S2 v S2A differences

[newhue]

your thoughts please
I'm interested in acquiring a Series 2 109 ute. I have areal spot for them, or that shape.
I seem to have in my head to restore one, a S2 would be a bit more collectable than a 2A. Simply because the build years of a S2 were only 3, and 10 years for a 2A. However this could all be in my head.

I'm having trouble determining the differences of the two.
Many seem to say only an engine number, some say lots of small things but don't really say, others say not much.

can you help me deferate please.

ps: happy to be linked if this topic has been covered before, my search didn't turn up much.

[gromit]

I'm sure someone will come along with the main differences but in the meantime.....

Series 2 and a 2a... what is the difference? - Land Rover Zone

Colin

[Warb]

I'm no great expert, having only recently returned to Land Rover ownership, but I now have a number of S2's and S2A's, and I would say that the main difference is simply the model number!

There are some differences, as mentioned in the link posted above (like the vent knob), but I suspect the main reason for the name change was the introduction of the 2.25L diesel engine. So comparing a late model petrol S2 with an early petrol S2A will reveal few significant differences.

The S2A seems to have changed far more over its production life than any change between S2 and S2A, and most of the noticeable changes (grille mounted lights to guard mounted, handbrake lever with a bend, 6 cylinder petrol engine, twin windscreen wiper motor to single motor etc.) were made through the course of the S2A production.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

your thoughts please
I'm interested in acquiring a Series 2 109 ute. I have areal spot for them, or that shape.
I seem to have in my head to restore one, a S2 would be a bit more collectable than a 2A. Simply because the build years of a S2 were only 3, and 10 years for a 2A. However this could all be in my head.

...

Actually the SII covers 4 years. i.e. 109" Prefix:

1. 15*8 = 1958
2. 15*9 = 1959
3. 15*0 = 1960
4. 15*1 = 1961

The SIIa all have a suffix letter to their Car Number/Chassis Number.

The SII 109" also have a bottom adjuster on the 11" rear brakes, which allow for more even wear of the brake shoes.

Where * is the variable "market" variable.

[JDNSW]

The Series 2 Landrover had continuous development from 1958 to 1971. The model designation "2a" was introduced in 1961, with the defining event being the replacement of the 2.0 diesel by the 2.25 diesel. At the same time all the chassis numbers acquired an "a" suffix. This suffix changed over the years as the changes accumulated, but the model number did not. Changes did not occur at the same time on all types, nor at the same time in all locations, and quite often there was a long period where both the earlier and later bits were fitted to cars.

To my way of thinking there were much more significant changes than the change 2-2a. For example, the changes to negative earth in 1967, which involved major changes to the wiring harness, dashboard, wipers, steering wheel etc. I would argue that there are more significant differences between a 1971 2a and a 1961 2a than between a 1960 2 and 1961 2a! (Salisbury diff on 109, availability of the six, electrical differences above, headlight position, and numerous other less obvious changes, including a major shift from BSF to UNF threads.

John

[bulletproof]

The 1958 2s are totally different because they have all Series one running gear.

1 2 litre petrol engine
2 Series one steering with arm on the top of the swivel housing
3 Series one brakes with the bottom adjuster
4 series one type radiator
5 Knob vent ajdusters
6 Series one dash
7 Sparto lights

Etc Etc so there are lots major differences between these and a 2a

Cheers Richard

[Warb]

All of which means that there was an evolution all the way from Series 1 through to.....

The early Series 2 is different to the late Series 2 is different to......

As has been stated, Land Rover (actually most car manufacturers of the day) kept using the bits they had on hand until they ran out, then switched to the new part!

I think I've read that the 2litre motor was only used in the SWB Series 2 (not in the LWB version), and I'm fairly sure that one of my 2A's has the top mounted steering arms, though it might have been changed at some point in its life.

So there may be significant differences between two vehicles that are supposedly the same model (2 or 2A) but very little difference between a 1961 S2 and a 1961 S2A.......

[newhue]

Thanks all, so it seems not much in it really which opens it up a bit. Seems better to focus on the vehicle condition over model. Now just need to stumble on one.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

The 1958 2s are totally different because they have all Series one running gear.

1 2 litre petrol engine
2 Series one steering with arm on the top of the swivel housing
3 Series one brakes with the bottom adjuster
4 series one type radiator
5 Knob vent ajdusters
6 Series one dash
7 Sparto lights

Etc Etc so there are lots major differences between these and a 2a

Cheers Richard

Except that:

• the 1958 109" had the 2 1/4 litre petrol only the 88" had the 2 litre.
• The pendant type steering levers continued right through series 2.
• The bottom adjuster continued after 1958.
• All the SII years had the knob type ventilaror regulators.
• Dash continued into series 2a. Only in 1967 did they change to toggle switches.

[Warb]

Thanks all, so it seems not much in it really which opens it up a bit. Seems better to focus on the vehicle condition over model. Now just need to stumble on one.

There are a couple of other things you might like to consider.

Overall condition might be less important than avoiding things you don't like - for example you might be happy to fix a seized engine but not really interested in doing bodywork, panel beating and painting.

Then there's the question of what you're going to do with it. A full restoration to original spec.? Or creating a usable and fun vehicle?

If original spec. is the aim, then look for one that as far as possible has original parts, matching numbers etc. In this case having some history of the vehicle is also nice, and even better if it has done something interesting (Vietnam, Snowy Scheme etc.).

But it you want a fun toy, then you may well change things anyway - the one I'm building for my wife has improved (later model) brakes, modern electrics, engine upgrades etc. to make it fun rather than a challenge to drive! If I can find one I'll probably use a Series 3 gearbox to avoid the lack of 1st and 2nd gear syncromesh in the original. In that case the originality is secondary, so a vehicle that has already had parts swapped for later version is still OK. The 2A that is my farm vehicle has a very battered tub, but I've just found a later 2A that has a flat tray and a a body to suit (the body ends 4inches behind the doors) so at some point that bodywork will go on my SWB and I'll build a new tray. That trayback 2A also has a PTO, so I might fit that as well.

Most of all, get one you like. I prefer the short wheel base models, in the canvas top or ute body. To me the station wagons and LWB versions are too much like a proper car, but some people prefer them.