The Series Two was Land-Rover's response to the public demand for a more aesthetically pleasing vehicle.
So the Styling Department was asked to become involved for the first time. They decided for the sake of identification to leave the shape alone and just put in so called "Modesty Skirts" which would cover the Exhaust pipe and chassis along the side of the vehicle.
The Vehicle was also chosen by the Army instead of the Austin Champ, and thus success was widespread. One of the deciding factors that
persuaded the Army in favor of Land-Rovers was that they were incredibly versatile, and because of their chassis construction and over-engineering could
easily accept many modifications. These included: An ambulance back body; Two floats to create The
APGP (Air-Portable-General-Purpose) which floated on water and also the Cuthbert son
tank track conversion.
The new Land-Rover was not only better to look at, it was better to drive, because of a number of changes made to improve handling.
However, production of the Series II only lasted three years...
An ambulance conversion still in use with the TA; A Series Two Short wheelbase.
The Series IIA differed very little from the Series II in appearance, however, it did gain a new design of diesel engine, which was shared parts with the petrol version to cut costs. This saved Rover a lot of money.
Near the end of production of the Series IIA there were once again a few more changes, these changes were carried through to the Series III. These changes included:
This change was implemented in 1968 for export models but wasn't introduced until 1969 in Britain, because Land-Rover first used up all of the old wings!
The next step on the evolutionary ladder was the introduction of the Series III.
The Series 2 and 2A Land-Rover (1958-1971)
Short Wheelbase sizes:
88" : 1958-71
Long Wheelbase sizes:
109" : 1958-71
Engines (Petrol) :
2286cc : 1958-71
Engines (Diesel) :
2052cc : 1958-71
2286cc (Same size as Petrol version and co-incided with launch of Series IIA) : 1961-71
The Series IIA
An all synchromesh gearbox, was a major factor (better gear changes, though not as strong as the old one).
Re-positioning the head-lights from next to the radiator grill to the wings. This was done to meet new lighting regulations around the world - particularly in the U.S.