Some classic trucks survive because they were pampered. Others, like this 1970 Land Rover 88 Series IIA currently up for grabs on Cars & Bids, survive because they were built to shrug off everything thrown at them. Finished in blue over a tan interior and wearing a matching tan soft top, this left-hand-drive Series IIA is a South American-spec example that has found its way to Connecticut, and it carries the kind of honest, workmanlike character that made the short-wheelbase Land Rover a global icon.
The Series II line arrived in 1958 and was offered in both 88-inch and 109-inch wheelbase forms, with agricultural and military duty topping the list of intended jobs. This one rides on the shorter 88-inch chassis, the configuration that gave the Land Rover its famously go-anywhere agility. Power comes from the familiar 2.25-liter four-cylinder, which produced somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 horsepower when new, routed through a four-speed manual gearbox fitted with an overdrive unit for slightly more relaxed cruising.
As a South American-market truck, this 88 wears a few details that set it apart from the home-market and U.S.-delivered examples. The selling dealer notes that it was repainted in its current blue in 2023 in Guatemala before being imported to the United States, and the gallery on the listing documents that refinishing work. Today the truck is titled and located in Connecticut, ready for its next owner to enjoy on backroads or trails.
The equipment list reflects a truck that has been set up for real-world use rather than concours display. The dealer reports it rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and includes a removable soft top, a Pierce intake manifold, a Weber carburetor, a winch, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, rear wood flooring, rear bench seating, and even an electric air conditioner. It is the kind of honest, lived-in spec sheet that suits the Series IIA character perfectly.
Buyers should go in with eyes open, as the seller is upfront about the truck's quirks. The five-digit odometer shows roughly 12,800 kilometers, or about 8,000 miles, but the dealer notes the true mileage is unknown. There are some scratches around the exterior, a chip on the rear bumper, wear on interior surfaces, and some corrosion on underbody components. The electric air conditioning is also reported not to blow cold. None of that is surprising for a working classic of this age, and it gives the next owner an honest baseline to build from.
It is worth remembering just how significant the short-wheelbase Land Rover is to off-road history. Factory U.S. sales wrapped up in 1971, which makes left-hand-drive, American-titled examples like this one especially appealing to enthusiasts who want vintage Land Rover charm without the headaches of a right-hand-drive import. With its overdrive-equipped four-speed and removable soft top, this 88 is built for relaxed open-air cruising as much as it is for getting dirty.
If rugged classics are your thing, this Land Rover keeps good company with other characterful off-roaders that have crossed our radar lately, from a one-off Ford Bronco built for charity to a sci-fi-styled Isuzu VehiCROSS. Vintage utility vehicles like these continue to climb in popularity, and you can see more of our favorites in our roundup of the coolest pickup trucks for sale right now.
At the time of writing, the high bid sits at $10,500 with the reserve not yet met and a few days left on the clock. For full photos, the complete equipment list, and the chance to place a bid, check out the original listing on Cars & Bids.
