8 years ago I was lucky enough to come across a pristine 1980 Land Rover Series II Model 109.
Body was in perfect shape, interior was just re-done and other than the original inline 4 motor that had no overdrive, my wife and I bought it in Oregon and drove it 2500 miles south down Coast Highway to California.
Thinking I was going to keep it 100% stock as most Rover fanatics would like to see it, I decided to go full retro-mod on it.
We kept the all aluminum frame and the pristine body in tack, everything else in the undercarriage and drive-train had to go.
I wanted this to be a reliable vehicle that one could find parts for it anywhere in the country at your local auto parts store.
We put in a trusty create GM Performance 5.3L V8 engine (not a junk yard re-build, a brand new motor), turbo 400 transmission hooked to an Atlas 2-speed transmission.
3 link custom long arm suspension in the front and 4 link custom long arm suspension in the rear all controlled by Fox 2.0 Remote reservoir coil over shocks with adjustable bump stops.
Dana 44 axles were swapped in that have 4.10 gearing, electronic lockers, high performance axles and all gusseted to ensure there are no bends or breaks out on the trails.
Sway bars front and rear keep this top heavy vehicle in check both on the road as well as off, and the stout hydraulic steering assist from PSC turns the Falken Wildpeak A/T 35x12.50r17 tires
(wrapped on the AEV matte black wheels) with ease. JE Reel custom drive shafts, custom skid plate, custom engine brace, custom oversized aluminum radiator, heavy duty AGM battery,
and a multitude of throughout the undercarriage finish out the engine and drive-train mods. The original gauges indicate almost 50k on the vehicle, but all the modifications were done at 46,780.
So less than 4000 miles are on the wear and tear.
That "only 4k on the wear and tear" also includes the paint. A fresh "Triple Deep Black" paint from PPG was sprayed just before all the mods to the vehicle took place.
Paint along with 90% of all the tubular accessories on the vehicle had a fresh coat of paint or powder coat put on them.
Interior was modified to accept the automatic transmission with a Speedshift shifter as well as the Vintage Air Air Conditioning unit.
Yes, there are little items like the dash that could be re-covered due to minor tears in it, but that along with other mods to the new owner can be done easily at any interior shop.
This Rover was built right with no expense spared. From the vintage and top of the line Warn M8274 to the amazing headlights from JW Speaker,
the list of added accessories and custom work on this vehicle doesn't stop. Not only does it look perfect, it drives and more importantly works fantastic out on the trails where it was meant to be.
Shown on one of the images, it comes with a roof top tent (also in perfect shape). If your looking for a vehicle that turns heads no matter where you drive it,
easily cruises over any obstacle you put in front of it, and uber reliable...this 1980 Land Rover Series II Model 109 is perfect. Plus, it is priced well below other "Defenders"
out there with half the whistles and bells that this beauty has.
Right Hand Drive
5.3L V8 GM Performance Motor (6200 miles on the motor)
Howell Tuned ECU
Turbo 400 Transmission
Spectre Performance Air Induction Kit
Atlas 2-speed Transfer Case
Custom Transfer Case Skid Plate
Dana 44 Axles – 4.10 gearing – Electric Lockers
Custom Long Arm Suspension system
Custom engine brace
Heavy Duty Front & Rear Custom Sway Bar
Fox 2.0 Remote Bypass Coil Over Shocks
Custom Quiet DynoMax Exhaust System
PSC Motorsports Hydraulic Steering Assist System
JE Reel Custom Drive Shafts
Custom oversized Aluminum Radiator with electric fan
Custom Aluminum transmission radiator with electric fan
Vintage Air Air Conditioning
Custom covered Land Rover Cloth Seat Covers
Triple Deep Black Paint from PPG
AEV Pinter Wheels – 17x9 (full size spare)
Falken Wildpeak A/T 35x12.50r17 Tires (full size spare)
Warn 8274 Winch
JW Speaker 8” round Performance LED Headlights
Custom front & rear fender flares – Powder Coated Black
Safari Cargo Rack
Serengeti Roof Top Tent
Tubular Side Steps
Signature Land Rover Rubber Floor Liners
Interior bolt in Land Rover Roll Cage
Heavy Duty AGM Battery