Description
7th Dec, 2024 10:00
The December 2024 Auction
1971 Land Rover 88 Series IIA
Strong example of classic British 4x4
Estimate
£6, 000 - £7, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: DHS310J
Chassis: 24141431H
Odometer: 50, 678
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
Classic colour combination
7 seat configuration
2. 5 litre diesel
Recent alternator, master cylinder and slave cylinder
Driven to our saleroom
The Land Rover Series IIA, produced from 1961 to 1971, is widely regarded as one of the most enduring and iconic models in Land Rover’s history. It evolved from the Series II, incorporating several mechanical and design improvements to enhance durability and versatility. Known for its ruggedness, the Series IIA was offered in both short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) variants, catering to a wide range of uses from agricultural work to military applications. Under the hood, it featured a choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the robust 2. 25-litre petrol engine that became a hallmark of the brand. The IIA introduced features like improved lighting placement to comply with new regulations and was the first to be mass-produced with optional forward-facing seating in station wagon variants. Its ability to thrive in extreme environments cemented its reputation as a dependable off-road vehicle, contributing significantly to Land Rover’s global success during the 1960s.
We are delighted to offer this 1971 Land Rover Series IIA 88” in green with cream roof and grey cloth interior. First registered in May 1971, it is a late example, this being the final year of IIA production. It appears to have been fitted with a 2. 5 litre diesel engine from a later model, the additional power, torque and economy adding to its useability. It comes with a bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance stretching back to the Nineties which indicates that it hasn’t been short of love and attention. Notably, there is an invoice from 2022 for an alternator, master cylinder and salve cylinder. The vendor also advises it has recently had a new battery.
There is something just right about a short wheelbase Series Land Rover. Painted in the iconic dark green with cream roof combination and finished off with a bonnet mounted spare it has that archetypal Land Rover look. Inside, it is set up with 3 seats across the front and 2 vinyl benches in the rear. The fronts are cloth Exmoor Trim replacements in nice condition and there are inertia reel seatbelts for driver and passenger. The removeable roof is lined.
A Series Land Rover probably wouldn’t be most folk’s first choice for a long journey, so it was heartening to see that our vendor drove it some 20 miles to our saleroom without incident. He has very honestly pointed out to us a small hole in the nearside rear outrigger but has included a replacement outrigger than can be welded in.
The car comes with V5C, some old MOTs, bundle of invoices, an owner’s manual and ‘Know Your Land Rover’ book.
Not only is the Series IIA considered by many as the most hardy of the Series models, for many it is the sweet-spot of the pre-Defender models, being so much more driveable than a Series I but with more old school charm than the later cars. This is a very useable example, particularly with its lustier diesel engine, in the most classic of colour combinations. With a very sensible reserve, this could be the perfect starter Landy.
