Thread: My new Series 2a GS

Paperwork says the VIN is 138800750

Are the military chassis numbers different? I thought there was a suffix letter?

Any help appreciated before I part with my $$$

G

Calvin says that number is not a valid one. The "38" does not match any vehicles. The "8" after that would be the code for 1958, which would make it a Series 2 not Series 2a.

John

It's registered as a 1960 Land Rover Discovery.
Registration has lapsed.

It appears to be a Series 2, as John said. The only chassis numbers I can find on REMLR start with 14 or 15.

Now I'm thoroughly confused. I put it into Cal Vin yesterday and it came out as a 58 knock down kit which I thought made sense with no body type description. It has a 2a wiper box and earlier steering wheel so I though 68/69 was about right.

I can't see Discovery on the paperwork just "Land Rover Station Wagon" dated 1960.

The chassis number looks to maybe have 2 more numbers stamped either side of those given above. From the 1 photo I have it is very hard to decipher.

Should I be getting worried? Will VicRoads allow me to register this? Or will it be a complete nightmare?

Photo of chassis number

Thanks

Griff

Originally Posted by Sirocco

Now I'm thoroughly confused. I put it into Cal Vin yesterday and it came out as a 68 knock down kit which I thought made sense with no body type description. Just tried it again and get the same answer as John. It has a 2a wiper box and earlier steering wheel so I though 68/69 was about right.

I can't see Discovery on the paperwork just "Land Rover Station Wagon" dated 1960.

The chassis number looks to have 2 more numbers stamped either side of those given above. From the 1 photo I have it is very hard to decipher.

Should I be getting worried? Will VicRoads allow me to register this? Or will it be a complete nightmare?

Thanks

Griff

Not quite sure what you mean by 2a wiper box. Series 2a up to suffix 'B' had separate wiper motors (even only one wiper). These were replaced at Suffix 'C' with twin cable operated wipers with the motor in the LH parcel tray. The steering wheel changed at the same time, the earlier one having three equally spaced spokes, each made up of four wires, and a clamp bolt, the later one two horizontal spokes and a vertical spoke at the bottom, all moulded in one piece with the hub, and with a retaining nut.

So the wire spoked wheel should never appear together with the cable operated wipers. But both the steering gear and the wipers are readily changed, so neither are a good indicator of age.

The only sure indication is the number stamped on the chassis, for Australian assembled ones, on the LH rear spring hanger. I assume this is the number you are having problems with - wire brushing all the paint off is likely to help, and possibly mild etching if still indecipherable.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Not quite sure what you mean by 2a wiper box. Series 2a up to suffix 'B' had separate wiper motors (even only one wiper). These were replaced at Suffix 'C' with twin cable operated wipers with the motor in the LH parcel tray. The steering wheel changed at the same time, the earlier one having three equally spaced spokes, each made up of four wires, and a clamp bolt, the later one two horizontal spokes and a vertical spoke at the bottom, all moulded in one piece with the hub, and with a retaining nut.

So the wire spoked wheel should never appear together with the cable operated wipers. But both the steering gear and the wipers are readily changed, so neither are a good indicator of age.

The only sure indication is the number stamped on the chassis, for Australian assembled ones, on the LH rear spring hanger. I assume this is the number you are having problems with - wire brushing all the paint off is likely to help, and possibly mild etching if still indecipherable.

John

Thanks John.

What you said is what I meant, ie not individual wipers, but your right, it's not a clear indication of age.

So the facts are it has an illegible chassis number that maybe of earlier origin.

It has 2 plates stating it is a S2a 10 seater GS. But no plate stating chassis number/ARN etc.

What are the chances of the military swapping the body over onto an earlier chassis?

I'm guessing Cal Vin may struggle with some military chassis numbers?

Previous owner may have done the swap?

Will VicRoads give me a hard time?

I was hoping this would be a great historical example to keep and put with REMLR records. But it's starting to look like a bit of a Bitsa. Would you guys be worried about buying something like this?

Thanks

G

If you were after military cred, this would require much research and it may possibly not have any.
It does appear to be a bit of a bitsa. There is, however, nothing wrong with that. If you are after one that looks the part, that's fine.
I've seen some with a traceable military ARN change hands for less and some in worse condition go for more.
It has a registration history in the ACT. If the numbers are easily visible on the car it should be fine to register at Vicroads.
PM me the full engine and chassis numbers.

Thanks Mick, confirmed my thoughts