Description
1965 LAND ROVER SERIES IIA 88" PETROL
Extensively Restored – New Galvanised Chassis & Bulkhead – Retaining Original Patina
First registered with the DVLA in 1987, this 1965 Land Rover Series IIA has undergone a comprehensive restoration with the emphasis placed firmly on structural integrity, mechanical reliability and long-term preservation rather than cosmetic over-restoration.
The reason for the delayed registration is unknown. It almost certainly spent part of its early life in military or government service, but I have no documentary evidence to confirm this. A Heritage Certificate accompanies the vehicle and will be supplied with the sale.
The objective was never to create a polished show vehicle. Instead, the aim was to retain the Land Rover's honest, authentic appearance whilst comprehensively rebuilding the vehicle underneath. As a result, it still wears the character and patina expected of a working Series Land Rover, but benefits from extensive restoration and renewal throughout.
At the heart of the restoration is a brand-new galvanised chassis and brand-new galvanised bulkhead. Rather than leaving these with a bright galvanised finish, both were treated with T-Wash, etch primed and then painted with multiple coats to provide additional protection whilst maintaining a period-correct appearance.
The axles were removed, stripped, sandblasted, acid etched and refinished before reassembly.
The original 2. 25 petrol engine has been extensively overhauled and recommissioned. Work includes a full cylinder head gasket set, front and rear crankshaft oil seals, core plugs, water pump, thermostat, cooling hoses, carburettor overhaul components, ignition components, temperature sender, oil pressure switch, manifold gaskets and numerous ancillary seals and gaskets throughout.
The gearbox was removed and resealed with new gaskets and seals during the rebuild.
The braking system has been comprehensively renewed with a new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders throughout, new brake pipes, stainless steel braided flexi hoses, new fittings, unions and associated components.
The clutch system has also been renewed, including a new clutch assembly, master cylinder, slave cylinder and hydraulic components.
Suspension and steering have received significant attention, including:
• New British-made leaf springs front and rear
• New shock absorbers throughout
• New spring shackles, pins and hardware
• New axle bump stops
• New engine and gearbox mounts
• New steering relay
• New steering column bearing
• New steering joints throughout
• New propshaft gaiters and associated fixings
The cooling and fuel systems have also been extensively renewed, including:
• New radiator
• New water pump
• New thermostat
• New hose kit
• New fuel tank
• New fuel sender unit
Electrical work includes a complete new OEM-specification wiring loom, new fuse box, new starter solenoid, new earth straps, new ignition components and extensive renewal of lighting and ancillary electrical components.
Further work includes:
• New exhaust manifold
• Complete new exhaust system
• New door tops
• New door seals
• New bonnet hinges
• New seats throughout
• New front rubber mats
• New rear load area mat
• New canvas roof
• New mirrors
• New wiper components
The vehicle sits on correct period-style wheels fitted with excellent Goodyear tyres with substantial tread remaining.
The odometer currently displays 25, 414 miles. Due to the vehicle's age and history, this cannot be verified and should be disregarded as a true indication of mileage.
Parts expenditure alone was in the region of £14, 500, excluding the substantial labour involved in carrying out the restoration. Where available most parts sourced were OEM, or a good quality aftermarket. For example, almost all of the electronic components were Lucas, the wheel cylinders were Delphi and the engine filters were Mahle.
This is not a freshly painted vehicle hiding tired mechanicals. It is a structurally renewed and mechanically restored Series IIA that retains its original character whilst benefiting from extensive investment beneath the surface.
The result is a Series Land Rover that looks honest and authentic, yet has already received the sort of structural and mechanical work that most owners eventually face. A rare opportunity to acquire a properly rebuilt Series IIA where the expensive work has already been completed.
Viewing welcomed and encouraged. I bought this Series IIA because I wanted an honest, usable Land Rover rather than an over-restored showpiece. Too many restored Series Land Rovers look fantastic in photographs but still have tired mechanicals underneath. My aim was the exact opposite.
The restoration focused on making the vehicle structurally and mechanically exceptional whilst preserving the character it has earned over more than sixty years. Rather than stripping away its history beneath layers of filler and shiny paint, I chose to retain its authentic patina and working-life appearance. From the outside it still looks like a genuine old Land Rover; underneath it has benefited from a huge amount of investment and attention to detail.
What makes this vehicle stand out is that almost every major system has been renewed or rebuilt. It has a brand-new galvanised chassis and bulkhead, overhauled engine, resealed gearbox, completely renewed brakes, rebuilt suspension, new wiring loom and countless new components throughout. The expensive jobs that most owners eventually face have already been tackled.
My favourite thing about it is the contrast between what people expect and what they actually find. At first glance it looks like an honest old Series Land Rover that has survived decades of use. Then you look underneath and discover a vehicle that has been comprehensively rebuilt and future-proofed for years to come. It retains all the charm, character and authenticity that make Series Land Rovers special, but without many of the worries that usually come with owning one.
It can be appreciated for what it is: not a polished museum piece, but a properly rebuilt and highly usable Series IIA that still looks exactly like a Land Rover should. Once a vehicle has been stripped and repainted, its original appearance is gone forever. This Land Rover wears its age honestly. As the saying goes, you can't buy patina. Well, in this case, perhaps you can.
