1967 Land Rover Series IIA 88 SWB

Model History

It all started in 1948 with the Series 1 Land Rover…back then it was just “The Land Rover”. The Rover Car Company started off in the mid-1800’s selling sewing machines, tricycles and bicycles. By the 1930’s, it had evolved into a car company but was hit badly by the Depression. As was common with many factories of the time, they were turned over to help the war effort and produced engines for tanks and aircraft. By the time the war ended, Rover found itself nicely positioned with skilled workers and updated factories.  By the end of the first full year of sales, nearly 8000 Land Rovers were sold far exceeding the expected volume of 5000. And so the love affair with Land Rover began.

Despite the success, by 1958 it was clear Rover needed a major overhaul to their original offering. The Series II had more power, a better suspension, a better turning radius, and best of all was the introduction of the long wheel base to haul you and 11 of your best friends. The Series II sold well, with 28,000 being sold in its first full year, and 34,000 in the year after. In 1961, the diesel engine was enhanced with larger pistons to match the gas/petrol engine. Although this was the only real significant change, the Series II was renumbered as IIA.

The IIA would serve as the intermediate form between the II and III until its replacement in 1971. Overtime it would be immensely updated with things like, flat headlamp lenses replacing the convex type, the flat front apron panel was replaced by a curved panel and wire spokes in the steering wheel changed to plastic.  The last of the Series IIAs were made in the summer of 1971. Over 343,000 normal control vehicles were made in those 10 years, with nearly half of them being the 88″ SWB version.

Car History

Second Daily is proud to present this recently restored Series IIA right-hand drive Land Rover located in South Carolina. The current seller purchased this Series in 2015 just following a mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment commissioned from the previous owner in Florida.  It was shipped to South Carolina and has been used mostly for infrequent city/urban use. It is part of large collection of specialty vehicles owned by the seller, all stored in a climate controlled facility. It is equipped with a 4 cylinder petrol/gas engine mated to a 4-speed manual without transmission without synchromesh.

Exterior

The new paint and top show very well on this Series. We noticed a few small sheet metal indentions in the right front fender but nothing of real note. The galvanized capping adds a nice patina to an otherwise newly restored outer shell. A lower tailgate is included with the sale should you decide to remove the top.Outside and up front, you may notice the additional two headlights, as this one has been fitted with fenders from a later model Series to include both inset lights as well as the fender mounted lights. Why? Because if you ever driven one of these at night in the woods you’ll know. The inset lights are low beams, and the outer fender lights come on with the high beams. The turn signals and marker lights from a post-1969 Series were installed. All of the markers and glass show no signs of cracks.

Chassis

The frame, bulkhead, and lower doors all show no signs of corrosion or rot. The frame has been treated to proactively prevent rust. The seller states there is no rust or rot. The engine bay presents quite well, nothing outstanding or notable of any concerns. It is said to drive well in urban settings but not necessarily recommended for extended highway usage.

Interior

Inside, the spartan interior shows very well, no tears or excessive wear in the vinyl seating. It is equipped with a heater which is more than most Series can tout. The rear cargo area is without seats but can be added if the new owner desires. All of the gauges are said to work properly.

Market Watch

The Rover Series market has seen an appreciable uptick over the last 3-5 years. As with the Defender market, you must be able to disentangle the ROW vs NADA trucks to really try and understand it, and even then you cannot fully. Series trucks trade on average from $5000 to $50000 depending on condition. The main thing to consider with these is corrosion. Avoid that and all else will be ok. This one presents with a recent restoration providing many years to come without concerns of rust maintenance.

For a list of current Series for sale in the market place, see pricing here.