Believed to have been first registered to the Secretary of State
The Appeal
The Land Rover is one of the cars that put British motoring on the global map. It’s known by young and old the world over and because of minimal styling changes over the near 70 years of its production, it is instantly recognisable in any of its guises.
The Series I was a concept born in the lean, post-war years in Britain. The Company, still known as Rover at the time had to adapt their pre-war business model of building luxury vehicles as the demand had all but dried up. With damaged factories and little money, they looked for a way to provide a suitable vehicle that would have potential for the farming and agricultural sector. The odds against them, Rover built a vehicle that would have global impact and the predecessors of which are still built today. If the Land Rover doesn’t encapsulate British pluck and spirit, we don’t know what does.
This Series I has been lovingly cared for and presents in amazing condition.
The Land Rover comes with a few bits of paperwork, a handwritten note claiming the car had been registered to the Secretary of State, a V5C, an old registration book (seemingly showing that the Land Rover was in the Civil Defence Tax Class) and some miscellaneous invoices.
Steering wheel, switches, and levers all in fantastic condition
We have reason to believe this Land Rover has been recently treated to a comprehensive re-commission and judging by the near pristine interior, it would be hard to argue. Up front, there are three seats in series, all trimmed in green leather to match the body colour. They don’t seem to have had much use from the looks of the photos, with the lack of any discernible wear or even creasing, they remain in near newly refurbished condition. A comfortable (as far as comfort goes in a Land Rover) place to enjoy the condition of the rest of the interior then.
The dashboard is utilitarian as is much of the rest of the vehicle, with just two instruments with which to keep an eye on the inner workings. You’ve got the speedometer on one and an ammeter and fuel gauge on the other with the main beam indicator. The black faced instruments are bevelled with a gold ring which provides wonderful contrast to the green body colour.
The rest of the metalwork inside the cabin is in great condition with little to note in the way of scratches, dents, or anything obvious to be concerned with. All switches, dials and electrics are reported to be working as intended.
Paintwork in great condition with little to no chips, scratches, or dents
New fabric cover
Painted steel wheels in superb condition
This Series I really does make a fantastic case for itself; the exterior condition is done to a very high standard and welcomes closer scrutiny. The paintwork looks to be in great condition, and you’d be hard pushed to even find some stone chips on the front of the wings. It looks as though it has not long been out of the paint booth.
All around the exterior of the Land Rover is fresh and clean, the bodywork has clearly been lovingly kept to a high standard as these cars are not forgiving for any dents being so straight. All electrics are reported to be working around the exterior of the vehicle and the trim all-round the car is in great condition too.
Recommissioned and reported to be in fine working condition
Looking underneath the bonnet, the Land Rover’s 2 litre petrol engine shows to be in fine condition. It’s clear that there has been a high level of care and consideration taken under the bonnet from the condition of the components and the bodywork. The wiring, air ducting and piping all looks to be sealed and without any splitting and there are no signs of fluid leaks from what the photos show.
This Series I presents wonderfully inside, outside and underneath, we’d say it is in time warp condition after it’s recommission, but we’d imagine that this Series I is actually in better condition today than when it emerged from the factory in 1955.
This is a fantastic example from what we’ve seen and deserves to be looked after and enjoyed into the future.
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.
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1955 Land Rover Series I
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