Former ’Norwegian Collection’ car with just 15,374 miles
Retains many unique military fittings
Solid condition throughout with over £6500 worth of invoices
The Appeal
As part of the British country landscape as the rolling hills and river valleys, the Land Rover earned itself as being one of the most dependable and one of the easiest cars to work on. When the Series 2a generation made its debut in 1961, it helped to establish Land Rover, not only as a household name but the definitive version that stayed in the minds of the public. Its popularity had also given the brand unrivalled global coverage, helping it reach record-breaking sales. This golden era of the Land Rover was also strengthened by its use in emergency and military applications, including models specifically made for the British Army.
This 1966 88” Series 2A was once part of the famous Norwegian Collection, being one of 100 cars put together by a collector near Stavanger over 25 years. Several of these cars were brought into the UK, one of which was this former Military General Service 12V 2.2-litre petrol version of the short-wheelbase Land Rover.
Having spent its first two decades serving under the Army, it was then registered for road use in 1989 and has since managed to retain much of its originality. With just 15,374 recorded miles, it has been handled by several respected Land Rover specialists over the years, picking up over £6,500 worth of work, including a recent engine and gearbox rebuild.
The History and Paperwork
Built in 1966 as a military Rover 8 General Service 12V 88” 2A, registered for civilian use in 1989
Part of the Stavanger Land Rover collection
Lots of historic invoices dating back to 1999, amounting to over £6500
Invoices from 2011/2012 covers brake rebuilds, shock absorber replacements, new hoses and welding
Engine and gearbox rebuilt in 2017
It also included new fuel tanks, Weber carburettor, clutch exhaust and radiator
Good selection of historic MOTS, all pointing to its light use
Purchase by the current owner from John Brown 4x4 of Thirsk
Over £2,000 spent in the last two years including invoices for new springs, bearings and prop shafts
Given a clean bill of health by Newbury 4x4 centre
Current V5c
MOT, ULEZ and tax exempt
Feature appearance in Land Rover Owners magazine
Norwegian custom clearance documents included
The current owner, a Land Rover collector, is selling due to other commitments
The Interior
Standard and original interior fittings with no obvious signs of aftermarket additions, asides from a discreet USB port
Black vinyl seats in very good condition
The rear bench seats are intact
Deluxe Rubber mats in good shape
Cabin free of water
Metal dashboard in decent shape, with typical age-related wear
Period heater
All switches and instrumentation said to work
No reported issues with electrics - overhauled in the last 10 years
Flyscreens to the vents
The Exterior
Chassis, outriggers and cross-members all sound
Dumb irons show some of their age
Recent front-wing mud shields
Panel work in an acceptable state, with typical signs of age as demonstrated by galvanic corrosion on the rear wings
Bulkhead was checked over by a specialist and fitted with bulkhead seals and reported to be structurally sound with cosmetic damage
Door frames, footwells, and inner wings all appear to be solid
Doors open and close with relative ease
Drab olive paintwork evenly covered, with general signs of wear commensurate with age
Glass all intact
Retains military features - front bumper, bonnet mounted spare and military towing sockets
Removable canvas tilt roof in excellent condition
Lights and lenses in good order
Plenty of tread on the Avon Ranger tyres
Decent steel wheels, with no significant damage
Modern tow bar and electrics
The Mechanics
2.2-litre inline-four
Four-speed manual gearbox with selectable low range and four-wheel drive
Starts up with no hesitation
Idles well with no untoward noises or excessive exhaust smoke
Said to drive well with no outstanding deficiencies
Both engine and gearbox were rebuilt in 2017
New radiator, Weber carburettor, 12V battery and clutch fitted in 2017
Front bearing and shocks absorbers, master cylinder and steering joints were fitted in 2021
Brakes fit for purpose, having seen numerous rebuilds and new parts in recent years
Selects gears with ease
New road springs and steering components were fitted earlier this year
Decent hoses and ancillaries
Believed to have seen regular servicing
Dual fuel tanks
Summary
With its intact credentials, originality, and evidence of impressive maintenance and upkeep over the years, this honestly presented Series 2a has to be close to the perfect Land Rover for an enthusiast looking for the real deal.
Its recent spending and mechanical durability are near-prefect for a bit of peace of mind, leaving any prospective owner to focus on sparse and utilitarian but 100% authentic off-road thrills.
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
