This 1969 Series IIA Land Rover was purchased new in 1969 in Seattle by former Royal Navy Flight Lieutenant Ian Black, from Caithness, Scotland. He flew Spitfires before becoming a doctor after WWII and taking a position as a "flying Doctor" in western Canada, Alaska and eventually the Vancouver / Seattle area. All four of his children learned to drive in this Landy - and the original "bumps and scars" from those adventures are still visible. It was put up for sale in 2023 and I purchased it in an online auction.

After speaking with the seller (Ian's daughter), I found out about his history and realized that this sturdy steed has been owned by only two people - and both were Naval Aviators (I flew S-3, A-4 and F-14 Tomcat aircraft off carriers). I drove it for a little over a year before committing it to a shop up in Seattle for a full "rejuvenation" (NOT restoration), upgrading the functionality and reliability of everything from the engine and drive-train to the electrical system, off-road features and cockpit comfort (which was NOT inexpensive) while maintaining as much of its original exterior patina as possible. It has recently passed 100,000 miles (I'm guessing for the first time) and has become a much-loved member of our family...