1963 - 2023 : 60th anniversary !

Welcome to the website dedicated to Victoria, the faithful 1963 Land Rover SIIA 2.25L petrol, based around Zürich (ZH), in wonderful Switzerland.


Starting its life in 1963 on a farm in Avenches (VD), the car was daily used as a workhorse around the region. After 30 years of tough duties of all kinds, failing its Swiss MOT, it was exported to France as a non-runner, where it was grossly restored a first time and soon registered back on the road.

This is when, at the age of 18, straight after passing my driving license in 1996, I purchased it as my first daily driver. I became its second owner and the lovely little Landi was nicknamed Victoria.

Moving in 2006 to Switzerland, the car coincidentally relocated to its "home Swiss home".

Driven since then as a family car around Zürich, all year long including salty winters, Victoria was once again struck by the Swiss MOT in 2018 for the second time in its life, and for the same good old reason: rust-through chassis !

Brought to Belgium on a flat-bed truck in 2019, the car underwent a full restoration at Series Forever until 2022.

Finally... returning to Switzerland, Victoria is back to its former glory among its family.

From an used and abused farmer's do-it-all motor, to a vintage family daily.
Victoria turning 60 years young in 2023, we hope that it will continue to enjoy its purposeful life, active member of a new family who never hesitates to jump in for a ride.

Engine

4 cylinders 2.25 L petrol (3MB SIIA genuine specifications) with SP95 compatible cylinder head, Zenith carburetor and electronic ignition, delivering an outstanding 52kW / 67hp@4'000rpm and 163 Nm@2000rpm
Engine was purchased in 2009 from ACR in the UK, and only covered a few thousands kilometers since then.

Gearbox

4 FWD 1 RWD. The 1st gear, 2nd gear and Rear are non synchromesh (genuine SIIA). Low gear (crawling) engaged through manual operation (pulling the red knob), giving 10 gears in total.
Gearboxes were purchased in 2009 from ACR in the UK, and only covered a few thousands kilometers since then.

Chassis frame

Original steel ladder frame chassis, 88" short wheelbase. Extensively restored twice: 1994 and 2022 by Series Forever.
Rust proofed inside / outside professionally by Series Forever.

Body

Body panels made of aluminum alloy.
Since 2022: all panels were checked, repaired or replaced and then professionally painted in Marine Blue.

Road-gear

Parabolic springs (non genuine) on original axles, mounted in 2022. Rear wheel drive or 4WD in both high/low gear by manually engaging the front axle engaged (pressing the yellow knob).

Carburetor

The engine is fed by a Zenith carb. Martin Lawrie from FUGGLE's FETTLING built it on order in 2022, only using NOS parts. It is the best carb' to use on the 2.25L and a genuine sight under a SIIA bonnet.

Radiator

The original radiator was rebuilt by a classic car radiator specialist in 2009.

Exhaust line

The exhaust full line, including end muffler, is stainless-steel. It was purchased 20 years ago from Rimmer Bros, and is still doing strong.

Figures

Max speed: 95 km/h with back wind.
Average fuel consumption:
14 L/100km.

Seats

The front seats have hi-backrest and headrest for safety. Not genuine, but safety comes first. As new !

Seat belts

The car is equiped all round (7 seater) with modern seat belts: safety first. The front seats use the specific aftermarket roll-bar to hold the seat belts upper points.

Bulkhead

Like the rest of the car, the bulkhead was completely repaired in 2022 by Series Forever. It has received extensive rust protection before being paint in Marine Blue.

Capstan winch

A collectors' dream ! A FAIREY AUTOMOTIVE capstan winch is installed on a dedicated galvanised plate, bolted to the chassis frame on riv-nuts.

DUNLOP tires

Beautiful, soft and vintage looking DUNLOP Qualifier, fully new 2022 with just a few hundreds kilometers. Rims have been painted in Marine Blue matching color.

Ignition

In order to match the powerful engine and provide a flawless spark, a LUMENITION electronic ignition was installed by Richard Stolz. Never get stuck with worn points anymore !

Leather steering wheel

New in 2023: the covering of the steering wheel is made of leather. This prevents your hands to be blacked in cold and humid mornings.

Clutch

During the full restoration by Series Forever in 2022, the clutch was replaced, including master cylinder. Ready for a few decades of driving...

Heated windscreens

For safe drives in the winter cold mornings, the car has two heated windscreens. De-icing was never so easy !

Petrol tank

A unique "built on order" petrol tank (45 litres) made out of stainless steel, but retaining the original design, including the embossed cross on side panels. Finally, rust will never block the petrol pipes ever again !

Stopping power

Richard Stolz, from STOLZ ROSTFREI, has replaced and serviced the brakes regularly. The car brakes straight and amazingly strong (for an old Land Rover !).

Dynamo to alternator

The original dynamo, replaced several times, was finally replaced by a OEM Land Rover alternator in 2022, delivering stable supply and plenty of electricty.

MFK StVA

Richard Stolz, from STOLZ ROSTFREI, has successfully taken the car through the tough Swiss MFK in St Gallen in mid-2023.

History

History documented

A letter dated 1996 from the Swiss farmer, first owner when new in 1963, is available, writing about the first 30 years of the car. Documents and invoices are available since 1996.

Grease, oil and service

Richard Stolz, from STOLZ ROSTFREI, has serviced the car regularly (gearboxes, engine, transmission), and was always taking the car through the strict Swiss MOT, every 2 years.



Recent Photos

A selection of Victoria's most recent pictures