The original Series 1 Land Rover was introduced way back in 1948 with the Series 2 arriving ten years later, available with an 88” or 109” wheelbase. The long wheelbase cars were all powered by a 2.25 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 4 speed manual transmission with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears. It also featured free-wheeling hubs, high and low gear ratios and could be supplied with a vast array of body styles.

Recognisable and celebrated the world over, the Land Rover early Series cars are now very collectable and are rightly regarded as an Iconic British Car with an important place in British Motoring history.

First registered in 1959 this 109 spent its first years working as a shoot vehicle, after which time it was sold to its second owner in 1966 who converted it to a campervan immediately and used it for family holidays at home and abroad for the next 52 years.

There is a more than comprehensive history file that includes maintenance receipts and a hand-written document detailing what had been done to the car during its years with the second owner.

In 1998 it had a new galvanized chassis fitted by the local Land Rover Dealership, and a replacement engine, suitably modified with hardened valve seats to cope with unleaded petrol was fitted, and the bulkhead was also completely refurbished.

In 2018, after a few years of the car remaining idle due to the owners ill health, the current owner purchased it and has completely re-commissioned the car and all its running gear over the last few years. 

This re-commissioning included fitting a complete new Autosparks wiring loom, new lights front and rear with period Lucas glass, new alternator, new battery, new carburetor, new exhaust, new door and window seals where required, Fairey overdrive, new leaf springs and shock absorbers, original radiator re-cored with all new hoses, new starter motor, and new front door tops with used door bottoms were installed to deal with some rust issues.

The car comes with its V5c showing one previous owner, rather than the historically correct two (possible due to the systems used back then), the original logbook from 1959, virtually all the MOT certificates since 1966 along with many tax discs, some owner’s manuals and service book, and that huge file of paperwork and receipts that reflect its full history.

The awning featured in the photographs is also being sold with the vehicle.

The front cab is essentially original and unrestored with a couple of extra instrument gauges that deal with voltage and water temperature. 

Some original elephant hide seats have been added in recent years but other than that the cabin remains functional, showing considerable wear obviously but still full of character.

The floor and sills look nice and solid and the original Lucas wiper motors and Smith heater with screen demister finish the whole period style off rather perfectly.

In the back it has the same aged patina and still has the originally fitted gas stove with 2 burners and grill and the sink which has a pump action tap.

The campervan section has recently been refurbished with a new pull-out double bed, cushions and mattress, new blackout curtains, new flooring in Engineered Oak and a new leisure battery. USB and power points have also been fitted. To keep things warm, roof insulation has also been installed.

With its original paint and panels, other than the front doors, it’s fair to say that the car has considerable presence and its well-worn look oozes character and takes the description of ‘patina’ to a whole new level.

All the panels and the roof all look straight and solid with only the various hinges and external fittings showing signs of surface rust.

Underneath looks well cared for and the car sits on its 4 original wheels with tyres all having plenty of tread left on them.

Original doors also available, frames rotten but door skins maybe salvageable.

All the running gear and the engine have all been recently re-commissioned and fully serviced with the benefit of many new parts and items to keep everything running smoothly and nicely.

The car started first time on inspection runs well with everything working correctly and as it should.

This Series 2 is bound to appeal to many types of people and its cult and iconic status will ensure demand will only grow over time.

There are many Land Rover enthusiasts and collectors out there, and a good solid and original Series 2 with a known history is always going to spark a lot of interest these days, with people looking for a project or that fun, useable classic car.

The car is fully functional as it stands and ready for its next adventure, and you can be sure that it will cause interest and attention wherever it goes.