1996 - 2026 : 30th ownership anniversary !
Welcome to the website dedicated to Victoria, the faithful
1963 Land Rover SIIA 2.25L petrol, based around Zürich (ZH),
in wonderful Switzerland. 
First registered in 1963 on a farm in Avenches (VD, Switzerland), the car was used daily as a hardworking utility vehicle throughout the region. After nearly 30 years of demanding service of all kinds, it failed the Swiss MOT and was consequently sold by the farming family.
In 1994, the car underwent a rather rough first restoration. This being done, in 1996, it was purchased by its current owner who just turned 18 years old, as his very first car. Since then, Victoria has been driven daily, year-round, including through harsh, salty winters.
25 years later... she once again fell victim to the Swiss MOT, for the same reason: a rusted-through chassis. A complete restoration followed, lasting until 2022.
At last, Victoria has returned to her former glory. From a well-worn farmer’s workhorse to a cherished classic used every day, her journey continues. Turning 60 in 2023, Victoria remains as spirited as ever, an active member of a family always ready to take her out for another drive.
Engine
4 cylinders 2.25 L petrol (3MB) with SP95 compatible cylinder head,
delivering 67hp @4'000rpm and 163 Nm@2000rpm.
{discover more...}
Gearbox
4 gears forward. The 1st, 2nd and Rear gears are non synchromesh. Low gear ratio engaged by pulling the red knob, giving 10 gears in total. {discover more...}
Chassis frame
Original steel ladder frame chassis,
88" short wheelbase. Extensively restored twice: 1994
by Land01 and in 2022 by Series Forever.
Professionally rustproofed in/out.
{discover more...}
Road-gear
Parabolic springs (non genuine, 2022) on original axles. Rear wheel drive. The front axle engages by pressing the yellow knob, to get 4WD in all gears. {discover more...}
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. {discover more...}
Exhaust line
The exhaust full line, including end muffler, is of stainless-steel. It was purchased 25 years ago from Rimmer Bros, and is still doing the job. {discover more...}
Dynamo to alternator
Unreliable dynamo was replaced by a OEM Land Rover alternator in 2022, delivering plenty and stable supply of electricity. {discover more...}
Capstan winch
A collector item ! A FAIREY AUTOMOTIVE capstan winch is installed on a dedicated galvanised plate, bolted to the chassis frame on riv-nuts. {discover more...}
History
History fully documented: a letter dated 1996 from her first 1963 owner is available, writing about the first 30 years of the car's life. Documents and invoices are all available since 1996.
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. {discover more...}
Body
Body panels made of aluminum alloy.
All panels were restored or replaced, then
professionally painted in Marine Blue, in 2022. {discover more...}
Seats
The front seats have hi-backrest and headrest. Not genuine, but safety comes first. {discover more...}
Seat belts
The car is equipped all round (7 seater) with seat belts. The front seats use a specific aftermarket roll-bar to provide upper point anchors to the front seats. {discover more...}
Leather steering wheel
The covering of the steering wheel is made of leather. This prevents your hands to be blacked in wet mornings from the melting old Bakelite. {discover more...}
Heated windscreens
For safe drives in the winter cold mornings, the car has two aftermarket heated windscreens, by Ricky Evans Motorsport. De-icing was never so easy ! {discover more...}
Petrol tank
A unique "built on order" petrol tank (45 liters) made out of stainless steel, retains the original design including the side embossed cross. Finally, rust will never block the petrol pipes ever again ! {discover more...}
DUNLOP tires
Soft and vintage looking 750x16 DUNLOP Qualifier (new 2022). Rims have been painted in Marine Blue matching color (genuine look should be Limestone white). {discover more...}
Stopping power
Drums brakes all round: the car brakes surprisingly straight and
strong for an old Land Rover, thanks to Richard Stolz. Drum handbrake
locks the transmission itself.
Clutch
During the full restoration by
Series Forever in 2022, the clutch was
replaced, including master cylinder. Ready for a few
decades of driving...
MFK StVA
Richard Stolz services the car and successfully takes the car
through the tough Swiss MOT, every 2 years.
