1963 Land Rover 88 Station Wagon
After the Second World War, Rover sought to build a vehicle that could be exported in large quantities to multiple markets and decided to make one that could be used in agricultural applications as well as on the road. The result was the original Land Rover, a vehicle that has become synonymous with adventure and one that is still with us today as the Land Rover Defender. In its first year, the Land Rover vastly exceeded sales estimates and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most rugged vehicles ever built. It was a reputation that spread across the globe, as the Land Rover found satisfied fans from English farm country to the Australian Outback and the plains of the Serengeti. Over the years, the Land Rover was sensibly revised and became more civilized, but largely retained the strength and usability that was expected of it. Of these original series Land Rovers, the Series IIA of 1961 to 1971 is often considered the most capable and reliable. This 1963 Land Rover Series IIA is one of the finest examples in existence. The subject of an over the top nut and bolt body off restoration done to concours standards, it is a short wheelbase model finished in blue with an
ivory top and black interior with three abreast bench seating in front and center-facing bench seats in rear. It has ivory steel wheels with Goodyear Wrangler tires, spare wheels on both the rear and on the bonnet, bare aluminum scuff plates on top of the front fenders, light guards on the front and rear fenders, pull-down steps on each door, mud flaps and a rear spot light. This example also features the useful ""Safari Roof"", which is a second roof skin fitted to the top of the vehicle to keep the interior cool when it's hot out and reduce condensation when it's cold.
Many old Land Rovers have seen better days and have their fair share of rust, but this example is completely different. It was both fully and properly restored to stock specification with an incredible attention to detail that has resulted in a spectacular vintage Land Rover that looks better than new, both on top and underneath. The engine compartment is similarly spotless. A gorgeous and fresh restoration, it is a prime example of this legendary vehicle and more than ready for the show field where its history and rugged competence will put Toyota FJ40s in the shade.
