1968 LAND ROVER SERIES IIA 88"

KEY FACTS

• A rugged classic 4x4, with a Deep Bronze Green finish and a few tasteful upgrades.
• It is powered by a ‘J’ suffix 2.25-litre inline-four, which is a replacement item but of the correct type, dated close to the car. Reconditioned to run on unleaded fuel, the engine drives all four wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
• It was restored around a year ago and is now in superb condition.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in the popular Deep Bronze Green paint colour, with a contrasting beige roof, it features ‘Strike Sport Turf Services’ sign writing.
• The sign writing dates back to the 4x4’s working life during the 1970s and 1980s in Manchester. The seller has even spoken to the original owner to confirm this, and has some information and images showing its early utility life.
• It has been restored using a new ‘Richards’ galvanised chassis, and a reproduction bulkhead from Robert Owen Engineering.
• The four-speed manual transmission has synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears only; requiring double de-clutching for the 1st and 2nd crash gears.
• There are also replacement doors, and the offside front wing was repaired with a new front panel.
• It rides on 16-inch wheels with Deestone cross-ply tyres, true to the factory tread pattern.
• Inside, there are restored Bostrom Saxon Thinline seats, an original Land Rover option, with internal damping for a smoother ride. There are also updated three-point seat belts.
• A Smiths heater has been fitted, which was optional at the time of manufacture. The original ‘round’ heater will be included, but it is currently faulty.
• The car has upgraded front hubs. The originals will be supplied, but will need repairing.
• Its original logbook and service book will also be included, alongside a raft of maintenance invoices and an extensive photographic record of the restoration.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage, apart from a very minor car park dint in the driver’s door, which is hard to see in the photos.
• Its Deep Bronze Green finish using Coach Enamel type paint is in excellent condition, with a glossy appearance all around the body.
• The sign writing was retouched but not repainted, also benefiting from a lacquer overcoat to preserve its appearance.
• The reconditioned Bostrom Saxon Thinline seats are in great shape, with no wear or damage.
• No electrical faults have been detected.
• The vehicle is MOT exempt, but the vendor notes that a test can be performed if required.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Series IIA has undergone a full nut-and-bolt rebuild, performed by a Land Rover Series enthusiast and former aircraft fitter. Many original components were used, but parts have been replaced where necessary.
• The bodywork has been restored, with the vendor noting that riveting has been completed to aircraft-standard, using solid rivets and Duralac anti-corrosive jointing compound where necessary.
• A new chassis and bulkhead were fitted, allowing time to recondition the replacement engine, which now features unleaded hardened valve seats.
• The brakes and steering have been overhauled, and the car has been re-wired with a period-correct Autosparks loom.
• The rebuild was completed one year ago and the car has covered around 1,250 miles since, benefiting from a service and running-in adjustments.

SUMMARY

This Land Rover Series IIA 88” is a comprehensively restored example of the rugged 4x4, with a replacement chassis and a reconditioned engine. Still looking very fresh following its recent refurbishment, it would make a usable off-road companion, an impressive show car, or a charming addition to a wider collection of classic Land Rovers.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.