Despite its intentionally never-restored appearance, this 1963 Land Rover 88 Series IIa rides on a new galvanized steel frame and has enjoyed a host of new and refurbished parts. The Reidsville, North Carolina classic comes to auction here on eBay where at least six bidders have its market value over $3300 in the auction’s waning hours.
The dashboard comes with all the style of a control panel from a Cold War missile silo. That subwoofer-looking object is the Smith’s heater that features a “new Clayton core and motor,” according to the seller. Seller-described items that received attention include restored and working “Tex-Magna turn signal,” brake pads, wheel cylinders, brake and clutch cylinders, cab and body seals, seats, wiper motors, and six powder coated wheels.
Vintage-looking Land Rover mudflaps keep rocks from spider-webbing the windshield on the rig behind you on rocky trails, and the functional rear belt PTO assembly should serve as fair warning for tailgating phone fondlers to keep their eyes on the road.
A 2025 rebuild has the 2.25L (140 cid) I4 gasoline engine ready for adventure, and the gearbox enjoyed a rebuild as well, in 2024, according to the listing. The seller kindly lists needs including, “rear window slides need replacement,” along with the door tops, door seals, and bulkhead vent gaskets.
The engine crankshaft connects directly to a fully-operational Koenig front winch, adding to the tractor-like utility of the “88,” named for its diminutive 88 inch wheelbase. Thanks to Wikipedia for some details.
Imagine the possibilities and fun to be had with this fully-functional a rear PTO belt drive! Go on; I’ll wait. Right, then; I got nothing either, but suffice to say the wee Landy could turn any rubber belt fitting this spindle. This rig’s sympathetic refurbishment has it ready for action, and don’t be afraid to put this little 88 to work, folks. What tasks and adventures would you line up for this nicely prepared British off-roader?
“The dashboard comes with all the style of a control panel from a Cold War missile silo.”
Man, that’s some solid gold! I’ve spent some time in, under, and driving a few 60’s Land Rovers. This is exactly the description of the interior styling that’s been escaping me. I really like this little Rover, and it isn’t very far away. I’m curious to see where the bidding goes.
Looks like the Land Rover in the movie, ‘ The Gods must be Crazy’! Watch it and see!!
That flick is a hidden gem of a classic.
It’s still extremely funny and poignant after all these years!! Amen!!
This is one of those vehicles that I don’t have need for but would be fun just to own! It brings many SPM’s. (Smiles per mile) I would put a period paint job on it.( myself) Nothing special but cleaner with some patina!
Fantastic looking vehicle but you’d think given the amount of work the owner has done to it they’d have more pictures. Especially of the new frame. At the current bid price it’s a steal.
I had a IIa when I lived in Northern New Hampshire in the early 70s. We bought it used and the St. Johnsbury dealer did an engine rebuild after the rod knock got too loud to tolerate but road salt was a strong contributor to other issues: stepped on the high beam switch and it fell through the floor. We did have a great Springtime rescuing our neighbors pickup trucks during mud season, borrowed some logging chain from GF’s dad and low/low could have changed the earth’s rotation if we had a fized point to pull from.
Sold for $7,000.
I tried to buy this and was outbid at the last second by $100. Still bummed….