Beschreibung
This car is to be auctioned at 'Beaulieu, National Motor Museum'
From the first batch of military Land Rovers delivered Decommissioned and sold off for civilian use in 1963 Extensive restoration to original specification Many original components retained. Original engine, gearbox and axles
Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1, 595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance.
In May 1949 Rover received the first major order from the Ministry of Supply for 1, 878 Land Rovers for use by the British military. Production began in August 1949, with each vehicle being assigned a War Department registration number in the range beginning '00BC01' and ending '18BC78'. A 1950 model, the Land Rover offered here was completed in December 1949 as part of the aforementioned contract and registered as '12BC68'. The Land Rover served for a little over ten years before being decommissioned and sold off in 1963. Registered for civilian use in Birkenhead, it led a normal working life in that area for the next 20 years.
In the early 1980s the vehicle passed into the hands of a member of the Land Rover Series I Club as a good solid runabout, albeit brush-painted in brown and cream fence paint! Taken off the road in the late 1980s, it was subsequently treated to an extensive restoration to original specification. The chassis was shot blasted and repaired, the bodywork was repaired and renewed where required. All aluminium was chemically stripped. Mechanically the block was rebuilt, the cylinder head was acid cleaned and tested, new pistons and values were fitted along with cam shafts. The gearbox was acid cleaned, rebuilt with new seals and bearings and the clutch was renewed. A new fuel tank was installed along with pipes and fuel pump. The radiator was given a new core, and new hoses and clips were fitted. The brakes were renewed (girling) with new hoses and pipes. The steering was given new track rod ends, a refurbished steering relay, a refurbished steering box, steering wheel and chrome swivels.
Finished in the correct factory Bronze Green exterior colour and an interior re-trim in correct matching vinyl. The speedometer was changed as well (current odometer reading 00001 miles) and the restoration completed in 2020. This historic military 'Landie' retains many of its original components from 1949 and should be good for another 70 years. Offered with a V5C document. Rarely do such well restored examples come to Market.
AUCTION TIMES
Friday, 1st September, starting at 11:00 CEST
Please contact Bonhams directly to receive a condition report with the lot number/ s of interest by clicking 'Message the seller'
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please contact our Bids Department to register by clicking 'Message the seller'
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received in full. Collections must be arranged with Bonhams staff. All Buyers should contact Richard Stafford to give instruction, or to seek further information.
Indigo Blue European Limited - details above using the button below +44 (0) the details below
Motor Cars Removal and Storage of Vehicles Cars cannot be removed on Saturday 2 or Sunday 3 September. Cars may be removed on Monday 4 September up until midday once full payment has been received / entry fees having been settled and by liaising with the Motor Car Department directly in good time. If you are unable to collect your vehicle by the given time, Lots shall be removed by Indigo Blue to storage at the Buyer’s expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer’s risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of Sale. Cars under customs cannot be collected from the venue and can only be released once customs is cleared.
Transport and Shipping A representative of Indigo Blue, will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
AUCTION ADDRESS
National Motor Museum,
Beaulieu,
John Montagu Building,
Beaulieu,
Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN,
United Kingdom
