• High-quality restored SIIA

 • Canvas rear tilt

 • Restored by Land Rover specialist in 2009

 • Recent body improvements

In many ways, the Series II and IIA are the epitome of the classic Land Rover. 

Introduced in 1958, the new body design added a touch of stye to the original utilitarian mix, becoming the first Land Rover to feature the model’s famous ‘barrel sides’, which were as much about practicality as they were about improving the looks, as they increase cabin space, albeit to a still fairly cramped level. 

But hey, this is an old Land Rover and utilitarianism is part of its appeal, if not the very core. 

The SII/IIA was also the first to feature a choice of 88 or 109-inch wheelbases, which would go on to be used on Series Land Rover models right up until 1986, when the Series models were still sold alongside their coil-sprung successors. 

This example is a 1965 Series IIA in ‘proper’ Land Rover form – no rear seats, a canvas tilt and precious little in the way of creature comforts. Just how they should be, indeed, for the full immersive experience. 

It was restored by a renowned Land Rover specialist in 2009 and has recently seen some cosmetic fettling in the hands of its current owner, who has improved it since he purchased it. 

• Tax and MOT exempt

 • Old receipts from previous rebuild

 • Recent invoices for cosmetic work

 • UK V5C

The Land Rover saw some pretty comprehensive refurbishment in 2009 when it was fully restored by the Huddersfield Land Rover Centre, a renowned specialist in Yorkshire. 

At the time, the entire truck was rebuilt on a refurbished chassis and it has covered around 14,000 miles since. 

Like all older restorations, however, it has aged a little in the past 13 years and the vendor has just had both sides repainted to bring it back up to A1 condition. There are a few documents relating to both older repairs and the original restoration.

Although tax and MOT exempt, it is being sold with a current MOT test valid until October this year.

• Retrimmed seats

 • Lucas wiper motors

 • New mats

 • Repainted with new gear knobs

It’s pretty basic inside the Land Rover, as you might expect. 

There’s a simple bench seat and a double dial dash, the odometer displaying the mileage since the Land Rover was restored. It has electric Lucas wiper motors inside, plus red and yellow lever for 4WD and low range, but that’s about it. 

New floor mats and retrimmed seat cushions make it look smart throughout. 

• Older restoration

 • Excellent chassis

 • Recent repaint to both sides

 • Refurbished wheels and recent tyres

The SIIA was restored in 2009 by a well-respected specialist and the work carried out has held up well, with no rust problems to the chassis, crossmembers, bulkhead or outriggers – all the areas where any died-in-the-wool Land Rover enthusiast will look. 

Both sides have recently been repainted to compensate for faded paintwork. 

The wheels have also been refurbished recently, while the Land Rover also has an as-new beige canvas tilt for the rear end.  

Recent work also included two new front door skins ( driver and passenger) and new rubbers to go along with these. A new rear door has been fitted as well. 

• 2.25cc 4 cyl

 • Starts and drives well

 • Low and high ratios gears work as intended

Powered by Land Rover’s stalwart 2.25-litre petrol engine, the SIIA starts and runs really well and sounds great. 

The vendor reports that there are no known issues and that it drives really well for an old Land Rover, while parabolic rear springs take the edge off the unforgiving ride normally associated with the model.

This is a really smart example of a well-restored SIIA in need of nothing from its next lucky keeper. 

It’s in remarkable condition, with no discernible faults, and is completely ready to be enjoyed, either as a show standard SIIA or a great example of a Series Land Rover that’s still more than capable of a day’s work or two. 

It’s an icon, and it’s in lovely condition inside and out.