This beautiful old 1969 Land Rover IIA Hardtop is powered by the tried and tested 2.25 litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that kept the the iconic off-roader moving for over 3 decades. The Series IIA model introduced a slew of improvements over the Series I, it was a little longer and a little wider, it had a more powerful engine and was far more driver-friendly inside the cabin.
From a pop-culture perspective, both the long and short wheelbase Series II Land Rovers are deeply ingrained into the off-road zeitgeist of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s – despite the fact that the Series III was produced in far larger numbers (440,000 units). This is largely due to the use of the Series II in documentaries and films of the era, like The Gods Must Be Crazy (if you haven’t seen that film, trust me when I tell you that you really need to).
The Land Rover you see here is due to roll across the auction block with Auctions America on the 1st of August 2013, it’s in remarkably good condition for a car of its age as a result of the frame-off restoration it received. It’s now sitting on a galvanised chassis and its corrosion-proof aluminum body is fitted with galvanized steel bracing.
It retains its original forest green body with a white roof and black interior, the 2.25 litre petrol engine is also original as is the 4-speed transmission. Land Rovers as perfect as this are becoming mighty rare in the USA, making this example a combined investment opportunity and weekend warrior.
Old Landies have been known to embarrass far more modern 4x4s across varying terrain so if you’re in the mood for some off-roading and you’re the kind of person that thinks that locking hubs are vastly superior to any form of electronic traction control, you might want to click here to view the lot listing via Auctions America.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Auctions America
via SILODROME
