1966 Land Rover Series IIA 88" SWB 2.25 Petrol

Dating from April 1966, George is a Series IIA that has been fully restored and upgraded in current ownership since 2014. The 'story of George' runs to several thousand words, far too much to even paraphrase here, but our consignor, Stacey will be happy to send interested parties a copy of this charming story by email.

A small extract in our vendor’s words;

'I needed something that would keep me more active than normal, so my wife gave me the green light to find a classic Land Rover, but she had one condition that it must have the headlights in the centre panel. For me, I added that I wanted a petrol engine and SWB and that was it, so other than these requirements I really didn’t have a clue what to look for. So the search began, mainly looking around Ebay, I did see a couple of vehicles around my budget and then I spotted George, he was taxed and MOT’d for six months which meant I could run him and get an idea of what needed doing.

A few days later, I made the train journey down to Evesham to collect George with the intention of driving back to Stoke, and made sure I had sufficient tools to cover any basic repairs should any issues come up during the drive back. When I arrived, George was standing on the drive in all his glory, he’d already been fitted with parabolic springs and Koni shocks some time back by a previous owner, the door tops were pretty much shot but usable for now, they would need replacing along with the rear tail gate and cat flap which had been joined together to make a type of safari door – not nice for sure.

The sale was agreed and the journey home commenced. George was running a Weber Carburettor which was being a little temperamental on the journey home, but after a few tweaks it calmed down and the rest of the trip was relatively pain free – well as best you can expect from a Land Rover. Once home I had time to make a full assessment of what I needed to replaced right away to use up the remaining six months of Tax and MOT, during this time I could plan my re-build, it was always my intention to replace the chassis and I think after the strip down I was justified in that decision.'

The rest of the story is hugely detailed and fascinating. We recommend for anyone interested to come and view George in all his glory - the handsome, restored example of the rugged and iconic 4 x 4, presenting in excellent condition throughout, making the perfect usable off-road companion, a brilliant show car or a charming addition to any collection, and these are just some of the reasons why George is so special.

Standard components – either restored or replaced:

Chassis – replaced in February 2015 using a Richards Replica Chassis Suffix C

Engine – original engine correct date, short block refurbished +0.40 pistons, standard crank (bearings replaced) and cam, timing chain, oil pump, water pump and petrol pump all replaced.

Axle – both front and rear are originals and date correct 1966 – Refurbished using nylon coating. Swivels replaced new bearings fitted. Leather swivel Gaiters fitted.

Gearbox – Original 1966; overhaled with new bearings and seals

New 9" clutch assembly

Steering - original 1966 refurbished steering box, heavy-duty solid drag-links

New hydraulic brake lines.

Replacement Autosparks wiring loom – alternator fitted but retained Ammeter in the loom.

Front Bulkhead – original but refurbished and E-coated

Front Wings – refurbished Series III converted to Series IIA (headlights removed)

Original Front Radiator panel refurbished and Galvanised

Radiator replaced with heavy duty 4 core radiator (Series III)

Bonnet – original 1966

Rear Tub – 95% new/rebuilt, the tub bulkhead is original 1966

Door bottoms – replacements fitted

Re-galvanised Trim & Windscreen – Original.

Upgrades and Modifications

Rolling chassis (over and above the above-mentioned parts) consists of:

Heystee parabolic springs – 2" lift

Polybush bushes throughout

GAZ adjustable shock absorbers – bespoke length made to suit the springs

Terrafirma stainless steel over braided flexible brake hoses + 2" extension.

Heystee Automotive Front disc brake conversion, Defender 4 pot calipers plus vented discs

Heystee Automotive Rear disc brake conversion, Defender 2 pot calipers plus solid discs

Defender Dual circuit master cylinder and Type 50 servo

DOT 5 fluid

X-Brake disc brake fitted - handbrake

Wolf Rims fitted with 205 x 80 x 16 Continental tyres

Plastic tubed axle breathing kit – front & rear

Engine upgrades:

Full ACR - SU Carburettor conversion, plus a ACR stainless-steel free-flow rear silencer

Stage 1 Unleaded Head 8.1 Compression by ACR

ACR 4-into-1 exhaust manifold in carbon steel

123 ignition – fully programmable electronic distributor – Bluetooth capable

Magnecor HT lead set

Stainless steel over braided fuel lines

Standard oil bath air filter

Alternator fitted

Gearbox upgrades:

Roamerdrive over-drive.

Roamerdrive finned transfer case cover plate

Stainless steel over-braided clutch fluid line

Separate clutch master cylinder

Body upgrades:

Exmoor heavy duty black anodised aluminium Defender door hinges complete with door mirrors

Rocky Mountain door tops

Later Series/Defender rear tailgate

Full rubber tailgate inner liner

Electric upgrades

LED replacement indicator, brake and side lights – complete sealed units, wired to later plugs

WIPAC halogen headlights (already fitted)

Dashboard and controls

Water temperature gauge

Direst feed oil pressure gauge

Battery kill-switch

Brake bias valve

12v accessory socket

Modified standard ammeter to take higher current

Upholstery and other fabrics

Exmoor deluxe front seat set

Exmoor inertia reel driver and passenger seatbelts plus centre seat lap belt

Driver & passenger adjustable seat bases

Exmoor rear bench seats.

Mohair Tilt in navy by All Wheel Trim

Other features specific to this Land Rover either current or previous:

Heavy Duty tilt frame manufactured by Purely Metal

Fully Coated chassis with Dinitrol wax system