Today, “Land Rover” is practically synonymous with “adventure,” with the early Series models in particular conjuring up images of safaris and excursions to the globe’s furthest reaches. It comes as a bit of a surprise, then, that these beloved vehicles were initially conceived as a desperate stop-gap effort.

Maurice Wilks, the brother of Rover managing director Spencer Wilks, had long driven a Willys Jeep, and he conceived the notion of the company undertaking a British-built four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. Borrowing liberally from the design of the then-ubiquitous American Jeep, the Land Rover debuted at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. Ironically, due to a postwar shortage in steel, the new model was bodied in aluminum, resulting in a better power-to-weight ratio. Intended to tide Rover over until a new road model could be developed, the enduring success of this plucky off-roader surprised even its creators.

Ten years later the company introduced the Series II model, which was available in both short- and long-wheelbase chassis (88 and 109 inches, respectively), and in 1961 the Series IIA appeared. Boasting many improvements over the Series I and II vehicles while still retaining the classic Land Rover look, the Series IIA did more than any other model to cement the marque’s romantic, go-anywhere reputation in popular consciousness.

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, this attractive Series IIA 88, a left-hand drive export model on the short-wheelbase chassis and equipped with a 2.25-liter gasoline engine, was completed on 15 December 1961 and dispatched on 28 December to the United States. It was sold new via The Rover Company of North America in Houston, Texas.

Although its subsequent history is presently unknown, it was fully restored under prior ownership. This total overhaul included a number of thoughtful upgrades, including Warn front locking hubs and front and rear locking differentials—features sure to enhance the Land Rover’s already legendary off-road abilities. It has been finished in a blue-green color that is very much at home on its boxy lines, and a white hard top provides contrast. Black wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Commercial TA tires sit at all four corners, and the hood is adorned with the model’s signature spare.

By design, the Land Rover is purpose-built for any occasion and suitable for any environment. This restored 1963 Series IIA will no doubt rise to whatever challenges its next owner throws at it—whether that involves the quest for the perfect off-grid campsite or a family voyage from the beach house to the ice cream shop.