Land Rover Series IIA 6 Cyl. Essence - 1971

Land Rover Series II 109 (1958–1961): the long-wheelbase workhorse that set the template

Launched in 1958, the Series II marked Land Rover’s first major redesign since 1948. The 109-inch long-wheelbase version quickly became the backbone of global fleets, from farms to colonial administrations and expedition outfits. Styled under David Bache, the new body introduced the famous “barrel-side” flanks that subtly widened the track without compromising a narrow footprint, improving stability while keeping that go-anywhere stance.

The big news sat under the bonnet: the 2.25-litre OHV petrol four. Compared with the old 2.0, it delivered more torque and smoother running, exactly what operators wanted when hauling over rutted tracks. Contemporary UK figures typically quoted around 72 bhp (net) for the petrol and 52 bhp for the 2.0 diesel; period brochures often used higher SAE gross numbers, which is why you’ll sometimes see up to ~89 hp referenced for similar 2.25 units. Either way, the 109 wasn’t about speed; its tractor-like crawl in low range and robust driveline were the headlines.

Competition arrived in earnest: the Austin Gipsy (launched the same year) and, from overseas, Toyota’s early Land Cruiser. Land Rover’s answer was refinement by evolution—better seating, a more habitable cab, and an expanded body range. Pick-up, soft-top and the 5-door Safari Station Wagon turned the 109 into a do-it-all tool. The clever 12-seat layout wasn’t just practical: in the UK it qualified certain versions for favourable “bus” taxation—a classic Land Rover bit of lateral thinking.

Period tests from The Motor and Autocar praised its torque and unstoppable traction, while noting heavy steering and drum-brake demands when fully laden. Owners loved its fix-it-with-a-hammer simplicity: leaf springs, live axles and a stout ladder frame you could weld in a field. CKD assembly meant 109s popped up almost everywhere—from Africa to Australasia—cementing the brand’s export reputation.

Iconography followed. Early Series II 109s starred in safari photography that would later define the Series IIA’s media presence. By the early 1960s they were on screen in nature films and, soon after, TV shows like Daktari; the imagery of a limestone green 109 with a tropical roof and jerrycans is practically a genre. At Balmoral, the Royal Family’s fondness for Land Rovers (including early Series II examples) gave the model a subtle blue-blood endorsement.

When the Series IIA took over in 1961, the changes were incremental, proving how right Land Rover had got it in ’58. The 109 II laid the groundwork: broader track, stronger engine, tougher frames, and the versatile body program that turned a farm tool into a global utility icon.

Fun bits
- The double-skin “Safari” roof helped keep cabins cooler in fierce sun.
- The grey, grained “elephant hide” vinyl seating became an accidental design classic.
- The 109’s gearing let it idle up hills where rivals needed a run-up—great for period trials and jungle tracks.