Highlights

Rare Series II in desirable short-wheelbase specification
Exhibits some attractive patina following an older restoration
300 Tdi engine conversion, offering greater performance and economy

The Appeal

After the great and to some extent, unexpected success of the original Land Rover, ten years on from launch in 1948, Rover realised that their post-war 4x4 ‘stop-gap’ actually had a future and so the Series II Land Rover was commissioned. Unlike its predecessor whose design was led entirely by necessity the Series II was developed in conjunction with Rover's styling department and David Bache’s design became the blueprint for all Land Rover’s core models until the original Defender ceased production in 2016.

This 1960 example has all the patina enthusiasts crave. Like many a Land Rover, it spent much of its life on a farm where it continued to work hard until its engine seized in around 1990. After a period languishing in a barn, it was subjected to some sympathetic restoration work and in 2020, was upgraded with a 300 Tdi engine and servo assisted brakes.

While Land Rovers remain popular everyday classics, the Series II was only made for three years and so surviving examples are quite scarce. If you’re looking for a usable Series Land Rover that benefits from some more modern mechanical enhancements, this could well be the perfect vehicle for you.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
We’re informed that it spent much of its life on a farm in Norfolk
The engine seized causing the Land Rover to be put into a barn in around 1990
Later recommissioned and sympathetically restored
Fitted with an uprated engine and braking system by a friend of the vendor (who was its owner at the time) in 2020
Acquired by the vendor from their friend in 2022
Currently registered as Rover due to an entry error but DVLA has confirmed the new keeper can get this rectified
HPI confirms that the car as a 1960 Land Rover Series IIa

The Interior

Now equipped with high-back front seats upholstered in brown vinyl with chequered cloth inserts
The central front seat has been removed along with its frame at some point
Equipped with a period Smiths round heater
Typically spartan Series II steel dashboard with centrally mounted instruments and switchgear
Some additional bracketry has been fitted in the past for additional devices
Not currently fitted with any floor mats or door cards
A piece of additional steel has been welded to the accelerator pedal to increase its surface area
Every service is patinated evenly, making this a vehicle you’re not afraid to use as Land Rover intended
There is some corrosion to the window runners and some evidence of slight electrolytic corrosion to the corners of the seat box
All the various levers present well with some slight wear
Period correct sprung steering wheel in good order overall but with the horn push missing
Presentable rear load area with some moderate wear

The Exterior

Repainted in Bronze Green with a Limestone hard top complete with side windows
Wearing a charming patina with plenty of age related wear and tear
The ‘Birmabright’ alloy bodywork is rather straight for a Land Rover of this vintage
A number of the original spot welds and rivets remain clearly visible down the sides
Retains its original deep sill covers and flat front valance panel
Steel wheel shod with period-correct Avon Rangemaster tube-type tyres which do appear to have some perishing to the sidewalls
There is evidence of some repairs to the bulkhead corners and rear crossmember
The vendor points out some patches to the chassis, which looks to be in good order overall
Some of the galvanising has begun to corrode, but not excessively

The Mechanics

2.5-litre four-cylinder 300 Tdi engine, fitted in 2020
Original four-speed gearbox
Selectable four-wheel drive and low range
Now upgraded with servo assistance to the drum brakes
There look to be a few small fluid leaks, but nothing excessive
The vendor reports that it runs and drives really well
We’re not informed of any mechanical issues
Benefits from the increased performance and improved economy of the 300 Tdi engine

Summary

This is a particularly fetching classic Land Rover. We like how it wears its age with pride, with plenty of patina and small running repairs clearly on show. Benefitting from the additional power of the 300 Tdi engine and the reassurance of servo assisted brakes, this is a really usable example.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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