Highlights

A commendably straight, original and delightfully patinated Series I
Retains a period-correct 2.0-litre petrol engine
Equipped with overdrive and free-wheeling front hubs
Canvas tilt in very good condition
Professionally checked over by Mike Harding Land Rovers, Bovey Tracey, Devon

The Appeal

A truly great car should be fun at 30 mph.

That’s the acid test for us. If you can’t enjoy your classic at the sort of speeds you’ll be averaging on Britain’s overcrowded road network, there’s frankly no point in having it. And few cars bring such a broad smile to our faces at 30 mph as a Series Land Rover. It’s at this leisurely pace where these cars are at their happiest as you bumble along a single-track lane, peering over the hedgerows from your upright driving position.

Every self-respecting petrolhead should own one at some point and if you’re yet to scratch that itch, we’re pleased to offer this splendid example.

This 1955 Series I is utterly charming and it’s in just the right condition to be enjoyed. Aficionados will note it’s the 86” variant which was built for less than two years during the period when Rover were fine-tuning the wheelbase. In mid-1956 they eventually settled on 88” - which they stuck with for the next three decades! This Land Rover also retains a 2.0-litre engine - when many have since had 2.25-litre engines swapped in from later models.

Delightfully patinated and resplendent in Limestone, one of the best Land Rover colours and a welcome antidote to green, this Series I is a very handsome machine. The canvas tilt makes it very versatile; a great car for summer and the fabric looks to be in very good condition.

The vendor has recently inherited the car and while there’s not a great deal known about it, an independent check-over by well-regarded specialists Mike Harding Land Rovers confirms it’s in good order. The vendor demonstrates that the engine ticks over smoothly and we understand it to be in good driving order.

The History and Paperwork

Judging by the DVLA records, the Land Rover appears to have been re-registered in 1998
One former registered keeper since 1998
Exempt from MOT and road tax
ULEZ compliant
Last (voluntary) MOT expired 11th June 2024 - (no advisories)
The vendor has recently inherited the car

The Condition

Smart-looking chassis with no signs of notable corrosion in the usual troublesome areas
The outriggers, dumb irons and rear crossmember appear in very sound order
Smart bulkhead with no obvious issues
Both footwells appear in solid order
Commendably straight ‘Birmabright” alloy bodywork
Lightly patinated Limestone paintwork
OEM steel wheels with Security tyres fitted - a similar tread to the period Avons
Canvas tilt in very smart order with no notable wear or any obvious signs of damage
All the galvanised cappings, accessories and front bumper look smart
Inside, the three-abreast front seats are just lightly worn, matching the patina of the rest of the vehicle
Rear seats fitted both sides - with desirable galvanised frames
Aftermarket seat base upholstery in the rear
Full-size spare wheel and starting handle loose within the rear compartment

The Mechanics

2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Selectable ow-range and flour-wheel drive via red and yellow levers
Free-wheeling front wheel hubs fitted
All presents well and looks to be very original under the bonnet
The vendor demonstrates that the engine starts readily and ticks over sweetly

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com