1949 Land Rover Series 1 – Classified of the Week

There’s just something about a patinated Series 1 Land Rover that makes us go all googly-eyed here at Car & Classic. You can keep your fully restored, beautifully shiny examples thank you very much, we’ll take the bruised and battered farmyard veteran any day of the week. There’s nothing wrong with the show queens of course, each to their own, but for us, a Landy that looks like it’s done exactly what it was built to do and one that wears its heart and its scars proudly on its aluminium body panels is way more of a draw.

Don’t get us wrong, in this wonderful world of classics there are those that should be waxed, polished and pampered. Kept in their dry, climate controlled garages only to venture outside when the sun is shining with no chance of rain, but to keep a Series 1 in such a way is to completely miss the point. A bona fide workhorse, the Land Rover is what you use to tow your concours car to the show with. It’s the tool you employ to haul firewood from the barn to your Rayburn. It’s the toy to go green laning in, free from fear of dings and scratches, both of which will only add to the rich story of the vehicle in question.

Designed by Maurice Wilks the Series 1 Land Rover was conceived as a no nonsense, utilitarian, go anywhere and do anything kind of vehicle. Released in 1948 as Rover’s answer to post-war Britain’s need for transport, and taking inspiration from the Willys Jeep which had consummately proven itself during the war, the original Land Rover was designed to be a simple and rugged machine that could be built quickly and easily, mainly due to the ravages of global conflict and the detrimental effect that had caused to the availability and supply of materials as well as production capacity. This is why the first Land Rovers sport a simple ladder chassis and aluminium bodywork, but little did Rover know that the humble Land Rover would become something of a sensation in the automotive world, the influence of which can still be felt today, over 75 years later.

Imagine our delight then when this 1949 Series 1 popped up, in perfect rugged condition and ready to take offers. It’s an original UK right-hand drive example with lights behind the grill. It’s currently in pick-up spec for the true outdoors experience but it does come with side windows with brand new, sealed screens as well as a hood and hood hoops, although the roof isn’t in the best shape and will likely need to be replaced. Parts supply and support for these old tanks is second to none though so sourcing any new bits and bobs should be a doddle.

The great thing about this particular Series 1 is that you get the best of both worlds. And what we mean by that is not only does it look the part of a proper, salt of the earth Land Rover, complete with wonderfully charming patina, but it also has the mechanical integrity that you’d want from an automotive OAP.

You see, this Landy has undergone a sympathetic restoration that began in march 2018 with the engine, gearbox, transfer box and axles and hubs all being rebuilt, along with the chassis so you can be safe in the knowledge that the oily bits are up to par. Mechanically sound then all of the hard graft has been done, leaving you to simply enjoy it for what it is. Besides, even if anything does break, as long as you possess a basic set of tools and a give it a go attitude these cars are incredibly simple to work on and easy to fix, and let’s be honest, that’s all part of the appeal.

Park this next to a pristine Lambo, complete with dirt, faded paint and all, and we guarantee it will get just as many, if not more appreciative looks and nods of approval from passers by. All day long.