Highlights
- A supremely original and delightfully patinated example
- Highly desirable early 80” version
- Right-hand drive CKD export model, benefitting from a life spent in Australia’s dry climate
- Subject to a sympathetic restoration that commenced in June 2020
The Appeal
Proving highly successful from the outset, it soon became clear to the Rover Company that their cheap-to-build post-war stop-gap, alias the ‘Land Rover’, had enormous potential. Today, Land Rover is a huge global brand and it is all thanks to the humble Series I, which first rolled out of Rover’s Solihull plant in 1948.
Early Land Rovers remain immensely sought after amongst collectors and we’re delighted to offer one such 80” Series I which dates from 1952. Exported new to Australia in CKD form, this plucky little offroader was assembled and sold by Regent Motors in Melbourne, Victoria and doubtless spent many years working hard. Discovered in a derelict yet complete state a few years ago, it was then repatriated to Britain where the owner set about completing a sympathetic restoration. Now complete and ready to use, much of the Land Rover’s originality remains intact, largely thanks to a life spent in Australia’s arid climate.
For collectors seeking an early, unmodified 80” Series I, they don’t come much better than this!
The History and Paperwork
- 373 miles indicated (the odometer is a replacement item)
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust factory record copy confirms that this is a 1952 CKD exported new to Australia
- Assembled and sold by Regent Motors in Melbourne, Victoria
- Not driven for some years prior to discovery and restoration, judging by the condition of the engine and gearbox internals
- The factory record copy does not display the original engine and gearbox numbers, although the drivetrain found in the car (and restored) is period correct and we understand that the numbers match
- V5C present
- Copy of an original instruction manual
- Large collection of invoices amassed during the restoration
- An MOT test was voluntarily conducted post-restoration which recorded no advisories, although it has not since been tested due to its age-related exemption
- First UK registered in October 2020
- The restoration commenced in June 2020
- One previous UK keeper
- Owned by the vendor since July 2021
The Condition
- The original chassis was repaired in two places, wax injected and externally treated with ACF-50
- Much of the paintwork remains original and is therefore heavily patinated
- Some of the panels have now been discreetly strengthened to combat age-related wear
- The original bulkhead was deemed to be in excellent condition, cleaned and refitted
- The door seals and side windows were replaced as both were missing
- The wheels were stripped, checked and resprayed in Bronze Green
- 6.0 x 16 tyres fitted
- The four road wheels are dated correctly to the 1950s - the age of the spare is unknown
- An original Shelley jack has been added, as has a selection of old Whitworth spanners and tools in a canvas tool roll
- A starter handle is also included
- Original sealed beam headlights
- The rear lights were replaced as the originals were missing
- Discreet indicators now fitted
- The steering wheel is original to the car and still in good condition
- New canvas tilt and seats sourced from Exmoor Trim as these were missing
- Period-correct Clayton cabin heater fitted
- Replacement instruments
- Original horn button repaired and refitted
The Mechanics
- Mechanically restored and ready to drive with no apparent faults
- 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Selectable low range and four-wheel drive
- The engine had suffered from water damage, so was stripped and rebuilt
- The cylinders were previously bored +40 over size, so bigger piston rings were fitted during the rebuild to prevent oil burning
- New hardened exhaust valve seats for unleaded petrol
- Series One Club screw-on oil filter conversion
- Refurbished 1952 carburettor fitted
- New dynamo fitted
- Vehicle polarity changed to negative earth
- New Autosparks wiring loom (including HT leads)
- New brush springs and Bendix bush in the starter motor
- Period-correct replacement fuel pump
- Radiator record
- New core plugs
- The gearbox was found to be in poor internal condition and therefore the bearings were replaced along with the seals
- The transfer box was deemed in good order, cleaned and rebuilt
- A new clutch plate was fitted upon assembly
- Brand new braking system
- New front swivels
- Axles stripped and rebuilt with new seals
- Original differential cleaned and reused
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