The Land Rover Lightweight or “¼ Ton” was first introduced in 1969 and was developed for the British armed forces who needed a utility vehicle that could easily be transported by the then ubiquitous Wessex helicopter. 

Designed to bring down the weight of the civilian Series II to the load capacity of the Wessex helicopter, the Lightweight was designed so that everything that was deemed non essential could be fitted and removed in the field and flown in separately to the main chassis. 

The Lightweight is also a couple of inches narrower than the standard Series II which also allows them to fit on a standard sized pallet which in turn made them transportable via the Hercules aircraft.

The current owner has had the car for the last 22 years and bought it from a gentleman in Cornwall who had originally intended to use it as a vehicle for a logging business he was in the process of setting up.

Whilst we don’t have any information on the vehicle prior to this, there are extensive records for ex military vehicles that will detail the vehicles time in the MOD that the new owner could acquire.

There isn’t a huge stack of paperwork with this Series II, but with the same owner for 22 years and doing few miles this is to be expected. However, what paperwork there is details significant work that demonstrates the care taken with this vehicle.

This includes invoices for a full strip down and replacement of the rear half of the chassis as well as the rest of the underside being stripped, rust removed and then treated and sealed. There is also an invoice for the replacement of the timing chain amongst other smaller works on the brakes and body etc.

The interior is generally in good to fair condition and is the utilitarian design one would expect from an ex MOD vehicle. The dashboard is fully functional and the seats are surprisingly comfy.

There is a tear to the driver's seat just above the bolster alongside some signs of wear, otherwise the seats are in good condition. The bench seats in the rear are free from tears and appear to be in good condition.

The lightweight has a distinctive shape that’s instantly recognisable to any Land Rover enthusiast. With its spartan bodywork and angular design the Series II lightweight stands out and this one does not disappoint. 

The exterior is in generally good condition and benefits from having a recently replaced soft top that looks fantastic and is in great condition. Whilst all of the panels show small bumps and scrapes the finished paintwork is good and these don’t detract from the presentation of the vehicle but rather fit nicely with it’s rugged design and military past. 

The owner has recently replaced the passenger door and window as well as the drivers window.

It starts easily, runs well and with the work carried out by the current owner it’s ready to drive. Benefitting from a new timing chain, dash bulkhead, exhaust, carburetor and fuel pump this is a mechanically sound example that’s ready for a new owner to enjoy.

Whilst around 500,000 Series II Land Rovers were built, less than 3000 were lightweights. This presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a rare Land Rover that’s ready to drive as it is, or that would make a fantastic starting point for a full restoration.

With a new Exmoor hood, rear chassis and the work on the engine it’s a solid example that will make an impression wherever it goes thanks to the unique design.

The Series II is a well loved vehicle that has become iconic across the world and this is a great chance to own a rare and sound lightweight version; bid now, this one won’t be around for long.

Notice to bidders