1964 Land Rover Series 2a

Specification:

1964 model on a galvanised chassis. 2, 286cc 4cyl petrol coupled to a 4spd manual transmission. Mid Grey paint. Sand full canvas tilt. Hi/ Low range, selectable 4wd. Parabolic springs. 5x steel wheels with 6. 00x16 Avon crossply tyres. Electric windscreen washers. Halogen headlamp upgrade. Alternator. Smiths heater. 3x black vinyl front seats. Rubber floor mats throughout. Many new or refurbished parts fitted during a full rebuild by a professional restorer. Heritage Certificate from the BMIHT. MoT until 9th February 2026 (though exempt).

Description:

The Series IIA is considered by many the hardiest Series model constructed, having the same main design as the original Series 1, but improved upon in many areas. It is the type of classic Land Rover that features strongly in the general public's perception of the Land Rover, and the same basic shape was carried right through to the latest ‘original’ Defender, which ceased production in 2016 after its long 67 year life span.

This example is a short wheel base (88”) ‘Basic’ model from the mid-60s. It was built on 31st December 1964 in Bronze Green with a 2. 25 diesel engine, and was dispatched from Solihull on 11th January 1965 to G. Armstrong Ltd of Kingston-Upon-Hull who would have sold it to its first owner. Between then and now, much of its history was sadly lost but it was found on a farm near Pickering on a different numberplate. It was then comprehensively rebuilt recently by one of the professional restorers we work with, and was re-registered on what we’re told is its original numberplate. The vehicles restoration includes desirable features such as a galvanised chassis, a fully reconstructed bulkhead with galvanised footwells and door pillars, galvanised door tops, a reconditioned gearbox, axles and brakes, plus a new wiring loom just to name a few items. The old tired diesel was also replaced with a (arguably nicer) 2. 25 petrol, which was an ex-MoD reserve crate engine.

Hopping into the driver’s seat, the hardy-but-smooth ‘two-and-a-quarter’ starts well from cold with a little choke, and drives very nicely indeed cruising happily at about 50mph. The brakes pull the vehicle up to a stop nice and straight, the suspension gives a good ride, and the steering is smooth with no untoward wandering. All the gears engage correctly, the (new) clutch is nice and smooth plus the low range and four-wheel drive options all work as they should.

Underneath, the galvanised chassis means that structural corrosion is a thing of the past if looked after. The rear crossmember was replaced prior to galvanising, this was due it being sourced second-hand and some odd ‘modifications’ were found presumably to make something fit. The chassis was then painted black for a more original look. The axles were rebuilt with new bearings, swivel housings and brakes etc, plus four new leaf springs. The bulkhead is believed to be original, but has been restored to a good standard including the replacement of the footwells and pillars with new galvanised items. The body work is lovely and straight, and has been nicely sprayed in Mid Grey.

The cabin has three black vinyl seats up front, along with new floor mats front and rear. The instrumentation all works fine, along with all the electricals including the Smiths-type round heater and individual wipers. Behind the seats, the crank handle and wheel brace are present, and in the under-seat tool box there is a new bottle jack for wheel changing. The odometer reads 53, 451, however we are unable to verify whether this is correct. Even though the vehicle is tax and MoT exempt, it has a valid MoT until 9th February 2026. It has now had plenty of test miles under its belt, so is ready to go.

This very traditional Landy would make a fantastic investment that can also be used and enjoyed all year round for a multitude of uses, thanks to the versatility of a classic Land Rover… not many other classic cars offer the ability to go to the pub on a summers evening as well as fetching some firewood in the depths of winter snow. If you require other options fitting to the vehicle e. g. rear bench seats, different wheels and tyres or any other changes, these are things we can carry out for you - just get in touch to discuss your requirements.