1958 Series 2 Land Rover 2 Litre Diesel Full Recommission

  

Below we will provide you with a brief history of the Series 2 Land Rover. The original Land Rover had a very successful first decade, but by the late 1950s it was clear that changes had to be made if it was to remain the top dog. Hence, the Land Rover Series II was launched in 1958 sporting a larger petrol engine and new styling.

The new petrol engine was based on the recently introduced diesel engine. Engine capacity was bored out to 2.286l, to produce 52bhp at 4,000 rpm and 101 lb/ft torque at 1,500 rpm.

This was comparable to the diesel, although the diesel engine revved at a lower speed, and was only capable of 87 lb/ft torque at 2000 rpm. The new gearbox was similar to the Series 1 gearbox, but incorporated synchromesh on the 3rd and 4th gear. Rear wheel movement was improved by moving the rear springs, and the turning circle was reduced by improving the steering lock. The new body styling was still conservative, but added rounded corners and sills to the Land Rover design.

Window perspex was replaced with glass. In 1961, the diesel engine was bored out from 2.052l to 2.286l to match the petrol engine. Although the change in diesel option was the only significant change, the Series II was renumbered as IIA.

The first 12-seat station wagon was introduced in 1962. The cheaper price hit sales of the more expensive 10-seat 107" station wagon in the UK market, and the 107" was finally dropped from the product range.

The next major change occurred with the introduction of a 2.625l 6-cylinder petrol engine option on the 109 models in 1967. This engine had been developed for the Rover P4 and P5 cars, but was introduced into the Land Rover range to supply extra power for the anaemic Forward Control 2A. The dashboard is also re-designed in 1967. Export models had their headlamps moved from the grille area to the wings in 1968. This change was reflected in domestic models a year later.

Another change in 1968 was the introduction of the "1-ton" Land Rover. Externally, this looked identical to the standard Series IIA 109" ("3/4 ton) Land Rover, but was upgraded in a number of areas to handle heavier loads and towing.

The most notable upgrade was the use of heavy duty transmission components from the Forward Control models. Overall gear ratios were also lowered to aid with towing. As with the Series I a decade earlier, by the late 1960s it was clear that significant changes were required if Land Rover was to keep its edge. Hence in 1971, the Series IIA was replaced by the Series III. Below is a description of the works carried out.

The 1958 series 2 has the 2 litre Diesel engine fitted which has had lots of work carried out including a top end rebuild including new head gasket and all the other gaskets have been replaced, the head has been skimmed and the valves have been recut, all new hoses have been fitted and the sump has been deep cleaned to remove old engine oil and gunk, a new gasket has also been fitted to sump resulting in the Land Rover being leak free. The injector pump has been completely rebuilt with all new parts where required and the injectors have been completely reworked.

All new steering arms have been fitted also new front swivels have been fitted including all bearings and gaskets. Steering box has been serviced. The whole Land Rover has had a brand new wiring loom fitted by a professional auto electrician.

All new fuel lines and fuel system have been fitted including up-rated glow plugs. New suspension has been fitted. Many new panels including doors, floor panels and correct deep sills have been fitted.

The whole brake and clutch system has been replaced with brand new quality replacement parts, brand new clutch kit has been professionally fitted. The bulkhead has been completely rebuilt by a professional fabricator with many years experience working on land rovers. The chassis is original and is very good. A brand new rear floor has been fitted including all rear floor supports being renewed. Brand new ignition switch with head light switch has been fitted and engine will start off the button. All lights have been replaced with quality parts and are correct period glass lens not cheap plastic ones, also fitted are up-rated halogen head lights resulting in better night time visibility. Brand new tyres have been fitted which are 16.00 x 6 in keeping with the originality of the vehicle. New individual wiper motors have been fitted operating off one switch on the dash panel resulting in not having to lean across to switch the passenger side on making life slightly easier. Seat box has been rebuilt. Interior has new replacement seats fitted.

Correct flat front panel is fitted. Gearbox has been completely serviced and is very good. Also a brand new exmoor trim sand hood has been fitted and the hinges have been rebuilt.

There are also many other new replacement period parts that have been fitted but the list could go on for days. The Land Rover has been professional resprayed taking the existing paint back to bare metal and being resprayed in correct deep bronze green inside and out. The workmanship is to a very high standard and only stainless steel nuts and bolts have been used on the rebuild.

This an exceptional rebuild and would probably, in my opinion, be better off being put into a collection rather than used but that is totally up to the new owner to make that call. So to conclude what we have is a exceptional 1958 series 2 fitted with the early 2 litre Diesel engine from the period that will suit either being used or being kept for shows or a collection.

Offers are invited and pictures will follow shortly you are more than welcome to come and view the Land Rover. We can provide pictures of other land rovers we have restored so you can see the standard of the work carried out. My contact number is 07843 266127. If you would like more information or more pictures please get in touch viewing can be arranged at any time. A photo file of the rebuild can be sent upon request showing over 120 photos of the rebuild.

You are welcome to test drive. Thank you and good luck. If you'd like more pictures please ask. The Land Rover is priced to sell. The item "1958 Series 2 Land Rover 2 Litre Diesel Full Recommission" is in sale since Monday, November 07, 2016.

This item is in the category "Cars, Motorcycles & Vehicles\Classic Cars\Land Rover". The seller is "heleno1981" and is located in Wrexham, Wrexham. This item can't be shipped, the buyer must pick up the item.

• Year: 1958
• Manufacturer: Land Rover
• Model: Series 2
• Engine Size: 2000
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel: Diesel
• Drive Side: Right-hand drive
• Safety Features: 4-Wheel Drive
• Type: Classic Car 4x4