Land Rover® Series 2a *Galv Chassis & Full Electric* (OWJ)

For sale, Land Rover® Series 2a Ragtop in Light Pastel Green (1962).

Fully Electric Vehicle (charge from any standard socket). Automatic Gearbox. MOT & Tax Exempt. Galvanised Chassis. Heater with Demist. Parabolic Springs. Bonnet Mounted Spare. 7 Seater Vehicle with Front Standard Seats & 4x Rear Individual Tip Ups with Seat Belts. Seat Belt Bar with Roll Hoop. Recent Canvas with Side Windows. Physically available and ready for immediate delivery. Comes with charging cable included.

Here for sale is a fully electric, automatic gearbox Series 2a Land Rover®, converted by John Brown 4×4 HQ. This vehicle represents a unique opportunity to own a fully electric Classic Land Rover® which can carry the whole family. What sets this particular example apart from any other converted Land Rover® is that the conversion is specifically designed for a Series 2a Land Rover®, as opposed to a generic kit which has been adapted to fit. This conversion is, in our opinion, the Rolls-Royce of conversions – and here is why…..

Many conversions to electric are designed generically, to fit a multitude of vehicles across manufacturers. This makes conversions easier and cheaper – not like this system. Other systems merely bolt an electric motor onto the gearbox and add batteries in load spaces… this conversion does not even have a gearbox fitted and is instead a “Direct Drive” system via the transfer box to power the vehicle. This is of great benefit because it removes not just the oily engine, but the gearbox and clutch too… that means there is no clutch pedal, no clutch, no hydraulic systems and no oily gearbox. This saves weight, allows those with only an automatic driving license to drive the vehicle, saves on maintenance and ensures constant 4WD which is not normally available on a Series 2 Land Rover®. As there is no need to change gear, it drives just like a modern automatic – press to go, press to stop. Coupled to this there are a host of added extras which are designed to improve the vehicle whilst maintaining the classic look. The brakes are regenerative, so energy is put back into the batteries when slowing down or going downhill, which adds to the estimated range of 50 miles. Whilst this may not sound like a long distance, one has to remember that a vehicle of this age and type is not normally driven a distance further than this in any given journey – and many that we have converted are used in cities where the commute of say an hour is only a 3 mile journey!

Other pleasing features include the lack of any auxiliary switch gear – save for the gear selection panel – and this has been achieved with much thought and care. The speedo (no gearbox remember to drive the cable) works on a GPS based system, using the original dial. The same is true of the fuel gauge, which is now repurposed as a range indicator. The original heater still resides in the vehicle, but is now driven by a 12 volt heater system….. so it all functions as it should, but entirely through the electric system. This vehicle has been used at length, in-house and has been exclusively run through solar charging from solar panels on a garage roof. On a sunny day, 6 hours of sunshine gives a full charge. It has been an utter joy to use, in the knowledge that it is a completely “off-grid” vehicle if so desired.

Externally, as one can see from the photos, this truck is built up on top of a replacement galvanised chassis, which promises longevity for the vehicle. The bodywork is in good order, and a recent canvas with side windows finishes off that appealing ragtop look – ideal for summer trips to the beach, or the local pub. There is a handy tow bar fitted with electrics should you wish to pull a trailer and Land Rover® aficionados will notice that very little has changed on the external appearance, save for the lack of an exhaust pipe at the rear! We have worked hard to maintain the period charm and authenticity throughout, so this vehicle, designed for the future, still breathes the past. 750 tyres are fitted to give a more positive stance alongside a quieter cruise and higher top speed.

The interior is nicely presented, with three standard seats across the front, and 4 lovely individual tip up rear seats for passengers – this means seating for seven occupants including the driver. A seat belt bar is fitted to afford front passengers the luxury of inertia reel self adjusting seat belts, and altogether, it is a nice place to be. The added benefit of a canvas with side windows means that this feels light and airy whilst out on the road, and deluxe matting (along with a rear load mat) means the floors are protected from muddy boots or scratches. All seats are equipped with seat belts and there is a roll hoop to protect the occupants. Due to the conversion, there are some subtle changes to the interior – there are no levers to worry about or move around the tunnel and footwell area and this gives a clean appearance which is much nicer for the centre passenger. The gear selector is mounted to the steering column for ease, and the small auxiliary dash panel takes care of everything else. It really is a smart, elegant system.

So – what is it like to drive a fully electric Series Land Rover® like this? In short, it’s fab. Acceleration is unrivalled, parabolic springs give a compliant ride and whole vehicle is so quiet in comparison to a noisy engine. Not requiring a biting point on a clutch or chokes to start, or heavy clutch pedals, simplifies the experience seamlessly – meaning that any one who can drive a dodgem could drive this….. and because it is 4WD constantly, it can be driven anywhere one would hope a Land Rover® could reach.

The appeal of this vehicle however is not just that of being able to run it off solar panels, or cheap electricity – this conversion has been inspected by the DVLA & DVSA and the V5c reflects this. The vehicle is still MOT & Tax Exempt , retains its historic status and this means it is also ULEZ and Congestion Charge exempt, making it ideal as a city commute vehicle. Due to recent rule changes by the Mayor of London, modern electric cars not only pay Congestion Charges, but also are now applicable for road tax – this Series benefits from exemption of all of these requirements due to its age.

As if the entirety of the above would not persuade a potential purchaser into the “pros” of this vehicle – we then need to look at the pricing point of this Series 2a. To begin with, the host vehicle, a Series 2a soft top, galvanised chassis, is a £25,000 motor car if in petrol format – modern conversion costs to electric run at between £30-35,000 plus VAT at present. If you add these two figures together, one can see that this package makes financially great sense too. Of course, if you did decide to commission us to convert you a vehicle of this type, it would be around twice the price, and there would be a 9 month wait – this is a physical vehicle, ready for immediate purchase and delivery. This will not be around for long, so be quick.

Looking for more info on our Electric Platform? Click Here for videos & further information.

SOLD

View all Land Rover® Series 2 on sale.