Global Roamer overdrive, new wheels and tires, extensive mechanical service.

There's still only one Land Rover. There are many pretenders to the throne, but the king of off-road vehicles continues to be England's finest. There's no continent the Land Rover hasn't visited, no jungle too dense for it to pass, and no rocky trail too rough for it to climb. Built with durability, ease of use, and simple maintenance in mind, the Land Rover set the standard for going to remote places and today they remain the choice of people who know the difference. Despite all today's technology, horsepower, and construction techniques, there's still no better way to access remote places than this 1968 Land Rover Series IIA wagon. Period.

 

In addition to being rugged and reliable, Land Rovers are suddenly quite collectable. They haven't had their big run up in prices like the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Dodge Power Wagon (or the Ford Bronco) but they have seen steady upward pressure on prices. There's a definite hierarchy, with the earlier "close headlight" trucks showing some favor over later models, although the hardware is largely the same. This Series IIA wagon is in a great place—nice enough to be collectable, but not so pretty that you won't use it as intended. It has not been restored, although it has been serviced and upgraded as needed over the decades, and today it looks ready to head out onto the Serengeti Plains for an adventure. The bodywork is aluminum, so rust is a non-issue, and the flat panels were designed to be easy to repair or replace in the field—there just aren't that many body shops in Burundi. It has been repainted at some point, but that was a long time ago and today it has a very adventurous look to it; a few bumps and bruises that add character much like Indiana Jones's chin scar. Nothing is damaged or broken, and there's plenty of recent cosmetic work, including the tire mounted on the hood Daktari-style, a new tow rope, and a fresh jerry can out back. The truck also includes new fender panels to replace the wrinkled one on the passenger's side, but personally, I prefer the functional look to perfection. Get out and have fun in the dirt!

 

The interior is likewise about function but that doesn't mean it's uncomfortable. The three-abreast buckets up front are freshly upholstered with correct black seat covers and the outer two chairs offer good comfort for all-day mud-slinging. Rubber mats and bare painted floors mean you can just hose it out when you get home and the simple but attractive door panels are a nice touch. Obivously designed for both left- and right-hand drive, the instruments are located in the center of the dash, along with the shifters for the transmission, transfer case, and the brand new Global Roamer overdrive unit, and after some familiarization, it's all easy to use. The seating position is comfortable and the view is commanding from up high, and we especially like the industrial-grade defroster ducts hanging out there in the open. Everything works, gauges, lights, wipers, so it's ready to use as a real vehicle in just about any rough situation. You also get the familiar twin bench seats in back which can carry four comfortably and six in a pinch, as well as another industrial rubber mat. Also note the expensive new off-road jack, an invaluable tool for the rough spots this Land Rover can reach. 

 

The 2.25-liter inline-4 isn't about performance and speed, it's about reliability, and I think the last 60 or so years have conclusively proven that point. This one has been recently and extensively serviced, including a rebuilt carburetor, full tune-up, fresh belts and hoses, a recent radiator, new exhaust system, rebuilt hubs, and lots of brake work, so it is 100% ready to go. It isn't detailed for show, of course, but again, that probably defeats the purpose of owning a Land Rover. However, it is quite clean and doesn't show signs of neglect or abuse, and the total lack of dirt and rust suggest that it really hasn't spent much time in the rough. All the original equipment is intact, including the giant industrial air cleaner assembly, which is a critical part of the engine's reliability in dusty or wet conditions. It fires up easily, idles well, and thanks to energetic gears in the transmission, it zips around town with real enthusiasm. There's good low-end torque that makes excessive shifting unnecessary and we really like the mechanical soundtrack that it makes going down the road. This ain't no Lexus, but it sounds like a proper machine going about its business in a professional way.

 

The 4-speed manual transmission shifts easily and with the aforementioned Global Roamer overdrive, it's quite comfortable at modern highway speeds. All the 4x4 equipment is fully operational and once you master the various levers and knobs, you'll be able to handle virtually any situation if you're smart about it. Land Rover bodies are aluminum, but the chassis reinforcements are steel, including the giant box-section channels that form the backbone of the truck. The thing feels like it was hewn from a single chunk of iron! It's scruffy underneath, but don't let the surface rust frighten you—none of it is structural and again, it's only visible because it's so clean. Perfect Land Rovers are just no fun. You'll note fresh shocks, that new exhaust system I mentioned with a proper mini muffler, and a new trailer hitch out back with integrated wiring. All five factory steel wheels were just pulled and powdercoated the right shade of off-white, then fitted with suitably beefy (and tall) 235/85/16 off-road radials that ride and handle better than you'd expect.

 

Extras include an owner's manual, some receipts, and the sheetmetal to replace the right front fender and rocker if perfection is what you seek.

 

The hobby is full of choice and variety, but right now we're overrun with the need for perfection and shiny. This Land Rover is the antidote. The minute it becomes perfect and shiny is the moment it stops being a Land Rover, and that would be a shame. We love the rough-and-ready look, the all-business way it drives, and, of course, the legend that follows it everywhere it goes. And with the overdrive and massive cargo bay, it's even a little bit practical in today's world of "cute utes." Instead of some light-duty suburban wannabe off-roader, why not get in the real deal and have an adventure? Call today!