving experience over the smaller tyres which are usually fitted. All in all, this gives a pleasing, period driving experience with no surprises.
In summary, if you are looking for an MOT and Tax Exempt Series Land Rover which can carry the whole family, and get you up a snowy mountain or down a desert track, then this could be for you. It has the feeling of a vehicle that wants to spend a lifetime with a new family and become part of the history therein.
Priced at £16, 995
