1967 Land Rover 88 2.0L Petrol · ECK 813E

A pattern of electrical and lighting deficiencies sits at the centre of this Land Rover's MOT record, accompanied by exhaust integrity and braking issues that have triggered two failures within the past two years. The most recent test on 10 July 2026 produced a pass with no defects recorded, but this came only two days after a failure on 8 July 2026 which cited a major exhaust leak, insecure exhaust hangers, ineffective windscreen wipers, headlamp aim too low on both sides, and an inoperative nearside rear position lamp. A second failure on 24 June 2024 carried even more serious items, including a dangerous defect for absent nearside rear service brake effort at a wheel, alongside further rear lamp and wiper failures. The 2026 result represents a tidy-up pass rather than a clean long-term trend, and the recurrences across multiple test cycles for lighting and wiper function warrant particular attention from any prospective purchaser. Recorded mileage of 49,600 miles across roughly 59 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 841 miles, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this vintage. Three MOT entries appear within the past four years (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026), with gaps suggesting either periods off the road or extended storage between tests. Such limited use raises legitimate mechanical concerns even on a relatively simple vehicle like the Series IIA, as prolonged standing can cause deterioration of rubber components, brake hydraulic seals, fuel system parts, and electrical contacts. Conversely, low annual mileage means limited wear on the bulk of mechanical items, though the failures recorded demonstrate that age-related degradation of ancillary systems has nonetheless progressed. On inspection, the brake system should be a primary focus given the 2024 dangerous failure of the rear service brake. Check that the rear drums or discs are clean, that the handbroke mechanism functions firmly, and that pedal travel is firm without sponginess or excessive height, as seized wheel cylinders or perished brake hoses are plausible causes of effort loss on a stored Land Rover. Examine the front and rear brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion, cracking, or bulging, and confirm that no warning lights appear on the dashboard during the test drive. Listen for any binding or dragging from the calipers or rear brake mechanism, particularly after the vehicle has been driven, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. The 2022 advisory for slight play in the offside rear wheel bearing should also prompt a physical check for roughness or knocking when the wheel is spun by hand and rocked laterally. The electrical and lighting shortfalls should be investigated thoroughly, as both 2024 and 2026 failures cited rear position and stop lamp malfunctions. Confirm full operation of all external lamps, including a walk-round check with ignition on and brakes applied, and inspect the wiper linkage and blades for effective sweep across the entire windscreen, as worn linkages are a common failure point on older Land Rovers. The 2026 exhaust failure suggests the system and its mountings are vulnerable, so the buyer should examine both the front-to-rear pipework and the silencer for blow holes, particularly around joints, and verify that the rubber or strap hangers are intact and supporting the system correctly. Headlamp alignment should be checked against a flat surface to confirm both lamps project within tolerance, and the original headlamp pods should be inspected for adjustment mechanism condition. Any evidence of oil leaks, chassis corrosion at the outriggers, and condition of the leaf spring bushes and shackles should also be confirmed, as these areas are critical to roadworthiness on a vehicle of this age.