Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 145900545
Engine No. 151992249
Transmission No. 151917297
Originally conceived as a rugged four-wheel drive vehicle modeled
after the Willys Jeep, the Land Rover has evolved into a cultural
icon. Found across the globe, these instantly recognizable vehicles
have developed a devout following dedicated to their preservation
and restoration, just like this Series II from 1959.
Upon discovering the car in Belgium, the current owner purchased
the car in 2019 and embarked on a comprehensive restoration
resulting in the fantastic condition it is in today. Upon review of
James Taylor's Land Rover Series II and IIA Specification Guide, it
was discovered the car began life in a unique way. The car was sent
to Belgium new as a "completely knocked down" (CKD) kit with
assembly by the Beherman-Demoen company in Brussels. The book shows
that this Land Rover was the 545th of 1,068 CKDs built with a
gasoline engine in 1959.
During restoration a correct type engine was acquired, one that was
produced shortly after the serial number listed on the chassis
plate. While the transmission number is not listed on the chassis
plate like the engine number, it is correctly date-coded unit and
is thought to be original.
After stripping the car to a bare chassis, work focused on
returning the truck to its former glory, with attention paid to
factory specifications. Beginning with the chassis, a new frame was
sourced from Richards Chassis in Swinton, England, providing the
perfect basis for the project. The original bodywork, engine,
transmission, and axles were carefully dismantled, checked, and
rebuilt. Many Series II specific parts were retained, such as the
riveted front panels and the unique mechanisms for the ventilation
flaps. The only upgrades from factory correct are upgraded wheels,
tires, and leather on the seats and steering wheel, which could
easily be returned to factory specifications. An exceptional effort
was put forth in its restoration, and so this iconic 1959 Land
Rover Series II is ready to continue in the same trailblazing
manner it did when new.
Please note that this lot is being sold on non-US ownership
documents, so obtaining US title will take additional processing
time.
