Nowadays, the streets are something of a wash with Land Rover Defenders. Certainly a more common sight than perhaps even Land Rover themselves expected, the Defender found a home not just in the farmyards of the UK, but on the more urban streets, and into the hands of those who appreciate the rugged simplistic style for what it is. The Series 1 land rover is really the genesis of all of this.
What started out as a simple agricultural vehicle to boost post war sales quickly morphed into one of the most popular vehicles of all time with a shape instantly recognisable the world over. The go anywhere rugged capability of the Series 1 Land Rover made it an absolute hit right from the start, several decades down the line and we still talk of it as one of the all time greats.
This 1957 88” Series 1 really is something special, no doubt already tugging at the heart strings of even the most devoted Land Rover enthusiast. With just two owners from new it has been subject to an extensive rebuild and presents in spectacularly original form with a glorious exterior patina.
Purchased by the current vendor from the original purchaser and owner in 2019
At this point the vehicle had been sat dormant in a field for around 15 years, so was stored and soaked in release oil before being subject to an extensive rebuild at the hands of the current vendor circa 2021
Dry stored since restoration
Accompanied by a selection of previous MOT certificates
Due to the Land Rover’s age, it is now classed as both tax and MOT exempt
V5 registration document also present
The Series 1 also proudly possess a British Motor Heritage certificate detailing some of the build specifications and dates of the vehicle
Finished in a wonderful dark green hue, perhaps the only suitable colour for a Series 1
The exterior presents with a brilliant level of patina to it, with 66 years worth of blemishes and marks telling stories and giving the little Land Rover a wonderful charm you simply cannot replicate
The vendor informs us that the exterior body panels have been were thoroughly cleaned and flattened off and then coated in a lacquer top coat to preserve the original paint
Canvas top roof which presents in great shape and can be removed for an open top driving experience if the next owner wishes to do so
Exterior trim and metal work are in good shape with a similar level of patina to the body panels
Four new original style wheels and tyres sit at all four corners with a fifth full size spare residing in the rear section of the vehicle
Fitted with a good quality 1.6 litre petrol engine, understood to be the original one fitted to the vehicle
After its 15 year hiatus in the original owner’s field, the Land Rover was soaked in release oil before being subject to an extensive mechanical refurbishment
In 2021 it was stripped to bare chassis so the rebuild could begin
Chassis was blasted and coated in chassis paint and then rebuilt
Mechanical parts were examined and either serviced and repaired where possible or replaced with high quality new parts to preserve as much originality as possible
New brakes and fuel lines have been fitted
Examination revealed that the only work required to the engine was to the inlet and exhaust valves which were as a result replaced
Engine presents well, in good original shape
The vendor informs that the Land Rover will start on the first push of the button comfortably and once warmed up with the choke off, it reverts to a near silent idle
All gears and the high and low 4 wheel drive are understood to be working correctly as well
This is a truly exceptional, good honest example of a Series 1 Land Rover, with its originality being the real stand out point to note. With just two owners since new, presenting with a lovely exterior patina, this must surely be one of the best and certainly most interesting Series 1s on the market today.
This is a good solid, well running example, worthy of a good home and regular use with a confident 66 more years of life left in it for a new loving owner.
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