Highlights

Registration number suggests intended use by the Royal Household as a support vehicle
Heritage certificate confirming build date of 19th February 1963 and dispatch on 15th March 1963
Nut and bolt refurbishment completed in 2012
Original factory engine retained
Dry stored for the vast majority of ownership

The Appeal

The Land Rover Series IIA is revered among enthusiasts as one of the most capable and characterful off-roaders ever produced, and is certainly one of the most iconic cars ever built in Britain. Combining rugged simplicity with genuine go-anywhere ability with no-fuss, military-origin design. Developed during the golden era of British engineering, these vehicles have proven their worth across every terrain and climate imaginable, earning a devoted following worldwide that continues to develop.

This particular 1963 example comes with a fascinating provenance: its registration number suggests it was intended for use by the Royal Household as a support vehicle, something the Heritage Certificate supports. The current owner acquired this Land Rover in July 2012 from a local enthusiast who had completed a comprehensive nut-and-bolt refurbishment. Since then, it has been maintained regularly and dry stored for the vast majority of its history.

The vehicle retains its original factory engine and benefits from all body panels having been resprayed and a new canvas having being fitted. The provenance makes this a truly fascinating example. The vendor informs us the vehicle is generally in excellent condition and good mechanical working order, though they note it would probably benefit from a modest overhaul to check the brakes before regular road use.

History and Paperwork

UK market RHD car first registered 6th March 1963
Built 19th February 1963, dispatched 15th March 1963
Heritage certificate present confirming build and dispatch dates
Registration number suggests intended use by the Royal Household as a support vehicle
DVLA historic record supports BMIHT certificate
Chassis and engine numbers match historic record
Initial registered keeper was Devon County Agricultural Association, Whipton, Exeter
May have been used by the Royal Household before the Devon County Agricultural Association
Moved to private ownership in 1985
Remained in Devon until acquired by local enthusiast who restored it
Purchased by the current owner in July 2012 from the enthusiast
Nut and bolt refurbishment completed in 2012
Maintained regularly by current owner
Dry stored for vast majority of ownership
Used rarely since purchase
21,590 on the clock

The Condition

The vendor informs us that the vehicle is generally in excellent condition
All body panels resprayed
No major issues that we can discern
A few minor scratches and marks here and there, but nothing overly intrusive
New canvas fitted
The vendor informs us the interior is in excellent condition for age
Some gentle patina, commensurate with age
Slight cracking to seat coverings
Instruments are clean and legible

The Mechanics

2.25-litre (2,286cc) four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual transmission with low-range and four-wheel drive capability
Original factory engine reportedly retained
Believed to be mechanically standard throughout
The vendor informs us the engine runs well and very quietly
They also note it would probably benefit from a modest overhaul to check the brakes before regular road use

BEFORE YOU BUY

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