Always designed with strength, mechanical simplicity, and durability in mind, Land Rovers have often been the vehicles of choice for individuals looking to take a trip on the road less traveled. Over its 65-year history, the company built up a well-respected name by manufacturing the finest off-road vehicles money could buy for both individual and commercial use. As such, they are frequently employed by the armed forces of numerous countries across the globe. They are rugged, robust, and reliable, and troops can always trust their Land Rovers to help them complete their mission with zero mechanical issues.

The Series IIA model is considered by many to be the most rugged and reliable model of all the series Land Rovers, and it is easily identifiable to many as a classic Land Rover. While the Series IIA is difficult to distinguish from the Series II on the outside, the Series IIA sports a new 2¼-liter diesel inline four-cylinder engine under its bonnet. Early Series IIA cars also featured headlamps that were located in the front grille, rather than on the front fenders.

This reputation no doubt gained the interest of the armed forces of the United Kingdom. The “Air-Portable” model of the Series IIA was designed with a specific task in mind, to be parachuted from aircraft directly to UK ground forces on the move in combat. In order to be outfitted for this use, many of its components were replaced with aluminum in order to make it as light as possible, making it easier to transport in the air. The biggest change was the vehicle’s reduction in overall width by four inches. This was accomplished by redesigning the axles and fitting shorter half-shafts, which allowed the vehicle to sit on a pallet, so it could be easily loaded onto an aircraft.

This 1969 Series IIA Air-Portable underwent a three-year total restoration, using genuine Land Rover parts, which included a conversion to left-hand drive in order to make the car easier to drive in its new home of the United States. As Land Rovers of this era are notorious for rust issues, all components prone to rust were replaced with galvanized trim and stainless steel hardware, including a new steering column and four leaf springs for the suspension, brake lines, and cylinders, and the 2¼-liter petrol engine and transmission were completely rebuilt, along with many other parts. Additionally, the original Land Rover chassis was replaced with a Marsland galvanized frame, to ensure that it would not be prone to rust in the future. The results were fantastic, and the car was brought back to as-new, if not better-than-new, condition from when it left the factory.

This Land Rover is a must-have item for any collector of military vehicles, as it represents a vehicle built with a specific task in mind, and it bridges the gap between air and ground forces. This vehicle has been restored to absolutely incredible standards and has only accumulated very limited mileage since its restoration. This Land Rover is ready for regular use, but it would certainly revel outside of the concrete jungle, as all Land Rovers do. It is ideal for your next adventure in the air, on the ground, or both!