Back to Land rover
Official AutoWiki Guide

Land Rover Land Rover Series Ii

Find Me One
```html

Land Rover Series II: A Comprehensive Guide

The Land Rover Series II, a direct descendant of the original Series I, cemented Land Rover's reputation for ruggedness, simplicity, and unparalleled off-road capability. Born out of post-war Britain's need for versatile and affordable vehicles, the Series II represents a significant step forward in refinement while retaining the core ethos of its predecessor. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Series II, covering its history, specifications, common issues, driving experience, and buying advice.

1. Introduction

The Land Rover Series II is a light utility vehicle, often referred to as an SUV today, although the term didn't exist at the time of its production. It was designed primarily for agricultural and industrial use but quickly gained popularity with adventurers and recreational users. Its boxy design, robust construction, and exceptional off-road prowess made it a favorite in challenging environments worldwide.

2. Generations and Key Changes

The Land Rover Series II was produced from 1958 to 1961, followed by the Series IIA from 1961 to 1971. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

  • Series II (1958-1961):
    • Introduction of the 2.25-liter petrol engine as an option, replacing the 2.0-liter in some models.
    • Wider track for improved stability.
    • More rounded body styling compared to the Series I.
    • Available in 88-inch (short wheelbase) and 109-inch (long wheelbase) versions.
  • Series IIA (1961-1971):
    • The most popular of all the Series Land Rovers.
    • Introduction of a 2.25-liter diesel engine.
    • Headlights moved to the wings for better visibility (from late 1968).
    • Minor interior revisions.
    • Introduction of the Forward Control version.

3. Reliability & Common Issues

The Land Rover Series II is known for its simple, robust mechanicals, but age and hard use take their toll. Here's a breakdown of common issues:

  • Engine (Petrol & Diesel):
    • Overheating: Check the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses. Blocked waterways are common, especially in older engines.
    • Oil Leaks: Series Land Rovers are notorious for oil leaks. Check the crankshaft seals, valve cover, and sump gasket.
    • Poor Starting: Can be due to a weak battery, faulty starter motor, or problems with the ignition system (petrol) or fuel injection (diesel).
    • Worn Valve Guides: Lead to oil consumption and smoking.
  • Gearbox & Drivetrain:
    • Worn Synchromesh: Makes shifting difficult, especially into second gear.
    • Transfer Case Issues: Check for leaks and smooth operation of the high/low range selector. Worn gears can cause excessive noise.
    • Differential Problems: Listen for whining noises, especially at speed. Check for leaks around the pinion seal.
    • Half Shafts: Prone to breakage, especially if used aggressively off-road.
    • Prop Shafts: Check U-joints for play and lubrication.
  • Chassis & Body:
    • Rust: A major concern, especially in areas with road salt. Check the chassis rails, bulkhead (the panel between the engine and the cabin), door frames, and rear crossmember. Repairing rust on the bulkhead can be particularly costly.
    • Chassis Damage: Inspect for dents, cracks, and previous repairs, especially if the vehicle has been used heavily off-road.
    • Aluminum Body Corrosion: While the aluminum body panels resist rust, they can corrode where they contact steel.
  • Electrical System:
    • Wiring Problems: The electrical system is simple but can suffer from corrosion, broken wires, and faulty connections.
    • Dynamo/Alternator Issues: Check for proper charging voltage.
    • Lighting Problems: Headlights, taillights, and indicators often suffer from corrosion and bulb failures.
  • Brakes:
    • Poor Braking Performance: Series Land Rovers have drum brakes, which are less effective than disc brakes. Check for worn brake shoes, leaking wheel cylinders, and contaminated brake fluid.
    • Brake Fade: Common under heavy use, especially on long descents.

Important Note: Regular maintenance is crucial for the reliability of a Series Land Rover. Be prepared to perform frequent servicing and repairs.

4. Driving Experience

The driving experience of a Land Rover Series II is unlike any modern vehicle. It's characterized by its simplicity, robustness, and direct connection to the road (or lack thereof).

  • Pros:
    • Unmatched Off-Road Capability: The Series II is incredibly capable off-road, thanks to its high ground clearance, short wheelbase, and four-wheel-drive system.
    • Simple and Robust: Easy to maintain and repair, even in remote locations.
    • Classic Styling: The iconic design is instantly recognizable and highly desirable.
    • Mechanical Simplicity: Lack of complex electronics means fewer things to go wrong.
    • Community Support: Huge and enthusiastic global community for advice and parts.
  • Cons:
    • Slow: The engines are not powerful, and top speed is limited.
    • Noisy: Expect a lot of engine noise, wind noise, and road noise.
    • Uncomfortable: The ride is harsh, and the seats are basic.
    • Poor Fuel Economy: Fuel consumption is high, especially with older engines.
    • Basic Features: Lacks modern conveniences such as power steering, air conditioning, and comfortable seating.

The Series II is best suited for off-road adventures, weekend trips, or as a classic vehicle for special occasions. It's not a practical choice for daily commuting or long-distance travel.

5. Buying Advice

Buying a Land Rover Series II requires careful inspection and a realistic understanding of its limitations. Here's some advice:

  • Years to Look For:
    • Series IIA (1961-1971): Generally considered the most desirable due to its improvements over the Series II and wider availability.
    • Late Series IIA (1968-1971): With the headlights in the wings, they offer slightly improved visibility.
  • Years to Avoid:
    • No specific years to "avoid" entirely, but be extra cautious with early Series II models, as they may have seen more hard use and be more prone to rust.
  • Key Inspection Points:
    • Chassis: Thoroughly inspect for rust, especially around the spring hangers, outriggers, and rear crossmember. Use a hammer to tap suspect areas and listen for a hollow sound.
    • Bulkhead: Carefully check the bulkhead for rust, particularly around the footwells, windscreen pillars, and heater box.
    • Engine: Check for leaks, smoke, and unusual noises. Perform a compression test to assess engine health.
    • Gearbox & Drivetrain: Test all gears and the transfer case for smooth operation. Listen for whining noises and check for leaks.
    • Bodywork: Inspect the aluminum body panels for corrosion and damage. Check the door frames and sills for rust.
    • Documentation: Look for service records and ownership history.
  • Consider Restored Vehicles: A well-restored Series Land Rover can be a good investment, but be sure to inspect the quality of the restoration work.
  • Budget Accordingly: Factor in the cost of potential repairs and maintenance when setting your budget. Parts are generally available, but some may be expensive.
  • Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: If possible, have a qualified mechanic familiar with Land Rover Series vehicles inspect the vehicle before you buy it.
  • Join a Land Rover Club: Local Land Rover clubs are a great resource for advice, support, and parts.

Owning a Land Rover Series II is a unique and rewarding experience. With careful maintenance and a realistic understanding of its limitations, you can enjoy the classic styling, ruggedness, and unmatched off-road capability that make this vehicle a true icon.

```