I’ve lived and traveled in a 1986 Vanagon Syncro for more than a decade and will never get over the magic of adventuring in a classic. A veteran rig engages you in a way that a modern vehicle simply never will. Every drive transports you to a time when people were not consumed by their devices and instead were more present and curious about the world around them. Sure, old rigs have their caveats but these are arguably outweighed by their strengths. With this in mind cue today’s dreamy low mileage 1969 Land Rover Forward Control 2B (60,000-kilometers), which boasts a 300Tdi conversion and a plethora of desirable upgrades.
Overland vehicles don’t come much cooler than this and thanks to the engine swap it provides classic charm without potentially temperamental period mechanicals. Further still, fuel is generally your biggest outgoing when traveling in a vehicle, but thanks to the 300Tdi the seller reports an impressive 6-8 kilometers per liter (over 20 mpg) and a cruising speed of 60 mph. If you have any doubts on whether this vehicle is around the world ready then check out the adventures of Jan and Leoné Vorster of Overland with Dipli. Expedition Portal 4WD Senior Editor Graeme Bell interviewed the couple at Overland Expo and they revealed that as of 2019 they had traveled across six continents, passing through 111 countries, and covered a whopping 365,000 kilometers (much of which was in their iconic Forward Control). It’s worth noting that because of the engine conversion importing this vehicle could be problematic, but options are available and can be discussed with the seller. So if you’re in the market for a retro-modded expedition vehicle for around-the-world adventures look no further.
From the Seller:
“Meet Agnes, my 1969 Land Rover Forward Control 2B. It completed a return trip to Rwanda that was featured in SA4x4 Magazine. It has extremely low mileage and a new bulletproof 300Tdi engine. It has been stored indoors when out of use and has no rust. It boasts a thoughtful selection of parts and tools curated over my 5 years of ownership, which ensures the majority of possible breakdowns can be handled on the road. This is not far off a full onboard workshop; the buyer needs only to buy their own socket set, as I won’t part with mine, but the rest of the tools are married to Agnes. A full inventory can be shared with the buyer. I consider the vehicle to be 99% complete.
Is anything wrong/problematic? I lived in and used the vehicle around my neighbourhood, Knysna, South Africa, for 3 months very recently which allowed me to iron out any issues (wiper motor, dash light bulbs, loose dip-stick, and other small stuff). I consider the Land Rover to be in full working order without any problems. I would confidently start an overland journey as-is. The highlight for me when driving this vehicle is the joy it brings. The Forward Control turns heads in a big way, draws smiles, and looks of confusion, and makes crossing borders in Africa easier as the border police generally are fascinated. I am now working abroad for the foreseeable future and won’t have the time to use the vehicle, so I consider it wise to part at this stage.”
1969 Land Rover Forward Control 2B
Today’s Forward Control enjoys a 300Tdi engine conversion, which in stock configuration produces 111 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque (seller discloses over 600 miles of range thanks to twin fuel tanks). A dependable motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to a heavy-duty 4WD system, low range, center locking differential, ENV heavy-duty axles, recovery points, armor, and snorkel. Inside these rugged attributes are mated with a function first cab interior.
Distinguishing Features
- Land Rover 2B wheels with Michelin tires (6)
- ARB air compressor
- Engel fridge/freezer, 40 liters (2)
- House batteries 210-amp-hours total with 200-watts of solar and 1,000-watt sinewave inverter
- Bridging ladders, 5-ton (2), and sand ladders (2) – double as lockable security over windows
- Twin diesel tanks, 74 liters (2)
- Winch with 10-meter cable
- High lift jack with 4 customized secure lifting extension points at each wheel
- LED lighting (for driving, camp, and interior)
- Freshwater, 100 liters, with a multi-stage filtration system
- Outside hot shower and sink
- Kitchen with sink, gas stove, storage, and extraction fan
- Bluetooth sound system
- Fly screens on door and windows
- Camp chairs (4) and fold-out table
- Keyed alike padlocks on all accessories
This 1969 Land Rover Forward Control 2B is listed for $35,000 and is currently located in Knysna, South Africa. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: mitch@sohn.co.za
