Land Rover Series Defender 2a IIA 109 Forward Control FC 1963 From the UK

Year: 1963 (EBAY does not recognize foreign VIN) Number 006 off the production line

Model: Series 2a 109"Forward Control

Configuration: Flat bed

Engine: 2.6l 6cyl Petrol / Gasoline

Transmission: 4 Speed

Miles: About 3120 miles on the vehicle

Location: England, K

History:

This 1963 Land Rover SIIA 109 Forward Control is a rare model, ecently returned to the road after a long break. I found it in an ex- Military and Fire Vehicle disposal yard in South West France. After checking the chassis number, realised it was the 6th Forward Control off the production line (of 3193 produced). Subsequent investigation in the official Rover Factory Registration Record held at the Heritage Motor Centre, aydon, K, howed it was originally RHD. The record states it left the Rover factory and was dispatched to Lord Ernest Marples (the then British Secretary of State for Transport), efore being returned to the Rover factory a year later. It was then converted by Rover to LHD and the 2.6 6 cylinder engine was added, long with stronger ENV axles. It was then dispatched to the Sales Team who successfully used to promote the Forward Control to the French Fire Service. Its pedigree has been honoured by the reinstatement of its original Rover factory registration, 97 KUE.

CURRENT STATE:

Where possible I have tried to retain the original character of this Forward Control. The French Fire Service red was rubbed back to the original factory ‘Mid Grey'. In some places, his has had to be lightly sprayed over where it was too worn to leave as it was.

The 1963 shell retains its factorybulkhead, ront panels, 62 radiator, eat box, oors (door tops are OEM replacements), indshield frame, alvanized cappings and its proper, ider offset, imestone wheels, omplete with export specification 900 x 16 Michelin XS tyres.

The orginal French Specification speedometer (included in the sale)shows just 5009 Kilometres (that's 3113 Miles!!).

Additional restoration work included re-commissioning of all of the brake system, ut as the vehicle had such low mileage, t still has its original '64 date stamped drums and shoes. New brake master cylinder and clutch master and slave cylinders were fitted. The rear crossmember has been replaced with one fabricated to exactly match the original, s it had been damaged whilst being moved around the disposal yard. The fuel tank has had a new bottom installed. Wherever possible, have tried to restore the original parts rather than replace with aftermarket items. The hundreds of photos available show the complete story, ncluding its repatriation from France to Britain in 2014.

INTERIOR:

The interior is the originally specified ‘Deluxe Trim,' less for the two seat bases, hich were beyond repair. These have been replaced with the correct Exmoor Trim Elephant Hide items to match the seat backs. The truck cab trim has been re-trimmed and the door trim has been reworked to make it functional without losing its character. I have replaced the French specification gauges for standard UK ones, lthough the French gauges will come with the vehicle as part of its history. All of the gauges, ights and switches work as designed, s do the heater and the individual wiper motors.

POWER:

Power comes from a replacement Land Rover 2.6 engine. This replaced the seized original. It uses a standard Series 2a gear and transfer box rather than the original low ratio one, ut this original one will come with the vehicle as well. The dynamo has been swapped for an alternator for reliability and the wiring changed to negative earth at the same time.

HERITAGE/ PAPERWORK:

The Forward Control passed the British Ministry of Transport (MOT) Road Safety Test in April this year in order to be re-registered on the road. It has a Factory Heritage Certificate, urrent British Registration Document and plenty of other supporting documentation to show its pedigree. It only has shakedown mileageadded to its incredibly low mileage and is ready to go although it is not a shiney show truck or a modern $100k restoration.

SHIPPING:

Shipping to a chosen port can be arranged. It could travel to the US by Ro-Ro, s it is running, nd would cost in the region of £1,100 ($1,675) to the East coast and £1,300 ($1,980) to the West (before any import fees, f they are relevant). I can also recommend a clearance agent to act on your behalf to clear the vehicle through customs. Serious buyers can please email zip code or desired port for accurate quotation.

I am happy to assist with loading etc in discussion with the new owner.

Feel free to ask any questions? Video available on request.

Happy Bidding!

The winning bidder will need to transfer $2000.00 within 48hrs of the end of the auction