Highlights
- First owned by Benetton Racing following military de-mob in 1970
- Factory-installed Fairey overdrive
- Dual fuel system: unleaded petrol and LPG
- In current ownership for fifteen years
- Well-maintained by a chartered engineer owner
The Appeal
More so than practically any other vehicle you'll find, Land Rovers tend to evolve over time. These simple, bolt-together vehicles are often improved and modified by their owners in order to suit the task they've been given.
This Series IIA began life in the British Armed Forces, but following demobilisation in 1970, it was acquired by Benetton Racing, who made several significant upgrades, including the fitting of a 2.5L 17H petrol engine and Series III gearbox. There's also a one-piece windscreen with three wipers, and additional headlamps fitted to the front wings.
The current owner, a chartered engineer, has meticulously maintained this vehicle throughout their fifteen years of ownership, preparing it for expedition use with practical modifications, including a dual fuel system and acoustic matting.
The vendor says:
"This vehicle is a joy to own, from the period when the IIA was moving to the SIII, and has the best of both those worlds.. The 2.5 litre 17H engine is strong, running on Petrol or LPG, and the NoiseKill acoustic matting makes is reasonably quiet inside! But when it really comes into its own is in the summer, with the "bikini" roof on, window tops off, bowling down country lanes! It takes about 30 minutes and a couple of spanners to re-install the hard top."
This Series IIA began life in the British Armed Forces, but following demobilisation in 1970, it was acquired by Benetton Racing, who made several significant upgrades, including the fitting of a 2.5L 17H petrol engine and Series III gearbox. There's also a one-piece windscreen with three wipers, and additional headlamps fitted to the front wings.
The current owner, a chartered engineer, has meticulously maintained this vehicle throughout their fifteen years of ownership, preparing it for expedition use with practical modifications, including a dual fuel system and acoustic matting.
The vendor says:
"This vehicle is a joy to own, from the period when the IIA was moving to the SIII, and has the best of both those worlds.. The 2.5 litre 17H engine is strong, running on Petrol or LPG, and the NoiseKill acoustic matting makes is reasonably quiet inside! But when it really comes into its own is in the summer, with the "bikini" roof on, window tops off, bowling down country lanes! It takes about 30 minutes and a couple of spanners to re-install the hard top."
History and Paperwork
- Chassis no. 24104851B - suggests this vehicle was of 1968 manufacturer
- Demobilised from Army in 1970 and assigned a 'J' suffix registration
- First owned by Benetton Racing who installed the 2.5L 17H petrol engine, Series III gearbox, one-piece windscreen, third wiper, and double driving lights in wing and center
- Current owner has had vehicle for fifteen years
- Well-maintained by owner (a chartered engineer)
- Being sold because owner is moving abroad
- Vehicle was prepared for an expedition to a new country, but new regulations forbid import of RHD vehicles
- Dry-stored but regularly run
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
The Condition
- Repainted in Dark Bronze Green (brush-painted but presents well)
- Only rust is on the rear cross member (superficial only)
- Chassis appears free from notable defects with no welding detected
- Driver and passenger seats are Defender type with Exmoor Trim sand colour canvas covers
- Note: No seat position adjustment (drivers over 6'1" might find it cramped)
- Oil and temperature gauges work correctly
- Chassis and bulkhead appear in smart condition with no apparent rust or welding according to the vendor
- Rear crossmember needs some attention due to corrosion
- Currently has a van-type hard top with 'cat flap' tailgate
- Comes with all fittings and canvas for "bikini" soft top
- Soft top can be easily swapped for summer driving
- Features NoiseKill acoustic matting for a quieter interior
- Takes about 30 minutes to reinstall the hard top
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre 17H petrol engine installed
- Series III all-synchro four-speed manual gearbox with selectable low-range and four-wheel drive
- Manual Fairey overdrive fitted
- Freewheeling front hubs
- Dual fuel system: unleaded petrol and LPG
- Starts immediately, no smoking, no oil drips
In expedition preparation, the vehicle has a number of upgrades:
- Kenlowe electric fan
- New Allisport aluminium underseat petrol tanks
- New 4-core Allisport all-aluminium radiator
- QH headlights
- LED side, indicator and rear lights
- All new brake system (hoses, drums, cylinders, and DOT 5.0 fluid)
- New clutch master and slave cylinders
- Galvanised door tops
- Powerspark electronic ignition
- SU carb refurbished by specialist (Richard Bros, Redruth)
- New SU electric fuel pump
- New prop shafts and rear diff bearing
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Noisekiller acoustic-deadening system
- USB power ports front and rear, GPS speedo
- Defender front seats with Exmoor Trim covers and door card pockets
- Finned aluminium transfer box plate (keeps gearbox cooler and not prone to leaking oil, unlike factory spec pressed steel plate
- Many other subtle refinements and many spares available, including flat-packed safari roof
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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