1969 Land Rover Series IIA 109 Pickup in Lithia Springs, Georgia

The original Land Rovers were go-anywhere vehicles that were light and easy to maneuver. But if you needed something a little more substantial to move serious cargo, they had you covered with trucks like this 1969 Land Rover Series II 109 pickup. Kind of like a 9/8 scale Landie, it offers more power from a six-cylinder engine, a beefier frame, and a bigger bed, all with the same go-anywhere Land Rover utility.

Restored about four years ago, this British-built Land Rover pickup looks just about right in its original blue livery. Not too perfect that you'd be scared to drive it (they weren't perfect when they were new, after all), it's ideal for heading out into the wilderness to get some work done, are for traversing the concrete jungle. Think of the stir you'll create at the local Home Depot when you start sliding your supplies into the big bed, which includes a set of seats with vinyl pads. Either way, this truck knows what it's doing. You can see the exposed rivets used in its construction, and the aluminum skin remains in great condition with no major issues. The cream-colored top matches the wheels and offers a bit of contrast, and seriously, is there anything cooler than just strapping your spare tire to the hood? Totally functional. The bed is protected by a spray-in bedliner and you get a mesh grille guard up front on the familiar Land Rover face.

Yes, it's basic inside, but that's purely the point, isn't it? Three-abreast seating is cozy but functional, as long as the driver has access to all the levers in the center that control the transfer case and PTO. About the only concession to comfort is the padded steering wheel, which carries an original Land Rover horn button, while the rest is purely form following function. The gauges are in the center of the dash to accommodate both left- and right-hand drive models and the heater box is literally a box with a fan on the back. The windows all slide or tilt to offer better than expected ventilation inside and the restoration was thorough enough to ensure that all the switches, knobs, and gauges look their best.

While most Land Rovers received a little 4-banger, this slightly larger sibling gets a burly 2.6 liter inline-6 that's all about torque. Still built with the worst conditions in mind, it's got a heavy-duty air cleaner feeding the side-draft carburetor, a giant radiator up front, and an easy-to-service demeanor that's critical in remote places. You'll also find power brakes, which are surprisingly effective, and a great-sounding single exhaust gives it a suitably trucky voice. It's clean and orderly under the hood, showing signs of correct maintenance, but there's no need to chase perfection here, as this truck really wants to get dirty in the mud, not shine on a show field. It's built for action with a rugged boxed ladder frame, heavy-duty axles front and rear, a 2-speed transfer case behind the 4-speed manual gearbox, and plenty of ground clearance. The exhaust system tucks up neatly in the frame, as does the gas tank; obviously these Land Rover guys know a thing or two about surviving in the rough. And it just wouldn't be a Land Rover without the plain-Jane painted steel wheels and tall, skinny 7.50-16 off-road tires.

When was the last time you saw one of these? Now imagine the fun you can have not only playing in the dirt, but actually using it as intended. You know, as a truck! Call now!