The early Series 2 Land Rovers have been sought-after vehicles for a while now. They lend themselves well to customisation and personalisation, being incredibly versatile vehicles.
This particular Series 2 has been converted to run a V8, with many accompanying modifications. Styled to reflect the later Series 3 Stage One, as they never built a short wheelbase Stage One, it makes it quite a special thing…
As part of the V8 installation and general restoration process, the truck cab and rear load area have been significantly customised. Two individual seats have been installed, a steering wheel from a Metro has replaced the standard Series 2 item, checkerplate has been added to the floor for a bit of protection and the Series 2 centre binnacle has been replaced with a Series 3 unit.
Everything in the cab is in good, working order. There’s lots of natural patina, the restoration clearly being focussed on usability and practicality, rather than trying to turn this old Land Rover into a show vehicle - and it’s all the better for it.
At the back, the load area is straight and tidy, with numerous dings and scratches from use, but no notable damage. Included is a custom-built aluminium lock box, a large Jerry Can, a rubber load liner and a roll-up load cover.
Finished in green paint with a contrast black roof and riding on black 16” steel wheels, the stubby proportions of the Truck Cab Series 2 are deeply charming.
The first thing that strikes you when looking at this Land Rover is the modified front end. To accommodate the V8 powerplant, the grille has to be moved forward, in the style of the Series 3 Stage One vehicles. As they never made an official short wheelbase Stage One, that makes this quirky off-roader something quite desirable.
Many repairs and modifications have been made to the exterior of the car. these include, but are not limited to, the following:
Front and rear light grilles
New mud flaps
Repositioned front grille
Checkerplate to wing tops
Rear tow hitch
Newly fitted truck cab, bulkhead, rear bumper, door tops, mirrors, rear cross member and fuel tank outrigger (all completed in 2021)
The owner described the underside as “excellent”, with no damage or significant corrosion.
With all of this work having been carried out, it means that this Series 2 is a fundamentally solid vehicle, and eminently practical and usable. It wears a healthy level of all-over patination, as would be expected from a vehicle of this age that has been used regularly. There are some spots of surface corrosion, scratches and little dings to all of the cars panels. But we think this just adds to its charm, and makes it a genuinely characterful machine.jusvsrhAdaXOgukOd41RKd1xAs60LLP72D1I8elX.jpeg336.74 KB
The Mechanics
3,528cc Rover V8 conversion
Manual transmission
High / Low ratio transfer box
Locking differentials
Extensive mechanical upgrades
Needless to say, this V8 converted Series 2 has had significant mechanical work carried out on it. As well as the V8 conversion itself, many ancillaries have been repaired, replaced or upgraded. The list of work carried out recently includes:
New fuel tank, fuel tank sender unit and radiator
New brake pipes, brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders
New front swivel hubs and track rod ends
New leaf springs and shock absorbers all round
New stainless steel exhaust system
New rear bump stops
New clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder
New propshaft universal joints
New ignition barrel
Both carburettors rebuilt and engine tested (February 2022)
Under the bonnet, the engine bay presents reasonably well, being clean and straight with no signs of leaks or damage we could see. It should be noted that there is some surface corrosion to the some of the components and the underside of the bonnet.
With the level of repair and maintenance that has been carried out, buyers can have confidence that the vehicle is in good mechanical order and ready to go. In fact, the owner tells us that it drives very well, with no smoke, good handling and performance and straight-tracking under braking.
This is one of those rare occasions when something truly bespoke and unique comes up for sale. This distinctive Truck Cab Series 2 has bags of charm and character. With its burbling V8 conversion and genuine patina, it looks and sounds terrific.
Having gone through a significant restoration and maintenance programme, it’s a car you could genuinely use everyday - it’s as practical and capable as it is quirky and fun.
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