1969 Land Rover SWB IIA SUV

Over its 65-year history, Land Rover has built some of the finest off-road vehicles for both individual and commercial use. They are often used by the armed forces of numerous countries around the globe. They have built a reputation on quality, durability, and ruggedness.

The Series IIA is difficult to distinguish from the Series II on the outside. Mechanically, the Series IIA sports a new 2.25-liter diesel inline four-cylinder engine and early Series IIA cars feature headlamps that were located in the front grille, rather than on the front fenders.

The 'Air-Portable' model of the Series IIA was designed with a specific task in mind, to be parachuted from aircraft directly to UK ground forces on the move in combat. In order to be outfitted for this use, many of its components were replaced with aluminum in order to make it as light as possible, making it easier to transport in the air. The biggest change was the vehicle's reduction in overall width by four inches. This was accomplished by redesigning the axles and fitting shorter half-shafts, which allowed the vehicle to sit on a pallet, so it could be easily loaded onto an aircraft.

This Series IIA Air-Portable SUV was given a three-year total restoration. It was also converted to left-hand drive in order to make it easier to drive in the United States. All areas prone to rust were replaced with galvanized trim and stainless steel hardware, including a new steering column and four leaf springs for the suspension, brake lines, and cylinders, and the 2¼-liter petrol engine and transmission were completely rebuilt, along with many other parts. The original Land Rover chassis was replaced with a Marsland galvanized frame.

The 139 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine offers 72 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013