Land Rover I, II, IIA and III: Books - History (2/2)

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.

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Land Rover Series II / II A

After ten years of production, the Solihull-manufactured Land Rover was established as a useful 4x4, popular with farmers, armies and those whose employment took them far from the beaten track. Following a redesign, the Series II Land Rover was launched in April 1958. It was available in two wheelbases, with a choice of diesel or petrol engines and a variety of body styles including pick-ups and soft-tops and, aimed more at travel and people-carrying rather than agricultural work, short and long wheelbase Station Wagons.

The main difference that identified the new Land Rovers at a glance was the radius pressed into the aluminium bodywork below the galvanised waist rail. This changed the Land Rover's appearance considerably and was a shape that endured until 2016 in the Land Rover Defender. The Series IIA was introduced in 1961 and through a production run that last until 1971, a succession of upgrades, mainly detail and cosmetic changes, followed.

Land Rover production and sales peaked at the end of the sixties when more than 55,000 Land Rovers were sold in one year. This figure partially accounts for the popularity of the Series II/IIA Land Rovers but it is generally accepted that these were some of the strongest Land Rovers ever built - the transmission was particularly noted - and it was these that formed the basis for specialist applications such as fire tenders, mobile cinemas, military models, ambulances, campers and those used to drive winches, pumps and agricultural machinery.
Further specialisation came in the form of the Series IIA and IIB Forward Control and 'bonneted' One Ton models.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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More information on the Land Rover owner's handbooks

Winching in Safety

A winch adds a great deal to the versatility of an off-road vehicle. This Land Rover Guide to Winching describes the various types of winch available that are approved for fitting to Land Rovers and Range Rovers, and how to use them safety for the casual user.

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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.

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.

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