This 1959 Land Rover Series II 88-inch ‘SWB’ benefits from a sympathetic aesthetic restoration, along with a refreshed engine and transmission, a new clutch, and a new brake system. It is powered by a 2.25-litre petrol inline-four, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and dual range transfer case. The odometer displays 64,350 miles. This Australian-delivered car served with the army between 1959 and 1973, is understood to have had just three private owners, and has been with the seller for the last year. It has been treated to an extensive refurbishment effort, with the seller noting that over $25,000 has been spent on the car in the past two years between himself and the previous long-term owner. This Series II has been resprayed in Nardo Grey with a sand-coloured canvas top, over a body-coloured interior fitted with new black leather-trimmed front seats and tan vinyl-covered read benches. It rides on a new set of new 16-inch Wolf-style steel wheels with extended wheel studs, shod with near-new Maxxis AT700 Bravo all terrain tyres. During the seller’s year-long period of ownership, the car has been stripped to a bare chassis, cleaned, treated and repainted. Inside, the capping has been sandblasted and powder coated, and new windscreen glass and front seats have been installed. A new canvas top and hood sticks have also been fitted. The engine and transmission have been refreshed and a completely new brake system and clutch have been installed, but efforts were taken to maintain the car’s mechanically original condition. There is no known bodywork damage. The resprayed Nardo Grey finish has been maintained in excellent condition, and the seller notes no major flaws or damage. The interior is typically sparse, but reflects the effort put into its restoration. The new front seats are in excellent condition, and the original rears show some signs of use, including damage to the underside of the vinyl on both sides, along with some fading and discolouring. The gauges and trim items are largely original, and feature a pleasing time-earned ‘patina’. The seller is not aware of any mechanical issues. The electrics have been partly rewired, ensuring lights, indicators and engine are all in working order. The vehicle holds full New South Wales road registration as a 7 seater, and passed its most recent inspection without issue. This Series II’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out by Ison Mechanical Services, where technicians rebuilt the carburettor, installed a new fuel pump and a new front prop shaft, and replaced the sump, differentials and various engine gaskets. Previous maintenance work included the engine and transmission refresh, and the fitment of a new brake system and clutch. This is a handsomely restored example of the classic short wheelbase Series II Land Rover, boasting an interesting history having served with the army as its first assignment. This 1959 example benefits from a refreshed finish and interior, as well as recent mechanical maintenance, and should make a stylish yet rugged companion for weekend drives, car shows, and off-roading events alike. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.