Highlights
- Classic off-road utility vehicle
- Low mileage
- Sympathetically restored
The Appeal
The Land Rover was conceived in 1947, when – no doubt inspired by the Willy’s Jeep – Rover Car Company’s chief designer Maurice Wilks addressed the company’s post WWII problems (no demand for luxury cars, and scarce raw materials) by coming up with the concept of a light agricultural and utility vehicle. Launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the first production models (later known as the Series I) were made the same year. The success of the vehicle, originally intended only as a stop-gap, took Rover by surprise.
By 1958 the model had evolved and for the first time Rover’s styling department was involved; the result was the Series II, which stayed in production until 1961 when the (visually similar) Series IIA came along.
This example is a Series IIA, bought by the vendor as a ‘barn find’ and sympathetically restored, it’s ready to be used as Land Rovers should be.
The History and Paperwork
- Lots of recent invoices
- MoT until Jan 2024
- MoT- and tax-exempt
- Current V5
- Restoration pictures
Acquired by the vendor in October 2021 in ‘barn find’ condition, the car has been comprehensively but sensibly restored. It’s had a thorough mechanical and cosmetic overhaul but is by no means ‘concours’; it’s a practical and usable classic. The vendor has subsequently bought another Land Rover, and owns other cars, and so has reluctantly decided to sell this one.
Although MoT- and tax-exempt as an historic vehicle, the car has the reassurance of an MoT test valid until January 2024.
The Interior
- Spartan but clean interior
- Original dials, switchgear and dashboard
- Clean door card
- Vinyl front seats
- Bench seats in rear
- Roof lining
- Rear mat
Land Rovers of this era were built for utility rather than luxury, and the interior here has been restored to a good standard while retaining its originality. The seats have been refurbished while in the back there are bench seats to either side.
The dials, dashboard and switchgear are all in very good condition, and everything appears to work as it should.
Both front footwells have protective mats, while the rear floor is protected by a sturdy plastic mat.
The inside of the roof has been lined, which improves on the otherwise rather austere interior.
The Exterior
- Smart blue and cream paintwork
- Repainted bumpers
- Refurbished wheels
- Bonnet-mounted spare wheel
- Tyres have plenty of tread
- Original badges front and rear
- Tow bar
As with the interior, the exterior has been restored to retain much of the car’s originality. The bodywork still wears some of its dings and blemishes but looks good in its blue-and-cream paint.
The wheels have been refurbished but that on the rear nearside appears to have a minor oil leak from its bearing.
The front bumper has been repainted, while the numberplates have been replaced with period-style items. The headlamps, indicators and rear lamps are all in excellent condition.
The Mechanics
- 2.25-litre petrol engine
- Manual gearbox
- Four-wheel drive with high-and low-ratio
- Selectro free wheel front hubs
- Starts and runs well
The car starts and runs well, and on the short drive to our photo location it appeared to drive and handle as it should. The vendor reports that there are no issues.
When the vendor acquired the vehicle it was fitted with a Daihatsu engine and this was replaced with a Land Rover engine from a donor vehicle that was bought at the same time. Under the bonnet, it’s clear that the engine has been restored to a good standard and everything is neat and tidy.
Looking under the vehicle, again it’s clear that the restoration has been done to a good standard and there are no visible issues.
Summary
With a huge following and excellent spares, specialist and owner’s club support, the Land Rover is a genuine but practical and usable classic. This one has been restored but retains much of its original charm, and should be good for many years of adventures both on- and off-road.
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.
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.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
