Description
Location: London, United Kingdom
Chassis: 346-00676-G
Registration No: TUJ975H
Engine: 2. 5 Litre 200TDI DIESEL
Transmission: FOUR SPEED MANUAL
Mileage: 200 MILES SINCE FULL RESTORATION
Colour: Mid/ Welsh LRC008
Right Hand Drive
ULEZ EXEMPT
Price: £28, 500
HISTORY OF THE LAND ROVER
The Land Rover Series range, originating in 1948, evolved into the Defender model, officially launched in 1983 and concluding its continuous run in January 2016 after an impressive 67-year history. Initially inspired by the US-built Willys Jeep post-World War II, Land Rovers gained widespread longevity, with a claim in 1992 that 70% of all vehicles ever manufactured were still in use. Throughout its production span, the Defender and Series ranges maintained a distinctive international presence, being exported, manufactured, and produced under license by various companies in diverse markets. These markets included Australia, Southern and North Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, Malaysia, and more.
In a strategic move to tap into the US market, Land Rover entered the North American scene in 1993, following the successful introduction of the Range Rover brand in 1987. This move aimed to provide a sophisticated alternative to the Jeep Wrangler, catering to adventurous buyers. However, economic challenges led Land Rover to withdraw from the North American and Canadian markets in 1997. The Defenders offered in the US during the 90s underwent significant modifications compared to those destined for Land Rover’s other export markets. Subsequent amendments to federal safety regulations ultimately compelled Land Rover to entirely remove the Defender from the US market in 1997. Consequently, the company redirected its focus towards the production of upmarket Discovery and Range Rover models, built from the ground up.
THE VEHICLE
Twelve-month restoration done by us, finished in July 2023 costing over £50, 000. We complete several restorations each year, and therefore have substantial expertise in rebuilding Series & Defender models. Typically, our experienced restoration team leaves no nut or bolt untouched. The owner took a personal interest in every aspect of the completion and ensured a full photographic record (including a dedicated book) was included. Now for sale as the owner has acquired a Series One and wishes to get that earlier model up and running.
OVERVIEW
This is effectively a new Series IIa Landy. Of course, modern SUVs are quicker and quieter, but can you tell them apart? Whether or not you are a “petrol head”, this car stands out as a stunning example of a classic design. Not many left nowadays that you could risk acquiring. This one is the exception.
EXTERIOR
A full respray in the period Mid/ Welsh LRC008 Grey sets off the design lines and it is painted immaculately to a stunning standard. It is perhaps the most suitable colour of all for these models. It is a quality job with no shortcuts taken and was performed whilst the vehicle was fully disassembled including fully painting the original repaired and galvanised bulkhead. It is quite flawless.
WHEELS
The present owner specified larger tyres BF Goodrich AT tyres in the size 265/ 75R16 on brand new Wolf steel wheels which significantly improve the appearance. Together these fill the wheel arches perfectly, giving the car a purposeful look without over-exaggeration. Needless to say, given that the truck has been barely used, they are completely unmarked.
INTERIOR
New is the only way to describe it. Every inch of metal has been repainted and every non- metallic item has been fully refurbished. The three upfront seats are covered in new black vinyl. The dashboard and instruments are all fully brought up to a new standard. The heater works, and actually works very well, as does every instrument and dial.
But that is merely one third of the interior story. The vehicle was originally delivered new to F. G. Searle & Company, Sunbury on Thames which traded as Carawagon International and converted Land Rovers (and later Range Rovers and Bedford vans) into camper vans. The first owner took delivery at Carawagon International to have it converted into a camper van. Having been originally delivered with the rare 2. 6L petrol engine, it is believed it had been purposefully equipped to carry out gruelling overland expeditions. While the interior conversion had been well suited for this need, a 2. 6 petrol Series does not compete with today’s overlanding vehicles. The present owner decided to strip it all out and returned it to its original shape. The only remaining issue was what to do with the rear load space. The solution was to add in a brand new hardwood floor. Still so new in fact that the protective paper cover has never been removed. It looks stunning and wholly appropriate.
The fold down tailgate is rattle free due to new rubber seals and rubberised metal chords as opposed to chains. Firmly attached is a heavy duty swing away wheel carrier to support the fifth spare wheel of the same size and colour as the four others.
HOOD
Brand new. Jet black, with the usual mind boggling lines of cords, clips and stays, it is a finger nail losing delight to roll and tie up the rear curtain or to do the same with both sides. The hood itself sits on a heavy duty structural powder coated frame (naturally new and naturally black) which ensures rigidity and safety.
ENGINE AND GEARBOX
The car was sent out into the world with the exceedingly rare 2. 6L six cylinder petrol engine. As they said about it in Australia, if you want to go into the Outback, take a Land Rover with that engine. If you want to get back home, take a different engine. (The original engine is available and can be included within the sale, should a new owner favour originality over practicality). As forementioned, the engine was replaced for practicality. The 2. 6 engines are powerful, however parts are really scarce and the costs of fully rebuilding one correctly are prohibitive.
The present owner elected for reliability. A refurbished low mileage 200TDI diesel engine was sourced from a Discovery and the team have honed that into the original series engine bay. Bullet proof and loud, it is probably good for a million miles. It benefits from a brand new radiator and cooling set up, new alternator, rebuild starter motor, and an entirely new exhaust. A comprehensive line by line list can be provided upon request.
The original and rebuilt four speed gearbox is tough and robust and perfectly suits the IIa’s driving characteristics.
Being a diesel, it takes 20 seconds for the yellow plug warning light to go out, and it will then start, first twist every time. The vehicle is exempt from MOT as it is registered as a historic vehicle.
SUSPENSION
Completely rebuilt. Its new and shows it. The photos speak volumes. What it means in practice is that it has no “looseness”, no wallowing, and no lurching. It actually works as designed, which was to be flexible but sure.
STRUCTURE AND BODYWORK
The shot-blasted and galvanised chassis is in perfect condition. It is all truly spotless with zero rust. Close inspection of the usual danger spots, the base of the doors and wings, the battery shelf, the bulkhead, and crossmember below the tailgate hinge, are all in perfect condition. The metal in all these locations is as perfect as the exterior panels.
SUMMARY
If you are looking for a fully restored low maintenance truck, which is ULEZ exempt, and which is more fun to drive at the London legal 20mph, than is a Lamborghini at 7 times that speed (and where would you drive at that speed?!), then this may be the answer. It gets as much attention as the aforementioned Lambo, but people look at it with affection and admiration, rather than with disdain and disapproval. With its original galvanised chassis it also makes the perfect Seaside companion.
Potentially the best around. Certainly, the most fun for that weekend trip loaded with the kids and dogs.
