I have a soft spot for British classics. Barbour’s Beaufort waxed cotton jacket. A Hardy LRH Dry Fly Split 9-foot fly rod. Sarson’s malt vinegar applied liberally to freshly fried fish and chips. Perhaps no other UK created classic is quite as iconic to me as the Land Rover Series IIA – the stately, utilitarian travel trunk inspired 4 x 4 like the beauty found here on eBay, thanks to reader Matt Williams.
This survivor looks ready for your next adventure, after a lifetime of hauling sportsmen a crossed the Scottish moors for sporting clay days, or just as ready to confidently explore the lowlands of the Serengeti. Ok, perhaps I idealize the outdoor experience a bit more than the mechanical, safety, and comfort experience Rover’s actually provide – but I’ve always had a bent for work-horses over race-horses. It’s why a Royal Enfield is my two-wheeled preference over a cushy Goldwing.
Everyone know’s that vintage Defenders have skyrocketed in value in the past 10 years – but oddly the larger capacity Series IIA models have remained affordable. Currently at under $7k, this 109” “Station Wagon” can technically seat up to 12 and is powered by the original 6 cylinder gas engine (most likely a 2.6 liter) with 4 speeds. The seller, Dutch Safari out of Austin Texas (that specialize’s in vintage Range Rovers), notes this ’69 has a Designa Chassis – which means the chassis is a new full-to-spec replacement galvanized under-carriage made by Designa Classics out of Dorchester, England.
About 1 in 20 vehicles (ok, 1 out of 10) I have the honor to write about actually compels me to check the savings account, or ponder which of my car’s might go on the auction block to make room for another project. This is one of them. Two summers ago I made the trek to Bainbridge Island with cash in hand to purchase a 1974 Defender 88, only to have it sold out from under me. Believe me, I’ll be watching this closely over the next few days to see if this British Beauty will be making the trek from Texas to Tacoma very soon!
Leave a Reply to RayZ Cancel reply