Dormobile S2a YNT 742 1961 for sale

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Bob750
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:42 pm
Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Dormobile S2a YNT 742 1961 for sale

Post by Bob750 » Tue Jul 16, 2019 3:35 pm

For sale is my original 1961 Genuine Martin Walter Dormobile Conversion on an early Land Rover Series 2a Long Wheelbase 5 Door Station Wagon affectionately known as “Bea”, who was built at Lode Lane on 20th October 1961.
She is the oldest known genuine Series 2a Dormobile in existence according to the Land Rover Dormobile register so does have a certain Provenance there and she has many original period features unlike many other Dormobiles around.
A chassis up re-build was completed in 2009 by her previous owner on a new Richards Galvanized Chassis, full Auto Sparks wiring loom, New B posts, a Turner Engineering Re-manufactured 2 1/4 Petrol engine with Stage 1 Unleaded Head was fitted at this time which does help her when tackling steep hills, motorways etc. and will cruise happily on motorways at 60-65 mph. A new series 3 fuel tank was fitted and has not been linked up to the series 2 fuel gauge so a record of miles travelled is usually kept so running out of fuel does not occur.
She is also fitted with a very quiet Fairey Overdrive unit and free Wheeling Hubs, giving performance that will allow her to cruise at modern traffic speeds and returning reasonable fuel consumption.
The gearbox is of course a typical series 2 “Crash box” with no synchro on lower gears and is quiet, strong and reliable.
The original Bodywork is in good overall condition for her age with a faded but patch painted 'patina'. A respray for show would make her gleam but maybe loose some character? However she is very usable for touring/overlanding/camping.
Interior – mostly all original Dormobile features with original headlining and lighting, cloth re-upholstered seat/beds below and new canvas beds in the Raising Roof. The original 1961 Roof Canvas is patched but watertight.
The Working Cooker and Sink are original with tap and pumped running water which is a rare and practical modification.
The original Smiths heater, Cupboards, mirror, wardrobe and water carrier are all in place with a Portaloo fitted below the wardrobe. A discreet Mains 240 volt Hookup with ELCB, hook up cable and 2 sockets is fitted for electric fan heater etc. and has a number of cigar lighter sockets for additional plug in electric phone chargers etc. for more comfortable camping.
A full period side awning and poles which fits in the vehicle roof guttering runner is also supplied and easy to erect and front and rear work lamps also fitted.
Many other enhancements to make this a truly usable Camper include: Rocky Mountain Front Disc Brakes with servo assistance, Rocky Mountain Front Door Windows, RM Parabolic Springs, X Disk Hand brake conversion, 2nd battery and split charge relay, hidden lockable document safe, 4 new 750 x 16 Defender Wheels purchased from L. Jacksons fitted with Michelin XYX All Terrain tyres (new Aug 17 with circa 2000 miles on them now) plus 1 identical unused spare on the bonnet.
She is presently configured with full genuine rear door, original Elephant hide door card and table mount. All curtains in place and functional and seat belts fitted to all four seats.
All doors have their original elephant grey hide door cards. Definitely used condition but nevertheless original.
This is a very original and rare vehicle and is possibly the oldest survivor of the class. Most of the modern 'enhancements' can be easily swapped back to the originals for the purists.
She is much loved and has completed some extensive trips in the past including overland to Morocco and the Sahara, camping trips to France, the North Coast 500 in Scotland and a tour of the Orkney Islands and most recently trips to the Derbyshire Peak District.
Covering circa 9000 miles since the rebuild she drives really well and when on the open road is remarkably quite inside.
The Parabolic springs do help with the softer ride and are complimented by a set of Pro Comp shock absorbers to compensate for the softer springs.
There was at one stage some unusual engine noise which was diagnosed as a worn camshaft follower. All was corrected professionally by a reputable local Land Rover garage late last year which included, full set of new cam followers, tappets, sliders, push rods, rockers, rocker shaft and springs and of course a new head gasket so no issue or worries about overheating in the future. All receipts available. A summer 80 degree thermostat was also fitted
The engine runs 40 psi oil pressure from cold and 20 psi when hot. This is correct according to Turners and starts instantly with no issue.
A full electronic ignition distributer has been fitted and also a spin on oil filter for ease and speed of filter change.
Additional work done in the last 200 miles or so include new starter motor, battery, rear half shafts and flanges, roof window seals so no leaks,waxoiled rear door frame and fully serviced including gearbox, transfer box, overdrive box and diff oils.
In summary a very usable historic piece of British motoring heritage that will also turn heads at Classic Car Shows and Land Rover events. She now needs a new custodian to take her on and maybe for further restoration while still enjoying the classic camper experience.
Many photos of interior, exterior etc. are available on request. Tax and MOT Exempt but will be tested for the new owner for additional peace of mind. Additionally a full underside steam clean and waxoil can be arranged for the new owner within the total price.

Price £ 13750.00 Offers considered.
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Bob750
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:42 pm
Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile S2a YNT 742 1961 for sale

Post by Bob750 » Fri Jul 26, 2019 4:18 pm

Now sold. Bea has gone to live with her new owner on the Isle of White
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RMS
Posts: 2236
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 12:02 am
Location: Near Wakefield, UK, in God's own Country!

Re: Dormobile S2a YNT 742 1961 for sale

Post by RMS » Fri Jul 26, 2019 5:32 pm

Excellent - hope they take as good care of it as you did.

Did you mention the forum to the new owners? It would be good to keep track of this one.

Cheers,
Robin.
1967 109" Carawagon 200TDi
1972 109" SW Carawagon 2.5NA
1958 109" Carawagon 2.25P (project)
1972 109" Carawagon 200 or 300TDi (project)
1974 Dormobile 2.25D (project)
(Robin on S2C forum)
Bob750
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:42 pm
Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile S2a YNT 742 1961 for sale

Post by Bob750 » Fri Jul 26, 2019 6:32 pm

Hi Robin
Yes the new owner will look after her
I introduced him to the Forum and he is keen to join. I will be in touch with him later and he will have joining details
I will be taking care of YSY now and be off to Pembrokeshire in her soon. Will be at Leafers too
Cheers
Bob
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