1956 Land Rover Series 1
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Highlights
- Mechanically overhauled by the previous owner
- Recent bodywork and Bronze Green paint
- Drives well, with low range and selectable 4-wheel drive in good order
The Appeal
When it comes to traversing challenging terrain, there really is no substitute for lightless, skinny tyres and 4-wheel drive. Despite having been designed nearly 75 years ago, the remarkable Series 1 Land Rover can still hold its own against the current crop of high-tech offroad vehicles.
This 1956 right-hand drive example now resides in France and has been subject to some recent work to its robust drivetrain and utilitarian bodywork. We understand that steering, clutch and brakes have all been renewed, meaning this little Land Rover drives really well.
A Series Land Rover is a vehicle that every car enthusiast has to experience at some point, so if it’s your time to scratch that itch, we think this would be a nice example to consider. We are informed that the folding windscreen mechanism is new.
The History and Paperwork
- Believed to have been supplied new to Scotland in 1956
- Exported to Germany during the 1980s
- Now resides in France, where it moved to in June 2022
- Mechanical overhaul and some bodywork restoration completed by the previous owner
- Accompanied by some paperwork, detailing aspects of its history
The Interior
- 3-abreast front seating
- New heater mechanism
- Wooden duckboard flooring
Inside, this Series 1 is true to its utilitarian roots. There isn’t an inch of carpeting, leather or burr walnut to be seen - they really are unashamedly spartan and we love them all the more for it.
This example’s steel bulkhead and aluminium seat box have clearly had paintwork in the past, some of which was likely accomplished with a brush. The bulkhead, dashboard and footwells look to be in good condition, having received some remedial fabrication work in the past.
The centrally mounted instruments wear a light patina and are clear and legible. We understand that the odometer is faulty but everything else functions quite well.
The iconic red and yellow lever to operate the low range and 4-wheel drive system function well. We do notice that the rubber gator for these and the handbrake are split and need replacing.
The seats have been replaced with period correct items at some point in the not so distant past and present very well. This example features novel 3-abreast front seating and rear benches.
The Exterior
- French specification yellow headlights
- Refreshed paint and bodywork
- Structurally sound chassis
On the outside, this Series 1 wears evidence of its previous battle scars proudly, as is always the case with Land Rovers. The aluminium alloy bodywork is remarkably straight for one of these and has recently had some repair and paint according to the vendor.
The paint finish is a little mottled in places and there are numerous small imperfections, but this really does not detract from the charming overall appearance of this Land Rover.
The canvas roof tilt is fairly new and the car is supplied with removable door tops (and indeed doors).
The chassis has received some work in the past and has been repainted black, looks to be in really good order, with only a few spots of surface corrosion in places. The leaf springs look to be in good order, as do the track rods and prop shafts.
The Land Rover sits upon steel wheels which are finished in body colour. The all-terrain tyres are reportedly in good order, but do have a little cracking starting to appear in places.
When the vendor acquired the car, it had aftermarket rear lights. They subsequently fitted period-correct stop lamps and used the registration plate and an ‘F’ French badge to cover the holes in the aluminium rear tub.
You will note that one of the windscreen wipers is missing, although this will apparently be replaced by the vendor prior to collection by the next owner.
Some of the galvanised elements such as the windscreen frame and rear cappings have now been painted over. These could be removed and re- galvanised quite easily by the next owner if they wish to achieve a more original appearance.
The Mechanics
- Functioning low range and 4x4 system
- New clutch
- Rebuilt brakes
The vendor informs us that prior to their ownership, this Land Rover received some mechanical work. The engine was removed and a replacement clutch was fitted. The brakes were also carefully gone through and now the car performs well.
The 2-litre inline four engine is apparently very smooth and allows the car to trundle along happily at 45-50 mph. The selectable low range and 4-wheel drive systems work exactly as Land Rover intended, with no untoward noises that shouldn’t be there.
It accelerates through the gears well and you can impress passengers with double-declutching in second and first!
Summary
A splendid example of the original go anywhere vehicle, this Series 1 Land Rover is not one to be missed.
With recent expenditure on the mechanicals and bodywork, we can think of few cars that are quite so fun to bimble about in as this.
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.*
Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1956
- Make Land Rover
- Model Series 1
- Colour Green
- Odometer 62,279 Miles
- Engine size 1998
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bretagne
- Country France
12
bids
from 7
bidders
- An•••• €21,000 04/10/22
- al•••• €18,000 04/10/22
- An•••• €16,500 04/10/22
- co•••• €12,500 04/10/22
- sp•••• €11,000 04/10/22
- co•••• €10,000 03/10/22
- Gr•••• €9,500 03/10/22
- co•••• €9,000 30/09/22
- Gr•••• €7,100 29/09/22
- ge•••• €5,100 29/09/22
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