1964 Land Rover Series 2A

Finished in original Marine Blue, this August 1964 SWB example was first supplied to W. Holloway & Sons in Worcester. It was acquired new by ‘Bright Young Thing’ socialite Lady Lettice Lygon of Madresfield Court, Worcester, the original inspiration for Brideshead Revisited. Its author, Evelyn Waugh was a frequent visitor to Madresfield (documented in the book ‘Mad World’) and Lady Lygon named her daughter after the author.

The car was sold just before her death in 1973 to a Mr CK Cross, who owned it until 1999, after which it was sold to someone who loved it so much, he appears twice in the five-owner history.

Fast-forward to 2021. The car had too much work needing done and the ‘new’ old buyer sold it to our seller needing sympathetic restoration, which has been undertaken, alongside a professional respray to the original Marine Blue. The current owner, a Land Rover Series 2 Club official, recognising its special provenance and potential, decided to bring it back to its original former glory. He set about the task with enthusiasm and after far too long – and too much money, no doubt – he finished it. And it looks fabulous, with many subtle improvements to aid driveability and usability.

The ‘Documentation’ section contains sheaves of invoices and receipts, alongside the original purchase log book, showing its early history and ownership. The original ‘Bright Young Thing’ Brideshead connection imbues this already exceptional Land Rover with a rare literary and aristocratic provenance that few others can match.

The original chassis has been regularly protected with underseal products, most recently Buzzweld and Lanoguard. Wheels from the long-wheelbase model were fitted, filling the arches in what is regarded as more aesthetically pleasing, as well as more suited to mixed on and off-road work than the original skinnier 6” wheels. Painted in original Limestone, they’re fitted with a modern twist on an old classic – Avon Rangemaster tyres, possibly the most versatile, as well as attractive Land Rover tyre.

The galvanised cappings are all good, as is the front bumper, which sits straight and true. The numberplates and badges are as good as everything else.

An original 2a tailgate has been fitted, with all new galvanised fittings and seals, in addition to a pair of substantial – and rare – original Land Rover mudflaps. The door hinges incorporate a period military adaptation, allowing door-mounted side mirrors, a vast improvement over the original, vibrating and distant wing-mounted versions. The rear benefits from a period – and gear lever-operated – reversing light, as well as the correct dual function brake and registration plate illuminating side lights.

The ride benefits from a new set of parabolic springs, supplied by GB Springs, which gives the vehicle a more usable car-like feel. The underside of the car is in excellent condition throughout.

The interior benefits from many additional comfort and safety features and is vastly more practical and usable than most, with a huge amount of effort expended to get it this civilised. 

A new set of three Elephant Grey Exmoor front seats provide comfort and are a superb and supportive update on the original items. New period-correct seatbelts and extension arms have been fitted for additional safety.

The rear bench seats give space for another four passengers and the floor in front and back is protected by quality fitted rubber mats.

A period Smiths heater provides instant directional warmth during the winter and the front panel vents and sliding windows provide plenty of fresh air on warm and sunny days – although for the full wind-in-the-hair experience, nothing beats rolling up the canvas roof sides or even removing it altogether for the full convertible Landy experience. 

Additional instrumentation, by way of a combined Smiths oil pressure and water temperature gauge, volt meter, and Smiths clock have been fitted, mounted on matching, period-correct auxiliary dash panels. 

The car is fitted with individually controlled wiper motors. Both units have been refurbished and operate effectively within the charming constraints of 1960s engineering.

The central section of the interior houses the standard 4-speed manual gearbox plus additional yellow and red levers for 4-wheel drive and low and high ratio gearing, enabling appropriate torque and grip across more challenging terrain. In addition, this model comes equipped with a Fairey Overdrive, allowing comfortable cruising at up to 65mph at 15-20mph higher than the usual fourth gear, enabling the vehicle to keep up with modern traffic on all roads with ease.

The car also features an original and rare chrome rear view mirror and a discreetly mounted, covered USB power socket. The interior also benefits from an under-seat storage box for secure storage, useful for housing additional tools and other items.

The original, restored ‘banjo’ style steering wheel takes pride of place and the horn works as it should.

Overall, the interior looks great and benefits from many new parts, although the overall feel is authentic and without any element of unsympathetic over-restoration, which can feel jarring and characterless.

A matching wheel and tyre are bolted to the interior bulkhead, out of harm’s way. Both are excellent.

Regularly serviced by MiD Engineering, Oxfordshire’s leading independent Land Rover specialist, the 2.25-litre petrol engine starts well not least because the old and inefficient dynamo has been replaced with an alternator – and brilliantly, this looks like a dynamo, so you keep the period looks while benefitting from modern reliability and an improved charge. 

The original 77bhp 2.25 litre petrol engine has been rebuilt by Land Rover specialists ACR to a full suite of upgrades – a 9:1 compression head, ‘Powerplus’ camshaft, SU carburettor and 4:1 tubular exhaust manifold, delivering an additional 43bhp – 55% more, delivering a Land Rover a joy to rev and use alongside modern traffic. While the work was undertaken, the engine was also converted to work on unleaded fuel. ACR list the various upgrades on their website, with the combined cost of installing each running into several thousands of pounds.

The engine bay is in a very smart condition. An air filter supplies the SU carburettor, in theory allowing improved throttle response. 

The underside has been given regular protective Lanoguard treatment, most recently earlier this year. As can be seen in the photographs, it is in a very good condition. 

Being over 40 years old, the car is registered as historic and does not require road tax, is exempt from ULEZ charges and does not require an MoT. Nevertheless, the seller has ensured that the Land Rover is roadworthy and it passed its MoT in May 2026 with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and the Series IIa comes with the book pack plus a thick wad of invoices, many of which relate to the vehicle’s recent restoration as well as its historic work.

Old Land Rovers are like faithful family dogs – charming quirks and all. Tough, practical and endlessly capable in foul conditions, their popularity drives strong prices in exceptional examples. This fully sorted, provenance-rich example with its performance and comfort upgrades offer outstanding value at the guide price.

They’re faithful and reliable, too; while most modern cars won’t tolerate standing for weeks at a time without flattening their battery, a Landy can sit in a corner for months ready to spring into life at the turn of a key. This makes them ideal for anyone with a need to keep mobile in the foulest of conditions.

This popularity is starting to be reflected in their price.  While you used to be able to pick a scruffy Land Rover up for a few thousand pounds, we’re starting to see even barn-finds going for silly money, which makes our guide price of £18,000 and £23,000 for this freshly refurbished example look like very good value, especially when you factor in what it would cost you to do the work yourself.

This one is special – don’t miss it!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.