Highlights

• Rugged first-series Land Rover 
• Ex-barn find, recommissioned in 1997
• Never repainted and full of originality

The Appeal

This example is a great ambassador for that longevity. Built in 1955, this impressive Series One was placed into storage for some forty years, only to be recommissioned in 1997. In the process, its working patina has remained to create a highly evocative image of a bona-fide utility classic.

The History and Paperwork

• Built in 1955 at Land Rover’s Solihull factory
• First purchased in Cheltenham in the same year
• The vehicle was placed into dry storage roughly for a few decades
• It was retrieved and recommissioned in 1997, maintaining its period condition
• The owner from 1997 used the vehicle largely as transport on Exmoor
• It then changed hands in 2011
• In current ownership since 2021
• MOT exempt and last tested in 2012
• The vehicle indicates 63,100 miles on a five-figure odometer
• This is supported by the car’s history in storage
• The car’s history file includes:
  • V5c document
  • An old blue V5c from 1997
  • British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
  • A selection of invoices dating back for a few years
  • A Register of Vehicles from the Land Rover Series One booklet
  • Original auction booklet from 2011
  • A couple of old tax discs

The Interior

• Rugged, highly original interior
• Working patina throughout, maintained rather than restored
• Floors look solid with no perforating corrosion anywhere we can discern
• As a result you can expect some surface corrosion, though nothing severe
• All original instruments with no reported faults
• Seats were recovered in 2011 and are still in good order
• The vehicle is carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
• We also note the centre seat has a wicker basket, acting as a glove compartment
• As expected for an austere utility vehicle, the only option is a (powerful!) heater
• The steering wheel is string-wrapped and looks in excellent order
• The rear bed is also careworn but still very solid and useable 

The Exterior 

• Exceptional period aesthetic
• Highly original with no cosmetic restoration
• Fabulous patina throughout - best described as the car being in its ‘working clothes’
• Some remedial paintwork that likely dates back sixty years is visible
• As expected, the bodywork does have the occasional dent or ding
• The signature ‘Pork Pie’ rear lamps are replicas and really suit the car
• All glasswork and lenses in good order
• Canvas top is reportedly still very waterproof
• All branding appears present and correct
• The car is sat on its original wheels, which are wearing Michelin tyres
• Underneath, the car is carrying patina but no perforating corrosion

The Mechanics 

• Powered by a 1997cc petrol engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Recent mechanical work includes:
  • Period-correct, refurbished carburettor
  • Reconditioned steering box
  • New wiring loom
  • New battery
  • New prop shafts
  • Full overhaul of brakes
  • New front springs
  • Conversion for unleaded petrol
  • New clutch
  • New water pump
  • New starter motor
  • New dynamo
  • New fuel tank
  • New electric fuel pump
  • New exhaust manifold and exhaust system
  • Rebuilt wheel hubs
• …All of which has been catalogued in the car’s paperwork file
• The car is in excellent order and running beautifully
• The vendor notes that since overhaul the brakes are remarkably efficient
• The car isn’t using any water or oil and is free of any major leaks, knocks, smoke or bangs
• Vendor has ensured that the car has wanted for nothing and is ready to drive away

Summary