Photography courtesy of Cool & Vintage
Our culture is addicted to perpetual “feed refresh”. It seems that everyone is not just demanding more, but also more right now. Whether it’s advertising, social media, entertainment, or automobiles, the expectation for new stuff seems exponentially more by the day.
Don’t get me wrong, technology is tremendous. It’s benefited most in a positive way. Without the envelope constantly being pushed, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It can be a bit nauseating, though. Some of us are attached to a computer, tablet, or smartphone constantly—I’m guilty here.
I try to force myself to take a break a few times a week. Going for a run along Sunset Cliffs to get wafts of ocean breeze, or just taking a drive through some back roads in my aging BMW helps me ‘unplug’ from my tools of the trade. Are you in need of such a change? If you’re seeking to break from the digital world, why not try an old 4×4, like this 1962 Land Rover Series 2?
This sand colored Landy isn’t jam-packed with the latest tech. There’s no ‘infotainment system’ or Bluetooth device—there’s also no air-conditioning, power windows, or carpet in this machine. It was built for one thing: to explore. With the end of Defender production shortly behind us, why not celebrate Land Rover’s expeditionary legend? Sure, for $35,000, you could get a newer off-roader with more stuff, but is that necessary?
With an old Series 2, you’re getting the essentials. It features a durable galvanized steel frame, an aluminum shell to view the world from, a 2285 cc four-cylinder mated to a four-speed gearbox, and a four-wheel-drivetrain… and that’s about it! But it doesn’t “need” anything else because as is, there aren’t many places this old Rover can’t take you—simply put, they’re equipped for adventure.
According to the listing, this Series 2 was restored a few years back and presents in tip-top shape. With the mechanicals and aesthetics already tended to, this truck is ready to roll wherever the road, or lack thereof, takes you. If you’re more of a sports car fanatic and think 4x4s aren’t your thing, remember that the King of Cool, Steve McQueen himself, had one very similar to this example.
There’s something beautiful about design built from purpose and with no technological distractions, this Series 2 will let you “stop and smell the roses”—or is that oil? Plenty of newer trucks offer similar capabilities, but none can offer adventure on such a pure undiluted level like this. Pack a weekend bag, fill a cooler with your favorite brew and campfire food, jump in a Land Rover, and don’t hesitate to disconnect from your usual life—shut your phone off and tell the office you lost signal.
History
– Recently restored (claimed 9/10 condition)
Specifications
~72 horsepower 2.25-liter inline four-cylinder, four-speed manual transmission, leaf-spring suspension, drum brakes, selectable two or four-wheel drive. Wheelbase: 88 inches.
Vehicle information
Fuel: Gasoline
Model: Series 2
Year: 1962
Valuation
Dealer: Cool & Vintage
Asking Price: £32,000 ($36,000 Usd.)
