1970 Series 2a Australian Army Land Rover

[17thAirborne]

This is a completely different focus for me. One day while surfing for a 1940-ish 1-ton to restore I came upon a 1970 Series 2a Land Rover that belonged to both the Australian and New Zealand Military. I plan to drive on Saturday to pick it up. I'll report on it's condition as soon as I can. I have a lot of research to do to determine what this vehicle did in the Australian Army until it was surplused to the New Zealand military in 1974. All of the original data tags are still attacked. I think the front grill is civilian and at some point it was converted to Left Hand Drive.

I have a lot of decisions to make between now and when the restoration begins in 2 years or so. It runs well from what I understand and is titled in the US. I can't wait to dig into this one. I'm a bit worried about the condition of the frame, having some rust and knowing how the inner box frames tend to rust severely, but that will be a challenge for later.

[Dave M38A1]

Pretty cool machine.
I like those old Land Rovers.
Looks pretty good.


Dave

[17thAirborne]

Thanks Dave. Cant wait to try it out.

[17thAirborne]

Making the trip home! Only 142 miles one-way. Normally I have to go around 1200 miles for my projects. Finally found something close!

[Dave M38A1]

Looks like fun.

I'll be watching the progress on this project.


Dave

[17thAirborne]

Wish I could start on in sooner, but I have a move and home build upcoming. Thanks for looking.

[70th Division]

This is a completely different focus for me. One day while surfing for a 1940-ish 1-ton to restore I came upon a 1970 Series 2a Land Rover that belonged to both the Australian and New Zealand Military. I plan to drive on Saturday to pick it up. I'll report on it's condition as soon as I can. I have a lot of research to do to determine what this vehicle did in the Australian Army until it was surplused to the New Zealand military in 1974. All of the original data tags are still attacked. I think the front grill is civilian and at some point it was converted to Left Hand Drive.

I have a lot of decisions to make between now and when the restoration begins in 2 years or so. It runs well from what I understand and is titled in the US. I can't wait to dig into this one. I'm a bit worried about the condition of the frame, having some rust and knowing how the inner box frames tend to rust severely, but that will be a challenge for later.

Land Rover 2a.jpg

Hello Oz,

Wow that is a real beauty, and pretty rare to even find here in the USA I would imagine.
I don't even see the older models here in Florida, it looks like it will be great fun, with plenty of room !
maybe make some adventurous road trips out west with it, or even around the South , or any direction for that matter !

Well Done !!

Keep us posted, you will have to add a new section to your website .


Best Regards,
Ray

[17thAirborne]

Thanks Ray. I have about 2 years with move and home build and then the fun begins. Something different and I am looking forward to it. I'm wondering when it was converted to LHD.

[70th Division]

Thanks Ray. I have about 2 years with move and home build and then the fun begins. Something different and I am looking forward to it. I'm wondering when it was converted to LHD.

Oz,

I am looking forward to the restoration when you get to it !!

Is your rear differential pumpkin painted white like the WW2 British jeeps, with a light shining towards it ?
I was watching this great video of a 1989 Australian land Rover, and it has the same basic set up as a WW2 British jeep.
Very interesting carry-over from WW2 to now.



https://www.google.com/search?q=austral ... bfD435CdQg


Best Regards,
Ray

[Klaas]

Oz,

I am looking forward to the restoration when you get to it !!

Is your rear differential pumpkin painted white like the WW2 British jeeps, with a light shining towards it ?
I was watching this great video of a 1989 Australian land Rover, and it has the same basic set up as a WW2 British jeep.
Very interesting carry-over from WW2 to now.


Best Regards,
Ray

Hi Ray and Oz,

The similarities between the WW2 jeep and the Land-Rover exist because the Landrover people started out with a WW2 jeep (Ford GPW) to form the basis of their prototype. The is much documentation available if you use Google with the right terms.
Looking closely at pictures of the earliest Land-Rovers (prototype and pre-production) you will recognise a lot of familiar jeep parts.
Even until recently: the rear "bumpers" used on the LR Series and Defender started out as the jeep's body side handles.
Some LR history here: https://www.dunsfoldcollection.co.uk/co ... ies1/guide

Oz: good luck with your move and the renovation of the Series 2 Aussie Land-Rover!!

[17thAirborne]

Ray and Klaas,

Looks like she's had an OD paint job in the last 5 or so years, so no white on the pumpkin. I saw the same info a few weeks ago on the white diff as a way to aid in convoy driving at night for the following vehicle. I really look forward to the restoration.

I have been watching several LR Series restoration vids and was also amazed at the similarities in the drivetrain components to the GPW. I was wondering if they used a WW2 jeep for the pattern, and Klaas you confirmed that. Thanks for that link!!

Thanks for looking.