1966 Land Rover Series 2a

Classic cars are both wonderful and woeful in equal measure. Ownership can be a rollercoaster ride of dizzying highs and crushing lows. But as you’re reading this, we doubt you need to be told. Sometimes that dream of owning a vehicle in excess of 50-years old doesn’t quite match reality. An old Land Rover represents this better than most. It’s only very recently that these purely utilitarian machines have been ‘civilised’. Pre-1980s Land Rovers are excruciatingly basic and dynamically have more in common with fellow farm machinery than cars. Though we’re not saying that’s a bad thing, many see these attributes as their greatest strengths. For many more however, the effort involved simply isn’t worth the reward.

Then surely a modified early Land Rover with all of the style (or rather lack of same) plus some subtle or invisible upgrades under the skin, would offer the best of both worlds? That’s precisely what we have here. This might appear to be a 1960s Land Rover, but it’s been given the heart of one of its 1990s siblings, along with its power steering, differentials and brakes. So, it drives like a 1990s Land Rover but has a body designed in the 1950s, win-win.

To outward appearance, this is a stock Series IIA Land Rover. The panels have been treated to a repaint in Olive Drab, with the fabric top also replaced at the same time; three-years ago (according to the vendor). Both look in very fine order, though there are the usual hand-finished imperfections. Some minor ripples, dents, scratches etc can be found in the soft aluminium bodywork. In other words, perfectly normal for an old Land Rover and all part of its charm. There’s no mistaking this for a working vehicle however, it’s far too nice for that.

Brush-painted silver bodywork caps mix with alloy checker plate to give that exploration vibe. Though sadly someone has been a little sloppy with the brush around the windscreen bottom (easily fixed with some white spirit and a rag). That dreaded Land Rover Achilles heel of rot in the rear crossmember seems conspicuous by its absence. The steel around this example seems to fairing very well, another indication that the vendor’s claim that it was restored ‘in the not-too-distant past’ is correct.

This is where the impression of originality starts to unwrap a little. The first thing you notice is that later Defender steering wheel. It’s hardly an eye sore, and at least it’s not an air-bag equipped version, but it’s still a little out of character. So are the front seats, again later Defender items, re-trimmed beautifully by Exmoor Trim. They’re lovely looking things and certainly a lot more comfortable than the original pews, but the aesthetic won’t be to everyone’s taste; subtle as they are. That could really be said of the rest of the vehicle, though at least these non-standard cabin appointments are easy to return to stock. Speaking of which, the spare wheel currently resides in the rear load area but the vendor tells us that he put it here to stop it being pinched. Its traditional home on the bonnet is still very much an option, it just needs bolting back on.

Apart from some very smart diamond-stitched door cards, elsewhere in the cabin, things are very much Solihull standard. Land Rover die-hards will be pleased to gaze at those original Jaeger dials and fiddle with the myriad of toggle switches and levers on offer; all of which appear to work as intended. Oh, there’s one more departure from the build sheet, though as with all the other modifications this one’s for safer, more comfortable daily use in 2021. A pair of three-point safety belts (incidentally from a VAG product) have been fitted up front.

It’s abundantly clear that this Land Rover appears to have been restored by someone who knew what they were doing. The metalwork appears to be in fine shape with any repairs carried out in a meticulous manner. Most of the underside is easily viewed with floors and panels painted rather than slapped over with an inch of underseal. There’s therefore nowhere for sloppy work to hide.

The original coolant radiator has been given a boost by the addition of a Kenlowe electric cooling fan. The turbocharged 200 TDi engine in place of the original 2286cc non-turbo lump, likely produces a lot more heat than the factory powerplant. The Discovery airbox has been replaced with a slightly gaudy induction kit, but the resulting airflow and filtration will no doubt have been vastly improved.

Parabolic springs have been fitted for a suppler ride and braking power has been upped with 11-inch drums from a later Discovery. The fuel tank was replaced with a new one at the same time as the body was refreshed; again, three-years ago according to the vendor.

Though built in 1966 – as confirmed by the V5C – this document also shows that this Series IIA wasn’t registered in the UK until 1975. Likely spending the first nine years of its life overseas. Sadly, there’s no further paperwork to indicate where this was, but this would only really serve to satisfy our curiosity.

A check of the DVLA’s MoT history reveals that of the ten tests between 2006 and 2016, this Land Rover only failed one. Hardly surprising, as it only covered 500 miles during that same period, which explains why it’s up for sale (lack of use). There’s no further paperwork to prove the restoration/modification was done by a pro, but within five minutes of viewing this Land Rover, you’ll be confident that whoever they were, their work appears to have been done to a high standard.

Plenty of us love the idea of a classic, it’s the main reason why most manufacturers these days are offering evocations, continuations or full restorations of former models; Land Rover included. Though it’s certainly telling that the majority of these machines get a tweak here or there to make them more useable. The world has come a long way in the 55 years since this Land Rover rolled off the production line. Even a die-hard Land Rover purist would have to admit that these weren’t easy or comfortable machines to begin with, so where’s the harm in making them a little more so today?

The character and essence of a Series IIA has been retained in this smart example, but the power steering, better seats and safety (from the three-point belts and head restraints) just mean you’ve less excuses not to use it regularly. With the exterior looking as smart and period correct as a Beefeater on guard, who could tell anyway? Confident in this sensibly upgraded and cosmetically sharp Land Rover Series IIA’s appeal, we’re placing an estimate of £12,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and this particular car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.