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Land Rover I, II, IIA and III: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Explore the best illustrated books on the Land Rover Series I, II, IIA and III. Discover the history, models and evolution of Land Rover off-road vehicles. Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Land Rover..

Land Rover Series I - II & IIA (1948-1971) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Land Rover 4x4 models from the years 1948-1971. Describes the Land Rover Series I, II and IIA.

  • The 58 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Author:R. M. Clarke
Details:168 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.39 in (27 x 20 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 2004)
Series:Gold Portfolio
ISBN:9781855206717
Book cover: Land Rover Series I - II & IIA (1948-1971) | Gold Portfolio | Brooklands

Land Rover Series I - II & IIA (1948-1971)

Language: English

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Land Rover - Series I, II, III & Defender

More than sixty years after the first prototype was built in 1948, the modern Land Rover still closely follows the original design, even though recent Defender models offer greater comfort. In any form, the Land Rover is one of the few vehicles found on every continent, and it is estimated that around 70 percent of all Land Rovers ever produced remain in daily use.

This book tells the story of the classic Land Rovers: Series I, II, IIA, III, and the Defender. It also covers forward control models, military and emergency vehicles, special projects, off-road use, and vehicles owned by well-known figures. Highly adaptable, Land Rovers have been produced with short, medium, and long wheelbases, and in many body styles and conversions, ranging from six-wheel fire engines to motorhomes.

Product details

Author:John Christopher
Details:96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.35 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:120 photos
Language:English
Publisher:Amberley Publishing (GB, 2014)
ISBN:9781445640365
Book cover: Land Rover - Series I, II, III & Defender | Amberley

Land Rover - Series I, II, III & Defender

Language: English

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Working in the Wild - Land Rover's Manual for Africa (New Revised Enlarged Edition)

Official instruction manual for using the Land Rover in inhospitable areas, such as those found in Africa. describes driving techniques, tire selection, makeshift repairs, setting up a makeshift workshop, etc.

Land Rover reference: SMR684MI.

More information about Land Rover owner's handbooks

Product details

Author:William Treneman, Kirt Carolan
Details:220 pages, 8.25 x 5.9 x 0.55 in (21 x 15 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:Land Rover Ltd (GB, 1996)
ISBN:9781855202856
Book cover: Working in the Wild - Land Rover's Manual for Africa (New Revised Enlarged Edition) | Land Rover

Working in the Wild - Land Rover's Manual for Africa (New Revised Enlarged Edition)

Language: English

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Land Rover Series II and IIA Specification Guide

Compiled over nearly thirty years, with the aid of reference material produced by Land Rover and many dedicated enthusiasts, this comprehensive guide to the specifications of the Series II [1958-61] and Series IIA [1961-71] vehicles looks not only at Land Rovers as they were when they left the assembly lines but also at dozens of options and 'approved' special conversions - and some which did not receive factory approval, too.

Topics covered include: Vehicle identification - Specification changes in detail - Optional equipment - Conversions - British military models, including Lightweights Forward Control models - Overseas production.

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:176 pages, 11.8 x 8.5 x 0.71 in (30 x 21.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2010)
ISBN:9781847971609
Book cover: Land Rover Series II and IIA Specification Guide | Crowood

Land Rover Series II and IIA Specification Guide

Language: English

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Land Rover Series I, II & IIA (1948-1971) - Essential Buyer's Guide

The Series Land Rover was conceived as a utility vehicle for farmers; one that could be repaired and maintained with the minimum of specialist tools. The early models rapidly built up a worldwide reputation for rugged cross country capability that led to them not only to great success in the agricultural industry, but also to being adopted by police forces in at least 37 countries.
The book describes the step by step development of the marque, so you are aware of each model's individual strengths and weaknesses. It covers the Land Rover Series I, II & II A (1948-1971).

Choose your preferred model, then be professionally guided through important aspects of the retail market, with clear instructions on where and how to check for specific potential problems before you buy. Evaluate and score your potential purchase against an exhaustive checklist, learn how to test-drive it with confidence, and be forewarned about running and maintenance costs.
The book also details the Land Rover community from clubs to specialists.

With over 100 colour photographs carefully integrated into the concise and informative text, this really is like having a marque expert beside you when viewing a potential purchase.

Product details

Author:Maurice Thurman
Details:64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.47 in (19.5 x 14 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:106 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2019)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:9781787116566
Book cover: Land Rover Series I, II & IIA (1948-1971) | The Essential Buyer's Guide | Veloce

Land Rover Series I, II & IIA (1948-1971)

Language: English

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Factory-Original Land Rover Series I, 80-inch models

It was back in 1996 that James Taylor's book Original Land Rover Series I was first published, and it has been in print and in constant demand ever since.
In recent years James has been engaged in further research and the gathering of new information for a much larger and more detailed work about the Series I, so this substantial new book is dedicated to the 80-inch models alone, with the Series Is on other wheelbases to come in a later volume. The aim remains the same as it was for the 1996 book: to provide a detailed guide to correct factory specification and equipment for all models.

Pages of the book Factory-Original Land Rover Series I, 80-inch models (1)

Pages of the book "Factory-Original Land Rover Series I, 80-inch models"

With the aid of Simon Clay's photography of some superb examples of the marque, correct details are shown on both complete vehicles and on some under restoration to give the dedicated enthusiast the knowledge needed.
In this book, leading Land Rover historian James Taylor is your guide to the multiple changes in specification that affected the 80-inch Land Rovers built between 1948 and 1953.

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:160 pages, 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.71 in (26.5 x 26.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:330 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:9781906133900
Book cover: Factory-Original Land Rover Series I, 80-inch models | Herridge & Sons

Factory-Original Land Rover Series I, 80-inch models

Language: English

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Land Rover Series I, II, IIa & III - With over 350 illustrations from sales brochures and advertising

There has rarely been a British success story like the Land Rover. Developed in a short time and on a small budget, it was launched in 1948 and having passed though many revisions is still a world leader today.
The Series Land Rovers detailed in this book take us from the beginning to 1985, and the many surviving examples, supported by a comprehensive parts and restoration industry, are seeing a solid increase in values.

Here James Taylor, the premier historian of the marque, provides a detailed study of the Land Rover's evolution through the period and the variants and special-purpose versions that were produced.
Uniquely, it is the manufacturer's own sales brochures and advertising that supply the illustrations, which number some 350 and serve not only to depict the vehicles but also to re-create the atmosphere of the times when they were made.

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:176 pages, 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.71 in (26.5 x 26.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:350 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2014)
ISBN:9781906133511
Book cover: Land Rover Series I, II, IIa & III - With over 350 illustrations from sales brochures and advertising | Herridge & Sons

Land Rover Series I, II, IIa & III - With over 350 illustrations from sales brochures and advertising

Language: English

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Land Rover Series III

The Series III Land Rover, an updated Series IIA, was launched in 1971 and offered an amalgamation of cosmetic and engineering changes intended to modernize the Land Rover in the face of growing competition from other manufacturers, especially in traditional export markets.
Despite being produced during a troubled era of motor vehicle production in Britain, more than 400,000 Series IIIs were produced, and they are now considered cherished classics.

Fully illustrated with over 190 color photographs, this book looks fondly at the numerous Land Rover Series III models that were produced successful against an uncertain backdrop.

Product details

Author:John Carroll
Details:96 pages, 9 x 6.7 x 0.94 in (24 x 17 x 2.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:190 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2022)
Series:Classic Vehicles
ISBN:9781913870676
Book cover: Land Rover Series III | Classic Vehicles | Key

Land Rover Series III

Language: English

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Land Rover Series III (1971-1985) - Essential Buyer's Guide

The Series III Land Rover further developed the successive refinements of the Series I, II and IIA models, yet remained true to its original design as a utility vehicle for farmers; one that could be repaired and maintained with the minimum of specialist tools.
It rapidly built up a worldwide reputation for rugged capability, which led to it being adopted by police forces and armies worldwide.

The book describes the step-by-step development of the Series III, so the potential buyer becomes aware of each model's individual strengths and weaknesses.

Having chosen your preferred model, you are professionally guided through important aspects of the retail market, and given clear instructions on where and how to check for problems before you buy. You will also be equipped to test drive your potential purchase with competence.

Running and maintenance costs are realistically appraised, and a comprehensive checklist is provided to aid you through the evaluation process.
With over 100 colour photographs integrated into the concise and informative text, this book really is the expert in your pocket.

Product details

Author:Maurice Thurman
Details:64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.63 in (19.5 x 14 x 1.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:113 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2019)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:9781787116627
Book cover: Land Rover Series III (1971-1985) | The Essential Buyer's Guide | Veloce

Land Rover Series III (1971-1985)

Language: English

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Le Land Rover Series I, II et III de mon père

Designed in the post-war economic context of shortages, the Land Rover was originally a multi-purpose machine intended for farmers.
Capable of carrying out work usually assigned to a tractor, of making its way on inaccessible terrain, of transporting loads and passengers, this 4x4 was quickly adopted outside the agricultural sector (Explorers, Military, Public Works, etc.).

For several decades, this legendary vehicle conquered the entire world. The Land Rover Series I, II and IIII followed one another from 1948 to 1985.
More powerful petrol and diesel engines, increased loading capacities, increasingly less rustic fittings, they were available in a multitude of versions meeting the expectations of users, up to the "90", "109" and Defender which perpetuated the initial concept from 1983 to 2015.

  • Richly illustrated, this book is dedicated to the famous Land Rover Series I, II and III of the years 1948-1985.
  • Retraces in detail the history and evolution of the Land Rover Series 1 (1948-1958), Series 2 (1958-1961), Series 2A (1961-1971) and Series 3 (1971-1985).
  • This volume of the collection "La voiture de mon père" is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
  • The technology, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
  • Also deals with manufacturing abroad.
  • Contains 200 period photos, often unpublished.

Product details

Author:Laurent Cornée
Details:120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:200 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2015)
Series:De mon père
ISBN:9791028300722
Book cover: Le Land Rover Series I, II et III de mon père | De mon père | ETAI

Le Land Rover Series I, II et III de mon père

Language: French

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Land Rover Serie III: Alle Modelle (1971-1985) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

With its simple, solid technology and legendary robustness, the classic British off-road vehicle has long enjoyed cult status. Examples in good or very good condition are now sought-after rarities.

Pages of the book Land Rover Serie III - Alle Modelle (1971-1985) (1)

Pages of the book "Land Rover Serie III: Alle Modelle (1971-1985)"

Land Rover expert Maurice Thurman has compiled the most important and helpful insider information for all Land Rover Series IIIs built between 1971 and 1985 for this guide.
As usual, this volume is presented as a compact guide and an indispensable tool for assessing the condition of a Series III model for sale. Here, anyone interested will find important tips on what to look out for when buying in order to avoid a nasty surprise later. In addition, a detailed section with important addresses and contacts complements this valuable companion.

Product details

Author:Maurice Thurman
Details:64 pages, 8.25 x 5.9 in (21 x 15 cm), paperback
Illustrations:100 color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2013)
Series:Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:9783868528046
Book cover: Land Rover Serie III: Alle Modelle (1971-1985) | Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf | Heel

Land Rover Serie III: Alle Modelle (1971-1985)

Language: German

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More titles on Land Rover:

Book cover: Land Rover 90, 110, Defender (1983-1994) | Gold Portfolio

Land Rover 90, 110, Defender (1983-1994)

English | paperback | 172 p. | 1994

Book cover: Land Rover One Ten and Ninety Specification Guide

Land Rover One Ten and Ninety Specification Guide

James Taylor | English | hardback | 144 p. | 2021

Book cover: Defender - Land Rover's Legendary Off-roader

Defender - Land Rover's Legendary Off-roader

Mike Gould | English | hardback | 160 p. | 2016

Book cover: Defender, le légendaire tout-terrain de Land Rover

Defender, le légendaire tout-terrain de Land Rover

Mike Gould | French | hardback | 160 p. | 2017

Book cover: Der neue Land Rover Defender

Der neue Land Rover Defender

Roger Crathorne, Matthias Pfannmüller, Boris Schmidt | German | hardback | 256 p. | 2020