Beschreibung
Offers invited. £5, 995
For sale! Barn find and a rare unmolested example. Genuine, original and complete very early production model 1952 Land Rover Series 1 Minerva with 80 inch chassis and bulkhead left hand drive. Original red military engine, the Land Rover Siamese bore 2 litre petrol engine with period correct air filter and carburettor.
Imported from Belgium tand first registered in the UK 1st January 2014. 2 owners, low mileage 14k kms / 8, 793 miles. MOT and TAX FREE.
This genuine and original early model production 1952 Land Rover Series 1 Minerva with chassis number 26630566 was the first 600 batch (chassis number 566) that Land Rover Solihull's possibly supplied incomplete and or a completely pre-assembled vehicles in 1952 then exported to Mortsel, Belgium to be then completed by Minerva company.
This historic Series 1, as per chassis number 26630566, was built from the latter part of 1951, until the summer of 1952. And as per records show, the dates recorded for complete CKD (complete knocked down) kits was from 12th September 1951 to 21st July 1952 where this 1952 model year production ran. 1, 895 Land Rover engines, bulkheads, chassis, axles and transmissions were built during these times for the Minerva company to be assembled in Mortsel, Belgium with full technical assistance from Land Rover.
As per minerva history “under the arrangement, land rover provided full technical assistance and completely knocked down (ckd) kits consisting of a chassis, bulkheads, engines, axles and transmissions and other parts to the minerva company in antwerp, belgium who would then build a steel body that met the requirements of the belgian army. Minerva lacked the ability to produce the curved wings, so minerva vehicles have a distinctive sloping wing shape all steel body work”; whereas our own land rover series 1’s are made from aluminium and has rounded front wings.
This 68 year old classic is indeed very rare, historic and unmolested Series 1 1952. It is up and running and unspoilt with only 14k kms genuine mileage/ 8, 793 miles. It has the original red military engine, the 2 litre Series One siamese bore petrol engine, complete with all original running gear. Starts on the button. Engine runs smoothly and gearbox sounds good. It runs and drives well, clutch engages all gears nicely. High and low gear also works accordingly. Very original and complete with correct air cleaner and carburettor. Just had new engine oil, new rear & front differential & also transfer box oil change. It had recent new brake pipes and braking system overhauled. The braking system generally is sharp and is in pretty good shape for the Series 1. It comes with its original solid chassis with recent rear cross-member replaced and beautifully repaired. Overall the condition of the chassis is very good considering it’s a 68 year old series 1.
It comes with 4 brand new 6. 50R 16 Michelin tyres and 1 brand new spare uniroyal tyres 6. 50r 16. They do indeed ride better with the extra weight being steel bodied compared to the aluminium body of the land rover series 1!
Solid bulkhead with small repairs needed. Back rub needs small repair due to wear and tear. Generally body is straight with small amount of rusts and holes noted but overall is in pretty good shape. I just simply love the green patina body colour appearance, previous small holes from repairs and battle scarred body panels as it adds character into the 68 year old classic Series 1. Will benefit from minimal repairs and welding on some parts, however, is not affecting overall body structure.
Over all this historic vehicle is all ready to go. All of the hard work has now been done. Great original interior, vintage seats and genuine and original military hoods x 2. The instruments panel, all the lights and switches work just the overall small finishing touches needed. The next owner could either have it finished simply as a Minerva or if one so wishes make a Land Rover Series 1 LHD 80 inch as many panels I believe are interchangeable with the original Land Rover Series 1. Or better still to completely restore to it’s former glory. The choice is yours!
Parts alone on this iconic classic vehicle, if I will break it, will yield more money for me but i’m not going to do that as I have just rescued this vehicle. I am a proud custodian of a historic and rare Series 1 in the form of Minerva. Majority of so called Land Rover enthusiasts takes Minerva for granted as they only see it as a not worthy “replica” of a Land Rover Series 1. However all of the original and most important parts of a Series Land Rover are all here completely intact! The DNA of this iconic vehicle is a Land Rover Series 1! Only major difference is the body shape!
Comes with complete panels, doors, sticks, genuine and original military hoods x 2, genuine military jerry can and rear jerry can holder, spare wheel bracket + spare with new tyre.
Vehicle’s registration is 246 UYE historic UK age related registration. The vehicle comes with its V5 logbook in my name. I am genuinely selling to restore another classic Land Rovers and Defenders. Like I have just said above, I am on a mission to save as much as possible classic Series Land Rovers and Defenders in its original state as possible to be enjoyed by others out there - not too expensive and overly done!
I believe that this is the easiest and cheapest way into Land Rover Series 1 possession. So grab a chance to own a cheap, historic and most importantly running early model 1952 Land Rover Series 1 in the guise of Minerva. It’s indeed value for money. Definitely a much cheaper alternative than our very own Land Rover Series 1 which at the moment is absolutely overly priced due to its popularity and the increasing demand due to great investment opportunity. Even an incomplete Series 1 nowadays are being sold at a very ridiculous prices !
Accepts offers. And tyre kickers are all welcome! Come and kick the tyres as much as you want but the 1952 Land Rover Series 1 will not let you down! It has been here the last 68 years and surely it will outlived us all!!
Dry stored at the moment in a secure garage.
inspection / viewing welcome and encouraged. Cash payment on collection or via bank transfer. Series 1 won’t leave without cleared funds. To be collected from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Delivery can also be arranged as per prior agreement.
Any more photos or videos, please don’t hesitate to ask for them.
Thankful for looking.
