Some consider the Series IIA Land Rovers to be among the most robust of the Rovers, but it has more to do with the brand simply reaching a high watermark as it pertained to brand visibility. Production numbers were high and the Rover was finding loyal buyers in markets all over the globe. Still, as an early production IIA with a robust diesel mill under the hood, it’s tough to deny this Land Rover would be hard to kill. Find it here on eBay in the UK with bidding up to £1,920.
Part of me is inclined to thinking this Land Rover was staged in a barn to look like the doors had just been opened for the first time in 30 years, as it’s a bit too clean for having been long-stored. There’s also some personal touches in the forms of cosmetic add-ons that look too fresh to have been sitting on exposed metal for long periods of time. The body looks sound and the seller references a solid frame; he mentions it has “…some chequer plaste,” which I can only imagine refers to the rudimentary patch work on display.
Of course, that’s what we call diamond plate here in the states, and while certainly acceptable, it’s not necessarily considered the best long-term fix. I suppose if the Land Rover sticks to utilitarian duties, it matters not what covers the rust holes up, but they want a bit overboard and used it throughout the cabin as well. The Series IIA is likely one of the best recognized in the U.S. as well as other markets, as it remained in production for so long – roughly 10 years. A robust spares and aftermarket network should make it easy to restore this one correctly.
The rear body looks sound in these photos, which also show the rear jump seats and a robust trailer hitch. As an early IIA, you’ll note that the headlights are set inboard; later examples pushed them out to the fenders. I’m not enough of a Rover fan to know if one phase of the IIA is more desirable than another, but this one looks like an easy project to simply get running and enjoy. If you want to go further with it, it may make sense to buy an example closer to completion, but where’s the fun in that?
You may also want to buy an example closer to North America!
my understanding is that these have aluminum bodies on steel frames. if so why would there be any diamond plate on the exterior?
As someone involved in the Diesel engine service trade, I would be interested in something like this. Of course the distance makes it a dream at best. I would enjoy fixing this one up and driving the wheels off it.
If you’re over ~ 5’10” and love your kneecaps, don’t bid. Lol
If you’re over ~ 5’10” tall and love your kneecaps, don’t bother. Lol
The issue with right hand drive is highway passing. You are not going to be passing anyone in this. The diamond plate atop the wing is to provide a walking surface for access to a roof rack without bending the aluminium.
That’s why you have a little dolly riding with you… a look out. But, you’d better trust her judgement !
these 4 cylinder diesels were / are slowwwwww, seems to have later front wings fitted with the headlamp holes blanked off, my brother bought a six cylinder petrol to drive to Africa, got as far as Dover (100 miles from London) and gave up, took a tank of petrol to get that far……………..and three hours.
2.25 liter diesel with 60 HP.. Slow? You should have taken a leisurely drive in my 67 long wheelbase station wagon that sported this same engine! You will not pass a determined high school kid on a 10-speed! The aluminum body is good. They DON’T tell you about the box section steel frame which, over time, gathers mud and water and rots out everywhere.. Same with the steel “bulkhead” or firewall. No mention of an MOT which is their inspection. This might not need it in the UK due to age, but it MAY have been taken off the road DUE to a failed MOT and simply stored until it properly “aged”… A LOT of work for a right hand drive. And, as my brother used to say “LAND ROVER! Makes every road feel like off road!”..of course… I STILL want the thing….
The dashboard has been modified as the 11A had a plastic dash,it was the series 11 that had the instruments in the centre. The ride on road is abysmal,you turn into a corner and hope you emerge on the other side.Best way to counteract this is to fit parabolic springs which are a halfway house between eliptical and coil. New Chassis for these are readily available. May I suggest fitting series 3 axles and gearbox as there’s no synchro on first and second gears. To have any sort of Highway speed an isusu 2.8 turbo diesel drops in fairly” easily ” inverted commas because you do have to fabricate new mounts. A transitional plate ( engine /gearbox) is also available,To be able to stop this beast you also need to fit a servo ( series 3 drops straight in) . In other words buy a series 3 and avoid the 2/2A like the plague unless your a masochist. Ps a defender firewall/bulkhead also fits with only slight modification and remember no power steering so start on those push ups!!!!