The Land Rover is, put simply, a keystone in the UK’s automotive culture. These rugged, all-terrain, all-purpose off-roaders have come to be an icon - as legendary as the Mini and the E-Type. Their aluminium bodies and simple mechanics meant that, by 1992, Land Rover claimed that around 70% of the model was still in use.
This example is a great ambassador for that longevity. Built in 1955, this impressive Series One was placed into storage for some forty years, only to be recommissioned in 1997. In the process, its working patina has remained to create a highly evocative image of a bona-fide utility classic.
The History and Paperwork
Built in 1955 at Land Rover’s Solihull factory
First purchased in Cheltenham in the same year
The vehicle was placed into dry storage roughly for a few decades
It was retrieved and recommissioned in 1997, maintaining its period condition
The owner from 1997 used the vehicle largely as transport on Exmoor
It then changed hands in 2011
In current ownership since 2021
MOT exempt and last tested in 2012
The vehicle indicates 63,100 miles on a five-figure odometer
This is supported by the car’s history in storage
The car’s history file includes:
V5c document
An old blue V5c from 1997
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
A selection of invoices dating back for a few years
A Register of Vehicles from the Land Rover Series One booklet
Original auction booklet from 2011
A couple of old tax discs
The Interior
Rugged, highly original interior
Working patina throughout, maintained rather than restored
Floors look solid with no perforating corrosion anywhere we can discern
As a result you can expect some surface corrosion, though nothing severe
All original instruments with no reported faults
Seats were recovered in 2011 and are still in good order
The vehicle is carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
We also note the centre seat has a wicker basket, acting as a glove compartment
As expected for an austere utility vehicle, the only option is a (powerful!) heater
The steering wheel is string-wrapped and looks in excellent order
The rear bed is also careworn but still very solid and useable
The Exterior
Exceptional period aesthetic
Highly original with no cosmetic restoration
Fabulous patina throughout - best described as the car being in its ‘working clothes’
Some remedial paintwork that likely dates back sixty years is visible
As expected, the bodywork does have the occasional dent or ding
The signature ‘Pork Pie’ rear lamps are replicas and really suit the car
All glasswork and lenses in good order
Canvas top is reportedly still very waterproof
All branding appears present and correct
The car is sat on its original wheels, which are wearing Michelin tyres
Underneath, the car is carrying patina but no perforating corrosion
The Mechanics
Powered by a 1997cc petrol engine
4-speed manual transmission
Recent mechanical work includes:
Period-correct, refurbished carburettor
Reconditioned steering box
New wiring loom
New battery
New prop shafts
Full overhaul of brakes
New front springs
Conversion for unleaded petrol
New clutch
New water pump
New starter motor
New dynamo
New fuel tank
New electric fuel pump
New exhaust manifold and exhaust system
Rebuilt wheel hubs
…All of which has been catalogued in the car’s paperwork file
The car is in excellent order and running beautifully
The vendor notes that since overhaul the brakes are remarkably efficient
The car isn’t using any water or oil and is free of any major leaks, knocks, smoke or bangs
Vendor has ensured that the car has wanted for nothing and is ready to drive away
Summary
Carrying distinguished signs of its venerable years, this Land Rover is very much the Series One at its best - not as a glamorous, perfectly polished show car, but as a rugged, working vehicle that’s had plenty of rough-and-tumble in its life.
Mechanically perfect, and beautifully cosmetically imperfect, this is a solid, reliable and characterful Land Rover that’s bound to attract plenty of admiring glances.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1955 Land Rover Series 1
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