Registration No: SFM 443K
Chassis No: 24118646B
MOT: Exempt

• Off the road for forty years
• In service with the British Armed Forces before being decommissioned during 1972
• In need of extensive restoration

A sympathetic update of its much-loved predecessor, the Land Rover Series II was introduced in April 1958. Featuring sill panels and a rounded wing/belt line, the newcomer’s sleeker sheet metal was the work of David Bache and clothed an improved chassis. Thus, as well as better rear wheel articulation and sharper steering, the Series II boasted wider axles and a new gearbox (complete with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears). Available with a choice of 2.25-litre petrol or 2-litre diesel four-cylinder engines, the Land Rover could be had in 88-inch or 109-inch wheelbase guises (though, the SWB model made do with a petrol 2-litre unit until September 1958). A popular model, the Series II accounted for some 62,000 sales in its first two years of production. Announced in 1961, the subtly upgraded Series IIA benefited from an improved cooling system and the arrival of a 2.25-litre diesel engine. Export models had their headlamps repositioned in the front wings for 1968 with domestic Landies gaining the same revised visage the following year. Phased out of production in 1971, the Series IIA is judged by some to be the most durable Series Land Rover ever made.

Built during 1964 but not issued with the Chester registration number ‘SFM 443K’ until 25^th February 1972, chassis 24118646B still bears the dashboard plaque which attests to its military service (under identity number ’63 EN 50’). Acquired by Jonathan Harrison of Chester during 1977, the Land Rover joined the late Mr Lucas’s collection five years later. Used for a variety of farm duties since its last tax disc expired in May 1984, the Series IIA has suffered corrosion to its chassis and bulkhead such that the driver’s door no longer fits properly. The aluminium bodywork and fibreglass cab appear to have fared much better with the former being notably straight. A non-runner in need of total restoration, it nonetheless possess a certain appeal.

David Lucas (1947 – 2023)

A motor engineer by profession, the late David Lucas amassed a collection of over forty vintage and classic cars, commercials and tractors between the 1970s and his death last year. A true petrolhead, he housed several of them in a private museum which was decorated with an amazing array of automobilia. Drawn to cars with original interiors, he also had a deep love of music and a quirky sense of humour. A champion of the underdog, he eschewed the more famous British marques such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin in favour of Armstrong Siddeley, Singer and Standard Triumph. A stalwart member of various car clubs over the years, he exhibited at numerous events up and down the country. Summed-up by his loved ones as ‘one of the life’s true gentlemen’, David Lucas remains much missed.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737