Vehicle Description
These early Land Rovers are merely the latest formerly affordable
vehicles to suddenly skyrocket in value. So, while you're looking
at the price tag on this 1971 Series IIA and wondering if it's a
smart bet, we'll recommend that you buy it and ride the wave up,
because they're still going up and owning the best one we've ever
seen can only be considered a smart investment.
The look is as ubiquitous as the grazing gazelles on the plains of
Africa, and there's no place on the globe where a Land Rover hasn't
gone. Still the most perfectly designed machine for going places
man wasn't meant to be, the slab-sided Landie is a triumph of form
following function. Most of them are still in rough-and-tumble
condition, but this particular Series IIA Rover has enjoyed a
comprehensive restoration to a very high standard and it's likely
better than new in every way. Does that mean its dirty days are
over? That's up to you. But we will say that if you appreciate the
utility these trucks offer, this one will not disappoint. The paint
has the right gloss, and the flat panels were designed to be simple
to repair in the field, easy to spot in tight quarters, and since
they're aluminum, lightweight. Panel gaps are pretty darned good,
and they were indifferent at best when this truck was new, so
that's a definite improvement. Details like the wench on the
bumpers, the upgraded taillights and headlights, give it a touch of
modern style.
It's plenty basic inside, but the black vinyl suggests that someone
with a little style was in charge of selecting materials.
Three-abreast seating in front works in conjunction with 4 bench
seats in back, which fold and stow for cargo. Yeah, 15 people in
this truck, and nobody's going to feel pressed for space. It's all
brand new and it's all been expensively restored, including the
door cards, rubber floor mats, and basic controls. The gauges are
in the center of the dash to accommodate both left- and right-hand
drive, and the shifters in the center manage the 4-speed manual
transmission, 2-speed transfer case, and PTO that's a handy little
tool. The gauges and switches are neatly restored, the
weather-stripping is new, and this is probably as close to what a
new Land Rover felt like back in 1971.
It's not fast, but thanks to the fully rebuilt 2.25 liter
inline-four, it'll get you wherever you need to go if you've got
the time. Only a Sherpa can go more places and again, durability
and ease of maintenance were the goals. The block wears correct
green engine enamel and that elaborate air cleaner assembly is
designed for the dust of the desert and the high waters of the
Nile, keeping the Land Rover pushing forward under any conditions.
Check out how big the radiator is, the heavy-duty exhaust system,
and the oversized axles designed to really handle the rough stuff.
It's all been restored, so it rides and handles as it should, and
you'll be surprised how nimble it feels, both on and off the
pavement. Simple black painted steel wheels are the right look and
they carry pavement-friendly radials that ride and handle far
better than the original lugs.
Is it expensive? Only compared to the inferior trucks out there.
Buying the best on a rising market is always a smart move, and if
you're in a position to make a move, you won't be disappointed with
any of this Land Rover's many virtues. Call today!
