Vehicle Description
Launched at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show, the soon-to-be legendary
Land Rover was Britain's homegrown alternative to the hordes of
surplus American-built military Jeeps remaining after WW II.
Offering the ability to pull farm implements, in addition to
providing surefooted on- and off-road transportation, the Land
Rover was designed and built with durability and ruggedness
foremost. It also offered outstanding agility with a short 80-inch
wheelbase length and soon proved its many capabilities in some of
the most forbidding conditions worldwide. Typical of Britain's
response to postwar economic austerity, Land Rovers were soon
exported to North America, first shown here at the April 1950
British Automobile and Motorcycle Show. Land Rovers were carefully
developed, improved, and progressed through several variations,
with the wheelbase lengthened to 86 inches by Autumn 1953 and then
in 1956, a longer variant on a 107-inch wheelbase chassis was
developed. The first Land Rovers were retrospectively known as
'Series I' when the substantially improved Series II Land Rover
arrived by 1958. Essentially a larger vehicle with more power
output, Series II models also delivered additional storage room and
somewhat improved creature comforts. The Land Rover was a massive
success story and it was no surprise, then, that by November 1959,
the 250,000th Land Rover left the assembly line. Evolution
progressed to the Series IIa Land Rover offered from 1961 through
1971, which marked the transition from the Series II and later
Series III models. While difficult to differentiate from the Series
II at first glance, Series IIa models featured many subtle updates
and collectively, they defined everything good in an early Land
Rover. Body styles included a short-wheelbase, soft-top to the
range-topping 5-door station wagon. The 2.25-liter Type ADO 23
inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine soldiered on, supplemented by a
newly available diesel 'four' of the same displacement and by 1969,
a larger 2.6-liter gasoline engine was offered. Drivetrains
included high and low ranges and a part-time 4�4 drive system
allowing drivers to engage or disengage the front axle from inside
the passenger cabin. This Series IIa example from 1961, designated
"88" for its 88-inch wheelbase length, benefits handsomely from a
fresh restoration to OEM or better standards, performed by an
exacting Land Rover enthusiast. Featuring outstanding body-panel
fit and shut lines, the Land Rover sports excellent overall
paintwork and rides on a galvanized chassis for exceptional
durability. Iconic grille-mounted headlamps are protected by chrome
gravel guards, as are the signal lamps front and rear. A folding
windscreen, pop-up air vents, and choice accessories enhance the
user experience, including a 9,500-pound Smittybilt electric winch
up front, heavy-duty polished checker plate atop the front fenders,
twin front-fender mirrors, an aluminum roof rack, ivory painted
steel wheels, all-terrain tires, and fully mounted rear spare
wheel/tire combination. Fully restored to 'as-new' OEM
specification and appearance, the interior features supportive
vinyl-clad seats for up to three occupants up front, along with
four jump seats - two per side - at the rear. Door panels are fully
restored to factory appearance. A factory-correct "Banjo" style
steering wheel and proper factory-correct instruments and controls
enhance the vintage feel of this iconic Land Rover. Shoulder belts
up front provide heightened safety and security and folding step
plates underneath each side door provide ease of entry and exit.
Power is delivered by the high-torque Land Rover 'four', displacing
2.25 liters and delivering a deceptively capable 77-horsepower
factory rating. Detailing of the engine compartment and the engine
itself is exceptional and show-quality throughout, including
correct finishes, colors, and components. A correct 4-speed manual
gearbox, dual-range transfer case, and factory-correct axles and
underpinnings deliver the power to the road and trail with equal
authority. Looking great throughout and equipped with nearly too
many features and accessories to fully list, this 1961 Land Rover
88 is simply a fabulous example on all counts, exemplifying the
first model year of the definitive Series IIa Land Rover
generation. A highly compelling legend and one rarely seen in such
exceptional restored condition, it also offers a fabulous
alternative to the far more commonly seen Jeeps and Land Cruisers
in today's collector-car marketplace. While certainly ready to
show, it also offers a virtual trip back to the early 1960s with
incomparable looks and legendary capability - on and off the road!
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7129-1961-land-rover-series-iia-hardtop/