1969 Land Rover SWB

The V5C states that this was first registered in August 1969, and this diesel-engined Land Rover offers the firm’s trademark durability and indomitability in the most fuel-efficient package it offered – and it’s fitted with an overdrive too, for (relatively) long-legged cruising.

Stuffed full of the character the British firm’s heritage products are known for, it also benefits from a new MOT, recent fettling, and a new hood.

In need of only gentle fettling to bring it up to the sort of condition you and I would like to see it in, this ‘no reserve’ auction would make an ideal winter project to keep you busy - and your mind off the coming winter unpleasantness. UPDATE: We have been informed that on some databases the chassis number on the V5C describes it as a Series IIa petrol 109 inch.

The Desert Sand bodywork looks great from a couple of metres away, something the new Exmoor hood contributes to in no small way. The panels are very tidy, and while the paint appears to have been applied with the emphasis placed on quantity rather than quality, the overall finish is not only pretty good but the thickness of the top coat bodes well for the Land Rover’s long-term resilience.

Body-coloured headlamp surrounds smarten up the front end, as do the new number plates and what looks like a recently painted front bumper. The bonnet-mounted spare wheel adds a rugged touch, and at least some of the exterior bulbs have been replaced with LEDs for greater reliability and a lower current draw.

The body-coloured 16-inch steel wheels are in great shape too, and they’re fitted with matching 7.5x16 Avon Rangemaster tyres, all of which have the sort of chunky tread that’ll keep you mobile in even the thickest goop.

As we will never tire of explaining, our experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

As you would expect with an old Landy, there are a few dinks, stonechips and marks, including some flaking paint on the upper frames of both doors and a few extraneous holes in the panels where equipment has been fitted previously.  We note that it looks to be fitted with a Series III grill and there are probably some other Series III parts elswhere on it. 

However, as nothing wears a patina better than an old Landy the only real work to do seems to be restricted to sorting out the windscreen surround and cappings, both of which are a bit ratty having been finished in a mixture of faded galvanizing and paint. There is a bit of rust visible below the windscreen.

The interior is pretty darned good, too. The first thing you’ll see is the steering wheel, which is a smaller aftermarket version than the original that gives the driver some much needed legroom, albeit at the expense of heavier steering.

The front seats appear to be newish, and are much more supportive and comfortable than anything the factory ever fitted. They’ve got headrests for increased safety and are supported by matching inward-facing bench seats in the rear, which means you can take five mates along with you on whatever adventure it entices you into.

And those adventures don’t have to be limited to tarmac because four levers sprout from the floor for the four-wheel-drive system, low-ratio gearbox and overdrive; at a time when most modern cars have buttons for everything (including the handbrake…) it’s reassuring to have proper mechanical controls to hand, old school engineering that that you know is going to work under any circumstances.

If you’re of a fastidious nature then there is some work to do. Some of the vinyl trim is a little worn and the odd piece is torn, some of the steel brackets and fittings have surface rust on them, and the inside of the hood is mildewed. However, this work is very much titivation rather than restoration.

As you can see from the video, it starts and runs well, and we can confirm that it drives as you would expect.

There are a few issues for the new owner to make a start on including stiff steering, some issues turning the engine off, and binding brakes when it is driven in reverse. It also needs a new alternator, replacement gearbox mount and engine mounts, and the glow plugs wiring in as they currently aren’t.

It’s not all bad news though because it has a new MOT, battery and starter motor.

The engine bay is functional and grubby rather than pretty and clean, so it’s entirely in keeping with the Land Rover’s purpose.

As is the underside, which looks to be clean and solid. However, the bulkhead does have some bubbling, most notably around the nearside bonnet hinge, so that will need investigating sooner rather than later.

The Land Rover’s MOT certificate, which is valid until November 2021, was gained without a single advisory point.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and the V5 registration document.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

Everyone loves an old Land Rover because, like the family’s elderly Jack Russell terrier, while they might be a bit smelly and cantankerous they’re long-standing members of the family which means you’re prepared to forgive them their foibles.

They’re faithful and reliable, too; while most modern cars won’t tolerate standing for weeks at a time without flattening their battery, a Landy can sit in a corner for months ready to spring into life at the turn of a key. This makes them ideal for anyone with a need to shift firewood, dogs or even to keep mobile in the foulest of conditions.

This popularity is starting to be reflected in their price, too. While you used to be able to pick a scruffy Land Rover up for a few hundred pounds, we’re starting to see even barn-finds going for silly money, which makes our guide price of £7,000 and £10,000 look like spectacular value – and given it’s being offered with no reserve, this might just be your chance to treat yourself to a pre-Christmas bargain…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.