1959 Land Rover Series ll 109'' Station Wagon

The successor to the successful Land Rover Series l was, unsurprisingly the Series ll, which remained in production from 1958 to 1961. It was available with 88" and 109" in wheelbases, normally referred to as the 'SWB' and 'LWB'. This was the first Land Rover to receive the attention of Rover's styling department - Chief Stylist David Bache produced the familiar 'barrel side' waistline to cover the vehicle's wider track and the improved design of the truck cab variant, introducing the curved side windows and rounded roof still used on current Land Rovers. The Land Rover was the product of continuous evolution and refinement throughout the fifties and sixties with improvements in every area including stability and a tighter turning circle. It was a period in which Land Rover took the lead in the emerging market for four-wheel drive vehicles. As a tough, reliable mobility platform, countless organisations came to depend on Land Rover vehicles to get personnel and equipment into the most challenging situations...and then safely out again.

The Series ll started its production run in April 1958 but customers wanting a 109'' Station Wagon had to wait for until September 1958 to purchase one. As a carry-over feature from the later Series l examples, Series ll Station Wagons also came fitted with a "Safari Roof'. This ingenious design consisted of a second roof skin fitted on top of the vehicle. This kept the interior cool in hot weather and reduced condensation in cold weather.

The Land Rover offered here is a Series II, 109'' Station Wagon first registered on the 31st March 1959. It is Chassis number #30 (161900030) - and is believed to be the 2nd oldest Series ll 109'' on the Land Rover Register. Having slumbered in a barn for approximately twenty years, it retains its original drivetrain, including the correct 2286cc engine, 'Elephant Hide' interior and original Safari Roof. The chassis and bulkhead are said to be in good order. After some recommissioning, it runs and drives, but will require some additional fettling to make 100% road-ready. Many original features remain making this early, and rarely found complete, Series ll 109'', a real find.

It's no surprise that these unsung workhorses should eventually come of age and now, with countless clubs and organisations established to preserve and service them, prices are beginning to rise. Original and unmolested examples, especially with early chassis numbers, are the ones to own. This unassuming classic vehicle is just right for preservation or as the basis for a complete restoration.