Registration - SFF 196

Chassis No. - 141004259

M.O.T. - July 2025

Odometer - 33,250

Beautifully presented in classic Bronze Green, this example of Land Rover’s Series II pick-up is fitted with a khaki canvas roof. ‘SFF 196’ has an upgraded engine under the bonnet, now using the later, popular Land Rover 200 TDI unit; this 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel is matched to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Other features include freewheeling hubs, halogen headlights, and parabolic springs – all wrapped in the famous Land Rover bodywork, kept in excellent condition. With a number of familiar features for Land Rovers of the same period, ‘SFF 196’ includes mud-flaps, rear grab handles, bonnet-mounted spare wheel, galvanised bonnet clips, rear light guards, and door-mounted wing mirrors; the latter replacing the usual bonnet-mounted mirrors for improved rearward visibility, which are included in the sale. ‘SFF 196’ sits on a set of the highly-regarded Goodyear G90 tyres, and there is a ball and pin towbar with electrics for towing.

A three-seat ‘deluxe’ bench is fitted in the front, the outer with high backs and inertia seatbelts – the centre has a lap belt, all upholstered in black leather. The rear bed houses twin, removable bench seats, with load mat fitted, and protecting everything from the elements is the canvas roof, described in ‘like new’ condition. The seller rates the interior as in ‘good’ condition throughout, which includes the original steering wheel, while twin wipers, a Clayton heater with front demist, and footwell mats are all present. The vendor rates the engine and transmission as in ‘good’ condition too, and states that the change in powerplant improves in-gear acceleration, greater power, a quieter cruising speed, and improved fuel economy – further boosted by overdrive and free-wheeling hubs – over the original unit, while the revised springs improve ride comfort. Despite being exempt, the Series II comes with an MOT until August 2025, and the remainder of the Land Rover is also considered to be in strong overall condition; the electrics and paintwork described as ‘good’ and the bodywork rated ‘average’.

• Beautifully cared-for and highly desirable example of Land Rover’s Series II pick-up
• Fitted with modern 200 TDI engine and revised springs for comfort
• Equipped with rear seating and ‘as new’ canvas roof

Famously designed by Maurice Wilks in the sand of Red Wharf Bay, not even the most optimistic of on-lookers could have expected the runaway success that the Land Rover would become. It all started in 1948 with the Land Rover 80” – though clearly it became known as the Series I; initially it was simply the Land Rover. It came about essentially as a stop-gap for Rover to produce affordable vehicles in post-war Britain, and although inspired by the Willys Jeep, it went on to become hugely successful – not just in terms of sales, but in capabilities too. Over time, Land Rover realised that continued and significant improvements would need to be made, and in 1958 these were significant enough to create a Series II Land Rover, thereafter ensuring the original versions became known as the Series I. The Series II ran from 1958 until 1961 and introduced further variants, including a 12-seater version, as well as Forward Control commercial models, until it was replaced by the Series III 1971.