A charming Series I Land Rover in a very original and unmolested condition
From the last year of SI production and featuring the 2L diesel engine first seen in ‘57
Complete with sought after period touches like “cat-flap” rear door and “D-style” brake lights
The Appeal
The Land Rover is as an iconic motoring milestone as it is possible to be. With its inspiration taken from the Willys Jeep and its subsequent, dramatic worldwide success it has to be one of the most recognisable vehicles on the planet. That is especially true of the Series I iteration which was produced between 1948 and 1958.
This example hails from the last year of Series I production and features the more modern 2L diesel engine which was first introduced the year prior. Our example presents very well for a utility vehicle that’s well over 60 years old. With its Keswick Green and Limestone livery, 88” covered pickup configuration and three abreast seating, this is truly a late 50’s Land Rover from “central casting.”
The History & Paperwork
A UK supplied and specified right hand drive example
Built and dispatched from Solihull in November 1957
Despite this the fourth digit of the chassis number is an “8”
This designates the Land Rover as a 1958 model
The Land Rover was dispatched to dealers Macrea & Dick of Inverness
The original registration number it wears was issued in Inverness also
Due to minimal available paperwork, little is known of its subsequent life
In recent times the Land Rover has been used as a shoot vehicle on a private estate
It is now being sold due to the passing of its owner
The V5 for the Land Rover has been misplaced currently
A replacement document is currently awaited
A factory record Heritage Certificate is present and pictured for your review
The Condition
The Land Rover presents in the popular Keswick Green and Limestone livery
The Series is fitted with the hard top and van sides
The overall condition of the paint and bodywork looks to be very good
Inevitably for a 65-year-old Land Rover there is the odd appropriate ripple in evidence
The front profile of the Land Rover features the period correct inboard headlamps
These sit either side of the mesh grill and above the galvanised front bumper
This appears original, retaining its starting handle aperture
The steel wheels are finished in Keswick Green paintwork to match the body
These are fitted with a set of Avon off road tyres in the appropriate size and configuration
Large and practical rubber mud flaps are also fitted at the rear
The rear profile of the Land Rover reveals the sought-after “cat-flap” door configuration
An expensive and hard to find feature if it was to be retrofitted
Period correct Lucas “D-style” rear lamps are also evident
Another valuable and sought-after refinement for the Series I
A tow hitch paired with single electrics are also noted
The interior presents in a very tidy, highly original condition
The seating is courtesy of the familiar three-abreast configuration
The vinyl of the seats appears to be in an excellent overall condition
The seat backs fold for added utility and the bases lift to access storage and maintenance areas
The minimal instrumentation is placed centrally and features the familiar British Jaeger dials
The floors of the cab are finished in body coloured Birmabright
These are protected with open treaded rubber mats
The signature “goose neck” gear lever and four-wheel drive and low / high ratio levers are noted
Originality and utility are the watchwords for this Series interior
The rear cabin is accessed via the two-piece opening rear door
This area is presented in body coloured paintwork with a protective rubber mat to the floor
The spare wheel is mounted to the bulkhead
The overall condition of the rear cabin is very good for the Land Rover’s age
The Mechanics
This example is fitted with the 1957 onward, four-cylinder diesel engine
This unit is proven as a durable and reliable unit capable of high mileages
This is a two-litre unit with a more modern overhead valve layout
This unit was one of the first “high-speed” diesel engines developed for road use
Original output was around 52 bhp at a lofty (for a diesel) 4,000 rpm
This is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox
A high / low ratio transfer box is also fitted, and four-wheel drive is manually selectable
The engine bay looks highly original overall
The factory-fitted oil bath air filter is still present
The inner panels all look in fine shape as does what can be seen of the bulkhead
The underside of the Land Rover appears to have been well cared for
The all-important chassis rails and outriggers look to be well presented
The condition appears commensurate with regular protective treatments and attention
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
1958 Land Rover Series I 88”
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