Highlights

Extensive ground up restoration completed in 2023
Retains its original matching-numbers 2.0-litre petrol engine and gearbox
Supported by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and approximately £40,000 in restoration receipts
UK home-market vehicle retaining its original registration number
Voluntarily passed an MOT with no advisories in 2023

The Appeal

The Series 1 86-inch is among the most collectible of all Land Rovers. Produced between 1953 and 1956, the 86-inch wheelbase variant represents a particularly sought-after chapter in the marque's history, and well-restored examples with genuine provenance are increasingly hard to find.

This example was built on 22 April 1955 and despatched four days later to Longton Garages Limited in Stoke-on-Trent. It is a right-hand drive, UK home-market vehicle that retains its original registration number and, crucially, its original matching-numbers 2.0-litre petrol engine and gearbox, a distinction the vendor notes is uncommon among surviving examples.

Purchased by the vendor in 2017 after spending over 40 years in a barn, it has since undergone a thorough ground up restoration using original OEM parts where possible and sheradised fasteners throughout. The scope of work was extensive, encompassing the engine, gearbox, chassis, bulkhead, axles, braking system, electrics, bodywork and interior. The restoration was completed in 2023, at which point the vehicle was voluntarily submitted for and passed an MOT with no advisories. It has only covered 71 miles since, and the vendor states the rebuild has been carried out to a very high standard.

Finished in factory Deep Bronze Green, this Series 1 offers a strong combination of originality and careful restoration.

Key Information

Mileage: 71 miles indicated, believed to be since restoration
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: voluntarily passed with no advisories in 2023; since expired but MOT-exempt as a pre-1977 vehicle
Technical specs: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, V5C, original registration book, approximately £40,000 in restoration invoices, collection of restoration photographs

The Detail

Professionally rebuilt original 2.0-litre petrol engine and ancillaries
Professionally rebuilt original gearbox with period-correct clutch
New hot-dipped galvanised chassis professionally built
New bulkhead fitted
Original axles rebuilt with professionally rebuilt differentials
Refurbished original prop shafts with new swivels and refurbished running gear
New brakes, shoes, wheel cylinders and cast iron drums
Original date-stamped radiator re-cored
All four springs professionally refurbished
New braided wiring loom and all-new electrics throughout
All original instrumentation refurbished
All bodywork and panels stripped, treated, primed and repainted in factory Deep Bronze Green
All aluminium components stripped, treated and repainted
All metalwork stripped and galvanised or painted
New seals fitted and riveted throughout
Original rear tub refurbished with new floor fitted
New tailgate fitted
New laminated windscreens
Original door tops fitted with new Perspex sliding windows
Original galvanised front grille and Land Rover badge retained
Original date-stamped 16-inch steel wheels stripped, treated and painted; spare wheel in the rear
New green vinyl Exmoor Trim seats front and rear
New beige Exmoor Trim hood
Original steering wheel refurbished and resin-coated

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.