Land Rover Series

1961 Land Rover Series 11a 88”

This Land Rover Series IIa 88” is a well-presented 4x4, benefiting from a prior restoration, which would make a great classic for off-road adventures, fun weekend road trips or a enjoyable journey to the shop. It is powered by a very quiet Solex carburettor-fed 2.3-litre (2286cc) inline-four petrol engine which starts every time, with four-wheel drive via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 90,996 km.

Understood to have been first registered in July 1961, the vendor states that this 88-inch Series IIa was previously used by the Swiss Armed Forces. The previous owner spent in the region of 30,000 EUR to restore the Land Rover, which still presents in superb order today. It has been in the current ownership in Spain since March 2021 and before then was owned by a German industrialist in Hannover from where the vehicle was transported.

The restoration was evidently of very good quality, as the panels all look smart. Its doors are said to look slightly wavy under the Cream White paintwork, but overall this Land Rover presents superby. The galvanised metal elements around the body are in great shape, and the car rides on colour-coded steel wheels. It is also accompanied by the original hard top roof and rear window panel, as shown in the photo gallery. Also included in the sale is a modern Britpart DB8000 winch and the original 1961 winch.

Stepping inside, the three seats across the cabin have all been re-trimmed and are in excellent condition, with no damage and barely any signs of use. The detachable rear bench seat has also been re-upholstered in khaki canvas, and there is tailored carpeting protection for the load bay area. Ahead of the driver, the steering wheel and instrument gauges appear to be original, but items such as the window ventilation system have been refurbished and improved. There is also a stereo head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. The khaki canvas soft top roof is in superb order, and fits very well over the frame.

Presented in excellent cosmetic condition, this Land Rover also has solid mechanicals, and was recenly service by a German mechanic. It is currently registered on Spanish historic numberplates and is situated near Andratxx in south eastern Mallorca, Spain. It is stored nightly in a garage and is protected during the winter by a carcoon bubble.

This Land Rover Series IIa is an iconic 4x4, which boasts excellent provenance having seen service with the Swiss Armed Forces, and would surely have proved to be a dependable and capable off-road support vehicle. Following an impressive restoration commissioned by the previous owner, this Series IIa is still in great condition, and is ready to be enjoyed for leisure or as a classic ‘workhorse’ as the next owner desires.