1964 Land Rover Series 2A

“ A gorgeous example of a thoroughly renovated Series 2a, with desirable overdrive, improved performance, sympathetic upgrades and a fascinating Brideshead Revisited connection. ”
A stunningly refurbished version of perhaps the best known of all Land Rovers, it certainly was the best-selling and possibly the pinnacle of Series 2a production, built right in the middle of the production run. This is your opportunity to own one of Solihull's most famous, with improved driver comfort and convenience, with performance to match modern traffic and an aristocratic history.

Background
The Land Rover Series II was launched in 1958, a massive improvement over the previous model thanks to its wider and more ergonomic body shape, it was a welcome update for folk for whom Solihull’s finest provided the only viable transport to get them around their farms and across vast swathes of the developing world.

The Land Rover was available with either an 88” wheelbase (the short wheelbase model, or SWB) or a 109”, the long wheelbase or LWB. Other factory options included a soft-top as well as a fixed-roof, as well as a double skinned ‘Tropical roof’ on the Station Wagon models.

The original 2.25 litre petrol engine produced 77bhp This particular example has been rebuilt by Land Rover specialists to produce significant extra power (see ‘Mechanical’), making this Land Rover a joy to rev and more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic.

The Series IIa ran from 1961 to 1971 and is distinguishable from the 1958-61 Series II by only very subtle changes, in particular welded ventilation flaps. The advent of the ‘suffix B’ in 1963 (of which this is an example), brought in sealed beam headlights and the start of 1964 ushered in the curved front ‘apron’ seen on this model.

All Land Rovers can be repaired and maintained by a novice with an adjustable spanner and a Haynes manual, which makes them ideal as a starter classic, especially when you consider their rock-solid residuals and the low cost of insurance.

Overview
Finished in original Marine Blue, this August 1964 SWB example was first supplied to W. Holloway & Sons in Worcester. It was acquired new by ‘Bright Young Thing’ socialite Lady Lettice Lygon of Madresfield Court, Worcester, the original inspiration for Brideshead Revisited. Its author, Evelyn Waugh was a frequent visitor to Madresfield (documented in the book ‘Mad World’) and Lady Lygon named her daughter after the author.

The car was sold just before her death in 1973 to a Mr CK Cross, who owned it until 1999, after which it was sold to someone who loved it so much, he appears twice in the five-owner history.

Fast-forward to 2021. The car had too much work needing done and the ‘new’ old buyer sold it to our seller needing sympathetic restoration, which has been undertaken, alongside a professional respray to the original Marine Blue. The current owner, a Land Rover Series 2 Club official, recognising its special provenance and potential, decided to bring it back to its original former glory. He set about the task with enthusiasm and after far too long – and too much money, no doubt – he finished it. And it looks fabulous, with many subtle improvements to aid driveability and usability.

The ‘Documentation’ section contains sheaves of invoices and receipts, alongside the original purchase log book, showing its early history and ownership. The original ‘Bright Young Thing’ Brideshead connection imbues this already exceptional Land Rover with a rare literary and aristocratic provenance that few others can match.

Estimate: £18,000 - £23,000

View Current Bid Price HERE