1965 Land Rover Series IIA LHD 88: Restored, Mechanically Strong California IIA

Description

Offered for sale is an absolutely gorgeous, body-off-restored 1965 Land Rover Series IIA LHD 88” Station Wagon finished in ever-desirable Pastel Green with a Limestone hard top over a black interior. A long time California truck, it retains its rust-free original chassis and engine, is believed to have traveled a mere 59k original miles and is as strong mechanically as it cosmetically clean.

The Series IIA is widely regarded as the most enduring Series model constructed, both in terms of its mechanical and physical ruggedness and the perception the public has of the Land Rover marque in general. In the 1960s, dozens of films and documentaries showed the western world far away locales for the first time, almost always made accessible by someone driving a Series IIA. In many ways, it was during this period that Land Rover built its continuing legacy in the minds of the public and this IIA is the perfect representation of that.

Aesthetically the truck is in excellent condition, the desirable and recently restored Pastel Green finish marred only by the most minimal of imperfections, none of which are significant enough to appear in the photographs. The galvanized trim beautifully defines the body, which retains factory correct panel fits and gaps. All of the window and door gaskets were replaced when the truck was painted, and, we should mention, the Limestone hardtop is as fine as the rest of the body’s Pastel Green finish. Lastly, as a well-cared-for California example, the original chassis is unsurprising entirely solid and free of any harmful corrosion.

The interior is also in great shape, the black seats showing only minimal wear and the interior paint virtually flawless throughout the front cabin, rear storage/seating area and the floors and station wagon ceiling. The dash is clean and straight forward with working gauges and switches, the rubber floor mats are new and the truck has new retractable front seat belts. The truck also has its front center seat and a full set of rear seats, however, while usable, they have not been refurbished.

The IIA retains its original tried and true 2.25 Litre Petrol 4 cylinder engine that starts effortlessly, idles consistently and pulls strongly and smoothly under acceleration. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts crisply through each of the gears and the high, neutral and low ranges all function properly. Fully mechanically sorted, the truck has a new carburetor, upgraded high-output alternator, new wiring harness, new OEM fuel tank, new OEM exhaust from engine to tailpipe, new brake pads and calipers and, as of later this week, will have new shocks and shock bushings. Compression is excellent and ride quality is everything you’d expect of a fully sorted Series IIA – rugged, visceral and grin-inducing.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an iconic, beautifully restored, mechanically superb LHD Series IIA ‘88 Station Wagon finished in an extremely desirable livery. Examples of this quality are quite rare here in the States and the collector car market is finally beginning to give them the credence they deserve, with values appreciating dramatically over the past few years. Gorgeous and turn-key, this fantastic example is ready to provide another 50+ years of trusty service and enjoyment for its next owner.