1964 LAND ROVER IIA
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Climbing on to the front seats, the massive steering wheel and iconic early dash greets you. Finding the gears in the crash gearbox is usually easy enough, but tricky when under fire in urban traffic. Clutch operation is positive and the steering is good; it’s free from slop, but the wheel takes many more turns than those uninitiated with older cars might expect. The engine is torquey and strong and the brakes offer ample stopping, without pulling to either side. Everything feels tight and as it should be and it sits correctly on the road. All the leaf springs have been replaced in recent years.
BODYWORK CHECK
The bodywork is in excellent condition, without any signs of deterioration of the panels, and the military khaki canvas roof is in good, if slightly patinated condition. The silver-painted tilt frame is in excellent shape, with gloss bronze/green paint instead of the usual flat olive drab. The rot- and damage-free chassis is clean and straight, but the bulkhead and rear crossmember have been repaired and replaced, all be it to a high standard. Complete new doors have been fitted in recent years; they appear to be well-aligned and close precisely. Holes in the body above the rear arches and on top of the front wings are leftovers from previous military equipment, but don’t detract. New mirrors have also been added. The headlights are to military specification.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This is a classic design of function over form and looks every inch a classic car. The original bakelite Land Rover steering wheel is lovely to sit behind. The dashboard hasn’t been updated and, for a Land Rover, is in very good and clean condition throughout; all the gauges work correctly. There’s no heater in this military-specification IIA, but, the vendor intends to fit a period one. All the switches operate along with the flashing ‘tell-tale’ light at the end of the signal stalk. New Exmoor Trim front seats have been added, with the driver’s seat retained for more ‘worn in’ comfort. The rear area has new trench floor matting.
UNDER THE BONNET
This is very tidy and freshly painted, with a military-spec front oil cooler behind the grille. The cylinder head and loom are new, there are no signs of any leaks and the levels are correct. The exhaust is in good condition, with a recent back box fitted. Tyres are excellent military-type 16in offroad tyres in excellent condition, with the spare wheel mounted atop the bonnet. History includes many old MoT certificates and details of work done.
THE CCW VIEW
This ex-Army Series IIA has had two previous owners since being discharged from military duty in 1974 and been subtly civilianised, without major modifications or checker plating. This is a solid and excellent example of an iconic classic Land Rover. Private Seller, Manchester. 07901 554580
Well-maintained and on the button Can be a challenge in modern traffic