Up for sale is this beautiful 1965 Land Rover Series 2a that has just finished a complete nut-and-bolt restoration through Burro 4x4 in Richmond VA. This vehicle was featured on the cover of the 2021 Rovers North calendar, photographed before restoration work began. It has since been completely disassembled and rebuilt from the ground up with acute attention to detail. It is freshly painted in a very clean looking light blue and tan scheme, and all rust-prone parts were powdercoated to protect them for years to come. The interior high-traffic areas were lined with raptor coating, tinted to match the exterior exactly, and will not wear away with use, as is common when only paint is used. The chassis is original, and after a few small repairs was hot-dip galvanized to prevent corrosion.
The engine and transmission were completely rebuilt, and an Ashcroft high range gear set was installed in the transfer case. This increases the highway gear ratio by 32%, but leaves the low range gears unchanged, and is a much stronger option than an overdrive. It runs very smoothly on the electronic ignition, no worries about contact points leaving you stranded. A new series 3 transmission was installed because of its fully synchromesh gearset, and it shifts quite smoothly and easily. We also opted for a modern gear-reduction starter to improve reliability. The axles were disassembled, clearances checked, and then rebuilt with all new gaskets, seals, bearings and brake components, and the front axle received new swivel balls and kingpins as well
We installed a completely new wiring harness, built to factory specifications from British Wiring. The exterior lighting is all LED except for upgraded halogen headlamps, and Hella driving lights. The interior is lit with several hidden COB LED strips, and the center dash illumination uses traditional incandescent bulbs in the gauges to retain the original ambiance. The electrical system was completely overhauled with new senders, switches and environmental connections were used everywhere possible.
The braking system received all new weather-resistant copper lines, as well as all new wheel cylinders and brake components. We installed a power brake booster mounted to a new Pangolin 4x4 pedal tower, which offers excellent braking with little effort at the pedal. Both of the pedal towers were powdercoated to prevent corrosion interfering with operation in harsh environments. The steering box was disassembled and rebuilt with new parts and all tie rod ends were replaced, as well as the steering relay, so that it steers true and tight. We also installed a new parabolic spring kit and long-travel shocks with all new hardware, which ride much softer and more comfortable than the old style road springs.
The cab received all new window tracks, window sealant and door seals, and new glass in the door tops and windshield. The doors are finished on the inside with Exmoor canvas door cards, with tons of storage at hand. The double layer Safari top effects a cool cab even in hot conditions, and roof vents to allow air flow. It also has alpine windows installed with new seals, and rear-facing Hella lamps on the top outside corners. The front seats are all new, and 3-point safety harnesses were installed.
As a whole, this is an incredible specimen of a true classic that is as reliable as it is beautiful. Our goal at Burro 4x4 is to provide the customer with a fun and exciting vehicle that they can trust to get them to their desired location without incident. Land Rovers are as at home plowing through the jungle as they are driving to the local coffee shop, and this Series 2a is no exception. It was build to handle anything you can throw at it and come back for more with a smile.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
