06/25/2026
🚨 AUCTION FIND 🚨
1971 Land Rover 88 Series IIA
VIN: 24142389H
Lot: 249529
RAF Blue is not a color you see on a Series IIA every day. This suffix-H crossover was refurbished by John Brown 4x4 Ltd. in the UK and imported to the US by the seller in 2021. Approximately 800 miles have been added since. That puts total shown mileage at 82k.
The spec list is honest and detailed. 2.25-liter petrol. Four speed manual. Dual range transfer case. Manually locking front hubs. Smiths heater with demister. Black vinyl three-across front seats. Sand canvas top. Inward facing rear benches. Body-colored 16 inch steels with Goodyear Wranglers. Drum brakes, wheel cylinders, and shoes replaced in 2022. Speedometer cable replaced in 2022. Clean Oregon title.
The seller is upfront about corrosion at the top of the windshield and at the rear of the vehicle. The right indicator is not working. The battery is currently held in place with a cable tie. These are all fixable items.
The bigger conversation in the comment thread is around the carburetor. Community commenter Rover-Ace flagged that the carb shows no ZENITH badging on the float bowl, which typically indicates a Chinese knockoff unit rather than a genuine Smiths Zenith. These are known for flat spots and unpredictable mixture behavior. Some work tolerably, most do not. That is a meaningful watch out at any serious bid price.
Community also noted the front spring leaf count is lower than expected for this platform, which could contribute to body roll. The tow ball on the truck is 50mm and not compatible with standard US 2 inch trailer hitches.
WAGONBOYTD, 25k likes on BaT, commented on the color immediately. That says something.
The John Brown provenance and the RAF Blue paint make this one of the more interesting Series listings on the platform right now. But get eyes on that carb before you commit.
What would you do? Sort the carb and drive it, or pass and wait for something less complicated?
