**Please note these photographs have been supplied by the vendor **

** This is a French registered vehicle, the owner held on to the UK plates for their appeal and the car's history **

Highlights

An original, well preserved and nicely presented UK import
The vendor informs us that the Land Rover Series II Club have identified this as the second oldest surviving Series II 109” in existence
Reportedly driving very well, with no mechanical issues to report
Desirable factory station wagon with a safari roof
A significant invoice from a French specialist dated 14th May 2023 totals in excess of €16,000 in expenditure

The Appeal

Following the enormous and to some extent, unexpected success of the original Land Rover, after ten years in production, Rover’s engineers began work on a new model. Originally intended to be a stop gap for the Rover Company to cope with Britain’s steel shortage following the Second World War, the Series I, as it was retrospectively called, gave way to the Series II in 1958, which in turn laid down the blueprint for the shape of all subsequent Land Rovers up until the demise of the original Defender in 2016.

Here we have a very early example, dating from 1959 and believed to be one of the oldest Series II 109” Land Rovers in existence. Imported from the UK to France, this right-hand drive Land Rover has subsequently received a great deal of attention, preserving much of its originality and sympathetically restoring various mechanical and cosmetic areas where necessary. The vendor reports that it drives incredibly well, with no issues to report and so is ready for its next owner.

If you’re looking for a very original and special example of the coveted Series II in desirable factory station wagon specification, be sure not to miss this lovely Land Rover.

The History and Paperwork

Right-hand drive UK supplied vehicle
The vendor informs us that the Land Rover Series II Club have identified this as the second oldest surviving Series II 109” in existence
Acquired by the vendor in March 2020
Apparently used very little in the last three years and stored under cover
Complete with its French carte grise de collection and the old UK V5C
A significant invoice from a French specialist dated 14th May 2023 totals in excess of €16,000 in expenditure
58,540 miles indicated - although we’re not aware if this is accurate

The Interior

Retains its original and patinated ‘elephant hide’ vinyl upholstery
Lined with the period correct hardura matting, with additional rubber mats in the footwells
Very original, with no later additions or modifications apparent

This Series II boasts amongst the most original interiors we’ve seen in a classic Land Rover.

The correct ‘elephant hide’ grey vinyl upholstery remains complete and largely intact with some superb patina on show. There are of course some rips and general signs of wear to the seats, but they all remain eminently usable and are in keeping with the utilitarian aesthetic. As a factory station wagon, there’s occupancy for ten persons, with two rows of three-abreast seats and longitudinal benches in the rear accommodating two passengers per side. It even retains its original door cards, complete with their armrests which, although showing their age, are remarkable to see still in place after all these years.

The headlining exhibits a few marks but presents well. All the vents in the safari roof are seemingly in good order. Under your feet, the period correct hardura matting lines the inside of the bulkhead and rubber mats are used on the floors. All of this looks in good condition with the age related wear you’d expect to see. The steel dashboard has likely been repainted along with the rest of the car and presents well in a matching grey. We couldn’t see evidence of any later additions and all the instrumentation and switchgear apparently works correctly. We enjoy the gentle patina accrued by the controls, with some marks on the steering wheel and various levers which blends in well with the aged upholstery.

The Exterior

Grey paintwork with contrasting Limestone roof - refinished in 2021
Very straight bodywork with remarkably few imperfections
Five door factors station wagon specification with a safari roof
OEM spec Avon Rangemaster tyres fitted including a spare on the rear door
Accessory sun visor fitted above the windscreen
Chassis and bulkhead in really good order
All the galvanised cappings, handles and bumper look in great shape

To us, the exterior of this Land Rover looks just right. It was repainted in 2021 although in keeping with its originality, has not been given an overly shiny finish - which we heartily approve of. The bodywork is really straight, especially by Land Rover standards and there’s no signs of electrolytic corrosion to the ‘Birmabright’ or indeed any rust on the chassis or bulkhead that we could discern. The vendor assures us that the vehicle is structurally really sound, having been thoroughly inspected during all the recent work. The vendor points out some slight abrasions in the front nearside wheel arch and demonstrates that some of the door fit isn’t perfect - but we can forgive these superficial imperfections of such a vehicle.

A factory station wagon is always an exciting find and we’re glad that this example retains its safari roof, which has been finished in two-tone Limestone over grey. There’s also an accessory sun visor over the front screen - a nice touch which makes this feel like an expedition-ready vehicle. All the galvanised cappings look in great order, as does the bumper. The lights, mirrors and glass all present well, with no issues immediately apparent.

The Mechanics

Subject to a comprehensive recent mechanical overhaul, evidenced by a significant invoice from a specialist
The vendor reports that the Land Rover runs impeccably and drives exactly as it should
Four wheel-drive and low range selecting and functioning correctly
2.25-litre petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox

The recent work predominantly encompassed the following areas:

Replacement of the ignition circuit with new points, capacitor, coil, igniter head, rotor arm, low voltage line, and spark plugs
Replacement of the head gasket, cylinder head studs and Solex carburettor
General engine and gearbox fluid service and tune
Complete rebuilding of the forward driveline including hubs, bearings and universal joints, ball joints and resetting the front axle geometry
New front shock absorbers and rear leaf springs
Replacement of the gear lever
Replacement of the steering relay, complete restoration of the steering box
Complete repair of the front brakes: replacement of the four wheel cylinders, replacement of the two brake hoses
the replacement of the exhaust system
Numerous other smaller jobs and adjustment of various components

If you’re in a hurry, we suggest you leave this Land Rover in the garage. But if there’s work to be done, things to be moved or challenging terrain to traverse, it’ll be on your side.

The vendor informs us that following the copious recent maintenance, the engine runs well, remaining cool in all outside temperatures with good oil pressure and a steady idle. The gearbox selects gears correctly, with no synchromesh on first and second, but you soon get into a rhythm with it. We’re told that it drives nickel, with no issues to report and everything works as it should. The only slight defect the vendor notes is that there are a few oil leaks, although this is far from unheard of when it comes to Land Rovers of this vintage.

Summary

Seldom have we encountered such a well sorted and beautifully preserved original Series II and the fact it’s such an early example is yet another starting to its bow.

If you’re after a true collector-grade Series land Rover, we can heartily recommend this example.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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