April 30th 1958 The “Official
Launch Date” of the Series II to coincide with the 10th
Anniversary of the ‘Land-Rover’ launch date.
A new 2.25 litre petrol engine and the old (Series I)
2 litre Diesel engine were available.
(88”
models retained the old 2 litre petrol engine until
the late summer of 1958)
1958 The
original Series II had its headlights in the radiator panel located with large
chrome rims. These headlights were
fitted with bulbs. The front sidelights
were fitted in the outer wing while in the rear the combined stop &
taillights were fitted high up in the galvanised
corner flashing. All were fitted with
glass lenses held in position with a chrome ring. Two types were fitted, made by Sparto or Lucas.
Indicators were fitted only as optional extra, sometimes only rear
indicators were fitted in which case the front sidelights would flash. All had a separate rear number plate light
fitted
October 1958 Series II 109” Station Wagon now in
production.
1961 Indicators
became standard, at the front they were mounted outside the sidelights, at the
rear mounted above the stop/tail lights.
August 31st 1961 End of Series II
production
September 1st 1961 Start of Series IIA
production. A
new 2.25 litre Diesel engine was also introduced.
Suffix
A. New ID plate on bulkhead.
June 1962 The
headlight large chrome rims were discontinued and sealed beam units now
fitted. The front sidelights and
indicator units were changed to plastic lenses, two types were still fitted, Sparto or Lucas.
Lucas lenses have a domed shape and Sparto
lenses are flatter in shape. The rear
stop/tail light became larger and gained a round reflector in the centre of the
lens, one of these lenses had a clear bottom panel, which made the number plate
light redundant.
eptember 1962 Series IIA 109” Forward Control ‘Launched’ at the
London, Commercial Motor Show. Available only with the 2.25 litre
petrol engine
March
1963 Introduction
of the ‘Six Cylinder’ 2.6 litre petrol engine for
forward controls, officially for Export only Suffix B – Wipac
side lights, deletion of adjustable bell-crank to carburettor
operating rod (the nice one with brass screw ends) ‘Short’ oil filter fitted part no.
541403. Forward
Control, revised gearbox and steering ratios.
July 1963 Heater
available for Forward Control
April
1964 The apron panel changed from the ‘Flat’ type to a simpler
‘Curved’ type. Steering Relay filler plug deleted on offside of casting, rear
number plate light re-instated.
February 1965 Forward Control now fitted with ENV
axles.
April 1965 Foam filled seats
replaced the older style sprung ones
September 1965 Suffix C. Plastic steering wheel
replaced the previous ‘spring-spoke’ type
September
1966 Series IIB 110” Forward Control introduced. Home
models used 2.6 litre 6 cyl petrol or 2.25 litre diesel.
Export models use 2.25 litre petrol engine.
May
1967 Suffix D. Dashboard now ‘Black’ instead
of body colour. Engine now key started. Single motor
cable rack windscreen wipers. Larger cranked handbrake due to
seat-belt legislation. Zenith carb superseded
the Solex unit. Altered
instruments. Now Negative Earth. 2.6 litre 6 cyl petrol engine now
available in regular bonneted models
August
31st 1967 First order from the British Army for the 88” – ‘Half Ton
GS’ (Lightweight) model
September 1967 Fuel
tank improved and given a single-cushioned rear mounting rather than the
old-type with three solid fixing points.
March
1968 Suffix E.
Major changes to diesel engine. Dustproof breather. Petrol engine timing pointer to front cover. Triplex wide-zone windscreen. NB. Suffix E not used for petrol 88” and 109”
models.
October 1968 Black
upholstery trim replaced the original Grey ‘elephant hide’ trim.
January
1969 Suffix F.
Mechanical stoplight switch now fitted. Optional ‘Vertical’ hand throttle. New Flat Heater.
April
1969 Suffix G.
8: 1 compression ratio on petrol engines numbers 24100001A onwards. Lucas Indicators.
June
1969 Headlights moved from the grille panel into the
wings on all models. Wire mesh grill now a ‘cross’ shape.
The 109” ‘One Ton’ model was introduced
February 1971 Suffix H. Synchromesh gearbox.
Salisbury rear axle for the 109”.
March 1971 Metric
wheel studs now fitted.
August 31st 1971 ‘Official’ end of Series
IIA production, but continued to produce the 109” Petrol,
Forward
Control and Lightweight models well into 1972
Norman R Smith – November 2004
© The Series 2 Club Ltd.