1965 | Fully Restored Land Rover 88 Series IIA

Built from the late 40s on, The Rover Company's storied aluminum-bodied workhorse underwent many iterations. Beginning in 1958, Series II and IIA (1961) updates brought the Land Rover its own. Regular and long wheelbase chassis—88” and 109” respectively, paired with diesel and petrol engines plus increased track width over the prior Series 1. Light on its feet in short wheelbase configuration, the truck’s go-anywhere credentials built an enduring legacy. Early IIA variants featured a 4-speed manual transmission, dual-range transfer case, and smoothed bodywork while retaining headlights mounted between the front fenders in keeping with the original’s aesthetic.

.

Classic Land Rovers remain royalty in the vintage 4x4 segment. Copied, restored, and reimagined by many, the truck remains a benchmark in rugged durability. Among this dedicated following, Connecticut-based restorer North America Overland offers a ground-up Series and Defender product at the heights of modern craftsmanship. Sympathetic styling with OEM+ fit, finish, and function defines the company’s mission to re-equip these timeless designs for a modern-day use.

.

This 1965 Land Rover Series IIA showcases the mountaintop of no-expense spared revitalization as completed by North America Overland. Refinished in Marine Blue over Elephant Hide vinyl seating, this canvas-top truck arrives all new from tip to tail. Atop a full-galvanized frame, updated Series III, Defender, and high-quality aftermarket components include a rebuilt 2.25L petrol powertrain w/fuel injection, 2.5L cam, and a 4 core radiator. A stainless-steel fuel tank and exhaust system further ensure longevity underneath. Lifted OME suspension sits over painted 16"x5.5” tubeless wheels plus a matching hood-mounted spare full-size spare wrapped in 32” Michelin XZL tires. Four-wheel Defender 90 brakes provide sure-footed stopping power in all conditions. Having covered just 1,400 miles since restoration, this investment-grade Land Rover is sold with a BMIHT Certificate and Seller’s Disclosure.

• 2.25L Inline-4 (petrol)
• Marine Blue exterior paint
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Full-time 4WD w/2-speed transfer case
• Canvas top

• Bare metal repaint with metal-worked panel gaps/fitment
• Rocky Mountain aluminum door tops, sliding windows
• Elephant Hide vinyl seats, rubber floor mats
• Defender front shoulder harnesses & rear lap belts
• Restored speedometer, late-model Series IIA fuel & water-temp gauge
• 12V dash power socket adapter

• Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
• Electronic ignition
• Defender 2.5L camshaft
• Hardened valve seats, updated valve guides/valves/seals
• 4 core radiator
• Defender 75A alternator
• High torque starter

• New galvanized frame and underbody components
• Stainless steel fuel tank & exhaust
• 1" suspension lift
• Parabolic leaf springs
• OME gas-filled shock absorbers
• Updated Defender differentials re-geared 3.75:1
• New ring & pinion gears, 24-spline rear halfshafts 
• Manual locking front hubs
• Defender 90 disc brakes & master cylinder, Series III power pedal box
• Defender tubeless wheels, 16x5.5" 
• 32" tires (Michelin XZL)

• Seller's Disclosure
• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) Certificate