Highlights
- Rare 'lights-behind-grille' 80" Series I
- Right-hand drive export model originally shipped to Australia
- Extremely rare original 80in hardtop, likely one of the first ever produced
- Desirable centre power take-off
- Preserved original patina with some factory Green paint still present
The Appeal
The Series I Land-Rover is the genesis of what would become a British automotive icon, with the earliest 80" wheelbase 'lights-behind-grille' examples from 1948-1950 being the most coveted by collectors. These cars are the purest expression of the Wilkes brothers' original concept, scribed in the sands of Red Wharf bay back in the late 1940s.
This right-hand drive 1950 example stands out for its remarkable originality and authentic patina, having benefited from the dry Australian climate, which preserved its original steel chassis - a rarity for these early models. Imported back to the UK in 2017, it has undergone a sympathetic "preservation" rather than restoration, maintaining its historical integrity while receiving mechanical refreshment to ensure reliable operation.
For the Land-Rover enthusiast, here we have an opportunity to acquire an exceptionally original early example with desirable features, including the extremely rare original 80" hardtop and centre power take-off.
This right-hand drive 1950 example stands out for its remarkable originality and authentic patina, having benefited from the dry Australian climate, which preserved its original steel chassis - a rarity for these early models. Imported back to the UK in 2017, it has undergone a sympathetic "preservation" rather than restoration, maintaining its historical integrity while receiving mechanical refreshment to ensure reliable operation.
For the Land-Rover enthusiast, here we have an opportunity to acquire an exceptionally original early example with desirable features, including the extremely rare original 80" hardtop and centre power take-off.
History and Paperwork
- Built on 22nd February 1950 as a right-hand drive export model for Australia
- Originally supplied through Grenville Motors Ltd in Australia
- Reimported to the UK in 2017 in weathered but fundamentally sound condition
- First registered in the UK in 2021: 'OXS 672'
- Exempt from MOT and road tax
- Passed MOT in 2020 with no advisories before receiving UK registration
- Comes with V5C registration document, import and registration paperwork
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate included
- Dating certificate from the Series One Club
- Shows 0 former UK registered keepers according to DVLA data
The Condition
- Extremely rare original 80" hardtop, believed to be one of the first ever produced
- Original steel chassis intact, preserved by the Australian climate
- Some original factory Green paint is still present with rich authentic patina
- "Birmabright" bodywork commendably straight considering its age
- Original spade-back front seats with new vinyl covers
- Partially rewired electrical system
- Fitted with LED side and tail lights that also function as indicators
- Desirable centre power take-off
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre spread-bore engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- High-and-low ratio four-wheel drive system
- Engine believed to have been installed in period
- Returned to running condition in 2020
- Engine and gearbox have received a full refresh as part of the aforementioned preservation work while maintaining the vehicle's originality
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