1959 Land Rover 88 Series II

Since its inception, the Land Rover has become synonymous with exploration, adventure, and rugged reliability. The early Series models, like this 1959 Land Rover 88 Series II, evoke a sense of classic adventure—whether traversing the African savannah or winding through remote mountain trails. Introduced a decade after the original Land Rover made its debut at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show, the Series II carried the torch for British off-road excellence, cementing the marque’s legendary status as a go-anywhere vehicle.

Originally conceived as a stop-gap model in the postwar years, the Land Rover’s simple yet purposeful design took on a life of its own. The Series II, produced in both short-wheelbase (88”) and long-wheelbase (109”) versions, continued this legacy with enhanced engineering and the unmistakable Land Rover aesthetic. This particular example, a short-wheelbase 88 model, retains the timeless charm and utilitarian functionality that have made the Series Land Rovers iconic.

Finished in green—repainted under prior ownership from its original Sand hue—the vehicle boasts a distinctive white Safari roof, providing added sun protection for those venturing off the beaten path. The exterior is equipped with practical accessories fit for serious explorers: a Warn winch, diamond-plate fender trim, a hood-mounted spare tire, and a rear-mounted shovel and pickaxe for quick recovery in tough terrain. Wire mesh guards protect both the headlights and taillights, and a rear-facing work light ensures visibility in low-light conditions. Close-up images of the flaking trim and cracking paint are available, highlighting the character of this well-worn veteran.

Inside, the black vinyl-upholstered front seats and rear inward-facing jump seats offer functional, no-nonsense seating for you and your companions. A dash-mounted compass, windshield defrosters, and an aftermarket lockable center console add to the vehicle’s practicality. An auxiliary battery, cleverly stored beneath the driver’s seat, provides additional power reserves for extended off-road trips.

Powered by a 2.25-liter gasoline inline-four engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, this Series II is built for tackling rough terrain. The addition of a Fairey overdrive unit and a dual-range transfer case further enhance its off-road capabilities, while an ARB rear air locker provides extra traction when needed. The Old Man Emu suspension and Emu Nitrocharger shocks smooth out even the harshest trails, and the 16” steel wheels provide excellent ground clearance for the most challenging adventures.

Lovingly maintained, this Land Rover has undergone significant recent mechanical work. In 2023, the fuel level sending unit, battery, left-rear wheel cylinder, and fluids were all replaced, while the heater blower was serviced and the wiper motor reconditioned. With a $22,000 service in May 2023 and an additional $3,800 service in January 2024, this Series II is ready for its next journey.

Whether it’s a trek through remote wilderness or simply a nostalgic drive through town, this 1959 Land Rover 88 Series II embodies the spirit of exploration and the timeless appeal of a true off-road icon.

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