Description
1953 Land Rover Series 1 80” Restoration Project
I have available for sale my 2. 0 litre petrol vehicle as a viable restoration project for someone who can take it on.
I purchased the vehicle in 1997 in complete original, unmodified condition with a long-term view to restoring it. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, this is no longer possible under my ownership. I have decided that it is best sold on to someone with the means, facilities and ability to carry out the work.
Some Background
I purchased the vehicle complete along with a spare engine and gearbox. I have a current V5 registration document for the vehicle which matches the original registration number (HMO 591) and chassis number (36101744 also stamped onto the VIN plate). The engine number (245583 Serial No. S0037/ 20/ 40) stamped on a plate attached to the engine indicates that the engine is a period replacement Land Rover factory rebuilt 2. 0 litre unit. The original gearbox from the vehicle is stamped serial number 36104413.
The spare engine is stamped with serial number 16104388. This indicates that this is from a 1. 6 litre 1951 80” vehicle. The spare gearbox is stamped with serial number 26190687 and appears to be the matching gearbox for the spare engine.
I also have the original buff registration book dating from the original first registration of the vehicle on the 15th of January 1953. This spans the period from and 1953 to 1971 and carries the registration numbers quoted above and details changes of ownership for that period. I also have a later green registration book for the period 1971 to 1973.
The vehicle was eventually purchased in 1973 by an individual who relocated to North Wales and I ended up buying it for restoration in 1997.
The vehicle was placed in my garage in the village of Dwyran on Anglesey, where it remained for the next 15 years or so. As an aside, and which is kind of relevant to the history of the vehicle, the garage at my previous home is approximately half a mile as the crow flies from the graveyard of Llanfair y Cwmwd church. Anyone who knows the history of the Land Rover will appreciate this connection as Maurice Wilks is buried in this graveyard, as are my parents.
Following my relocating to the Llyn peninsula, the vehicle was stored in a barn until some two years ago when I began the process of eventually dismantling the vehicle with a final view to restoring it.
However, given the time and dedication required it has become evident to me that the work is beyond my means. As such, the vehicle is to be sold in its current condition as a complete project.
I have been advised by a friend who has completed several previous Land Rover restoration projects that the vehicle is generally whole and complete with most of the relevant parts being present, as can be seen from the photographs. The chassis, I am advised, is in good condition for its age but needs welding work. The bulkhead needs work, but again, seems to be good for its age and this is straightforward fold work not complex form work. The axles are in original condition. The condition of the engines and gearboxes is unknown, but they are complete and will require refurbishment.
The panels, wings, bonnet, doors, rear tub etc. are all in good, original condition and have attractive age relevant patina. As what is, basically, a relatively complete collection of original, increasingly rare, parts in kit form this is a valuable and good starting point for any restoration.
I orignally purchased the vehicle as some of my earliest memories of growing up on Anglesey revolve around Land Rovers.
Given the ownership detail provided on the original registration book, there is some relevant information contained within which can infer and attribute a somewhat interesting provenance to this vehicle. This will be of particular interest to those who follow horse racing.
It seems that the vehicle was originally purchased for use on a farm near Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire from 1953 to May 1959. On the 23rd of May 1959 the vehicle was sold to a Mr John Henry Kempton of Chatham Stables, Compton, Berkshire.
John Kempton was the trainer of the infamous Foinavon, the 100-1 winner of the 1967 Grand National steeplechase. This unlikely and astonishing win was the most extraordinary upset in the history of the Grand National and has become part of British sporting folklore. So much so, that a book has been written about it, I have a copy of this book and will provide it as part of the sale. John Kempton is noted as having settled at Chatham Stables, Compton and turned his hand to farriering as an attempt to make ends meet. He then then obtained a trainer’s licence and persuaded one of his farriering clients to buy two racehorses and began training in 1959 while continuing to operate his horse shoeing business. He also took out a jockey’s licence.
Given the timing of his purchase of this Land Rover, it seems that this would have been the very vehicle that he used in his pursuits at this time. Indeed, there is a picture in the book of local Compton children sat on the bonnet of a Land Rover celebrating the return of the victorious Foinavon to his Compton stable in 1967. Could this be the same vehicle?
I would love to see this vehicle being taken on and restored by someone who can provide the dedication required
