1964 Land Rover Series II

According to its published history, this Land Rover started its working life in around 1958 (prior to its registration for the road) at the Company’s Stewarts Lane yard in Battersea, where it worked as a general duties vehicle, hauling things around the depot and perhaps even moving rolling stock. It was unregistered during this time, hence the 1964 registration date on the V5.

It was discovered in the 1980s in a field by a dedicated Land Rover enthusiast who was looking for an old Land Rover to restore. We are told that the 1958 factory build date came from paperwork he had back then, but is now lost when he sadly passed away in 2021. The vehicle was in a sorry state and had been overpainted by the farmer who owned it, but when the farmer mentioned that he had bought the vehicle from a British Railways auction, the delighted enthusiast bought it on the spot and set about restoring it to its original condition as a real labour of love. After peeling back the layers of paint, the railway connection was confirmed with the appearance of 'blood and custard' paint and Stewarts Lane yard numbers. The new owner and his friend then put all of their efforts into a faithful restoration in sympathy with its rare heritage, culminating in a beautiful and authentic historic vehicle. During its 40 years in this ownership, it made multiple appearances in trade shows, promotional events, TV shows etc. and was a yearly participant in the London to Brighton Run. The Land Rover was also a frequent worker at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex and participated in many period events. It also received much press attention with a six-page article appearing in Land Rover World in February 2001. Land Rover Monthly has also shown an interest in this historic vehicle and we are told that it will feature in an article which will appear in the magazine in early July.

The vehicle is authentic to its history as a working vehicle, rather than being an entirely 'original’ factory vehicle in that as a true workhorse, various bits have been replaced and upgraded over the years (including its chassis and bulkhead which is why it has a 1964 chassis number) and in this way it showcases its 65 years of working history with its British Railways warning stickers and memorabilia gathered in its 40 years of life in the public eye visiting shows and becoming quite well known.

In 2001 John Ayrey used this exact vehicle as the pattern (complete with number plate) for their British Railways LWB Land Rover model and in 2002 the 1:18 scale die-cast model of the vehicle was released to a world-wide market. These models are now extremely rare and highly collectable, the first 10 with the “white certificate” being especially so. There are also a few with the wrong coloured wheels that escaped the factory recall, which are obviously rarer still. Pictures of the models can be seen in this listing, and it is possible that model no.2 (boxed and unopened) may be available to the purchaser by separate negotiation. Oxford and Corgi also released their own die-cast models of this actual vehicle, also including number plate. You can see a collection of photos of the models below.

The Land Rover is in lovely condition, having received a bare metal respray earlier this year in the original British Railways ‘blood and custard' colours. The stickers and yard numbers have been recreated by a graphic specialist to the original design. Although the new paint shows a deep gloss, as can be seen in the photos, the current owner has been careful not to overdo things and has sought to preserve its 65 years of character and history. Accordingly, there are minor imperfections as would be expected, as shown in the photos.

The exterior had a couple of small modifications in the 1980s (which are recreated in the die-cast model). For instance, the wing mirrors were replaced with Series III ones as it was felt that it would be safer on the road. Series III hinges were also fitted to mount the wing mirrors.

The overall appearance, as mentioned earlier, looks extremely tidy and smart. All the rubber body seals were replaced this year, as well as indicators, tail lights and wipers. The vehicle sports period Land Rover branded mudflaps which are a rare sight these days, and it’s also fairly unusual to see AVM freewheeling hubs (complete with original manual). In addition, the door tops are custom-made aluminium, rather than the corrosion-prone originals.

The interior of this Land Rover is akin to one of the workshops at an historic motor museum in that it showcases many years of the vehicle's unique history. As well as the original British Railways warning notice, stickers and plaques inside the doors and around the roof attest to the vehicle’s decades of adventures in historic rallies and shows and the stations it has visited. There are even two original and somewhat fragile correct Stewarts Lane dockets. You’ll find a round Smiths fug-stirrer of the correct vintage attached to the bulkhead, and a retro switch for the Kenlowe fan is attached to the bulkhead near the steering column.

The current owner has chosen not to interfere in any way with the interior of the vehicle so as not destroy 65 years of history and so inevitably there are some character scuffs and scratches, but nothing is broken or tatty.

The deluxe seats with which the previous owner replaced the rotting horsehair ones in the 1980s have been replaced with identical new ones as they were beyond repair (the old ones are still in the back of the vehicle). It is worth noting at this point that the now extremely collectable scale model of this vehicle includes the deluxe seats, as well as the Series III wing mirrors.

The rear floor is plywood, and a pair of double-width benches give seating for four side-facing people. There’s a large fire extinguisher behind the driver’s seat, but the interior is unsullied by any of the aftermarket options that are available to Series Land Rover owners these days.

The vehicle was rebuilt on a new chassis and galvanised bulkhead as part of the earlier restoration. There appears to be no sign of rot, so there should be no structural corrosion to worry about and the mechanicals are all reassuringly solid.

A 4.0-litre Perkins diesel, was fitted in the 1980s (as can be seen in the accompanying paperwork) as was a reconditioned gearbox in place of the knackered original (it had been pulling train carriages after all). Though infrequently seen today, Perkins diesels were a popular period conversion. An overdrive is also fitted to make the most of the diesel’s chugging potential.

Under the bonnet is a proper ‘oily rag’ motor – well-kept but no prettier than necessary. You will find flaking paint and surface corrosion, but with fresh rubber hoses and plenty of cable ties keeping the wires and pipework tidy, it has the hallmarks of a nicely maintained motor.

The leaf springs haven’t been wrapped or greased but they’re all in good condition, without any sagging or splaying at their ends. The chrome swivels are protected by leather gaiters (a sensible period option), and although there’s the usual smear of seeping oil around them, this isn’t excessive for a Series Land Rover in regular use.

Clearly owners have doted on this vehicle over the last 40 years and made sure that it wanted for nothing, with yearly servicing and repair or replacement of anything that needed it. As some carried out the work themselves, there is little paperwork but many signs of love and attention, which show that the Land Rover was treated as a child and considered as part of the family. The previous owner swore he would never sell the Land Rover, but following his death it was left to its own devices, out in all weathers in the garden. The current owner was upset to see such a unique Land Rover left to rot and so decided to rescue it so it could have another lease of life with someone who’d truly love and cherish it.

Although we cannot make guarantees as to its mechanical condition, it starts on the first turn of the key and runs and drives as it should.

As you will see from the extremely large number of photos and memorabilia both in and out of the Land Rover, there is a great deal to take in. However, we think the major highlights were the work with the Bluebell Railway, the London to Brighton Runs and historic recreation work. One should not also overlook the extensive article in Land Rover World (soon to be another) and the extremely collectible die-cast model. The current owner says that it will be hard to part with BBH 942B, but is unable to drive it due to disability and is encouraged to believe that it will find a new home with a true enthusiast.

This highly collectable and unique Land Rover deserves to find a home where it will be as loved and cherished as it has been in its previous life. Many of you will already be familiar with the vehicle and googling British Railways Land Rover will immediately take you many articles and photos of it. It will be equally at home resuming its role as an ambassador vehicle rejoining the rallies etc where it is well known, but could equally take pride of place in a collection or as a museum exhibit.

We feel it is particularly pleasing to see a Land Rover that not only stays true to its history but also documents a long career as well known rolling exhibit, loaded with clues about its previous owner’s 40-year custody. It can be seen in photos and magazine articles in the photo section below, with the owners wearing period outfits and giving lectures on the steam industry, so it really is a piece of living history as much as an artefact. We believe that this Land Rover is a unique and collectible piece of history.

We estimate this vehicle to fetch between £25,000 to £35,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Midhurst. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.