Highlights

Exceedingly early 80" Land Rover with lights behind the grille
Subject of a 10-year restoration with emphasis on originality and period correctness
Retains original chassis with stamped chassis number
Glorious time-earned patina preserved throughout
Rare power takeoff (PTO) unit and powered capstan winch fitted
Period-correct 1.6-litre engine rebuilt by Hamlins of Bridgwater
Voluntary MOT tested to 5th May 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

In 1947, on the sands of Red Wharf Bay on Anglesey, Rover chief designer Maurice Wilks traced a simple outline in the beach with a stick. Inspired by the war-surplus Jeep he used on his farm, that sketch became a rugged, British-built, four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, and by 1948 the Land Rover was born. Intended only as a stopgap, it became the ancestor of every Defender, Discovery and Range Rover that followed.

Car & Classic is delighted to offer this exceedingly early 80"-wheelbase Land Rover, approximately the 8,000-9,000th Land Rover built according to the chassis number data. While it retains a beautiful time-earned patina, this Series I has undergone a 10-year restoration, during which the vendor prioritised originality and period correctness over all other considerations. The result is a Series 1 fitted with a range of rare, period-correct equipment that is seldom seen together on a single vehicle. The governor alone, which makes the rear pulley functional as originally intended, took six years to source. Combined with the capstan front winch, wire-top doors, period heater and correct lighting, this Land Rover has been assembled with a level of care and dedication that is immediately apparent to Lode Lane devotees.

Despite the attention given to its restoration, this Land Rover has also been regularly used and enjoyed, from family outings and dog walks to Land Rover rallies, exactly as its makers intended.

Key Information

Mileage: 85,473 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt; voluntary MOT to 5th May 2027 (no advisories)
Technical specs: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual, selectable low-range/4wd
Paperwork: Buff logbook, old MOT certificates, V5C, various invoices, historic photos & reference books

The Detail

Engine comprehensively rebuilt by Hamlins of Bridgwater at a cost of approximately £4,000
New hood and rear bulkhead canvas supplied by Exmoor Trim
Complete set of period wire-top doors included with the sale
Period-correct capstan front winch fitted
Period-correct PTO-driven rear pulley fitted; complete with governor, correct linkages and throttle, making the rear pulley fully usable
Free-wheeling front hubs
Correct period Clayten heater fitted
Period map light fitted
Rear tub LED downlighting installed
Kingstone tyres fitted
Finished in dark green over Limestone wheels; richly patinated
Original chassis retained, presenting very well for its age (see gallery)
The vendor states the vehicle has been used for family outings and has attended various Land Rover rallies and events

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.