How can you tell?. What is the difference? And why are the series 2 worth more?
Printable View
There is no easily seen difference between a Series 2 and Series 2a apart from the chassis number. Change was continuous from the introduction of the Series 2 in 1958 (indeed from the introduction of the Landrover in 1948!), and the only difference between the Series 2 and 2a was the addition of a suffix letter to the chassis number when the diesel was enlarged to 2.25l. And after more than fifty years, the interchangeability of parts means that very, very, few Series 2 or 2a retain all the same parts they left the factory with. For example, as pointed out, this example has cable wipers - which means they are either non-original or it is 1967 or later, not 1966.
In theory at least, an original Series 2 would be worth more than a 2a, simply because there were far fewer made, but I very much doubt whether the difference is significant, except for special examples, such as the first swb Series 2, which retained the two litre Series 1 engine, and even then the difference in value is going to be more a function of originality than anything else.
John
First, are you talking about diesel or petrol?
The petrol 2l fitted to the first swb Series 2 looks very similar to the Series 1 1.6 and 2l engines, and is, in fact, identical to the late S1 engine.
The 2l diesel engine is essentially the same as the 2.25l, but with a smaller bore and wet sleeves. As such it looks very similar, and the differences in external appearances are limited pretty much to accessories - which, of course, may be swapped. But assuming that the accessories are original, perhaps the most distinctive difference with the 2l engine is the cartridge type fuel filter on the front RH side of the engine - the 2.25 only has filters on the bulkhead, and they are the CAV type.
John
My first involvement with Landrovers was on a uni vac job at the BMR in 1959-60 when I drove and did daily servicing on several Series 1. I bought my first one in 1962, but did not own one (although used them occasionally for work) 1969-1991. In 1991 I bought my current 2a, and my current County in 1993.
John
Hi John,
Would I be correct in saying (assuming that the Landy in question has not had any parts changed) - if the headlights are in the wings, then it has to be a 2A?
If the headlights are in the grill - then it has to be a 2?
Just wondering because I know that making a definitive answer is always tricky...
Cheers,
Grey Ghost
Hello from Surabaya,
Not wanting to jump the gun on John particularly, but the A has nothing to do the the headlight positions, they were already 2As by the time the lights migrated to the guards, generally to meet German and US rules - just coincided with an engine upgrade back in time.
Cheers,