Highlights

Barn stored for 40 years, recommissioned in 1997
Entirely original with working patina
Service history supported by invoices

The Appeal

The Land Rover is, put simply, a keystone in the UK’s automotive culture. These rugged, all-terrain, all-purpose off-roaders have come to be an icon - as legendary and significant as the Mini and the E-Type. Their aluminium bodies and simple mechanics meant that, by 1992, Land Rover claimed that around 70% of the model was still in use.

This example is a great ambassador for that longevity. Built in 1955, this impressive Series One was placed into storage for some forty years, only to be recommissioned in 1997. In the process, its working patina has remained to create a highly evocative image of a bona-fide utility classic.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1955 at Rover’s Solihull factory
First purchased in Cheltenham in the same year
The vehicle was placed into dry storage roughly for a few decades
It was retrieved and recommissioned in 1997, maintaining its period condition
The owner from 1997 used the vehicle largely as transport on Exmoor
It then changed hands in 2011
In previous ownership from 2021 until 2023 when it was acquired by the vendor
MOT exempt and last tested in 2012
Indicates 63,263 miles on a five-figure odometer, likely accurate, judging by the car’s history of being in storage for much of its life

The car’s history file includes:

V5C document
An old blue V5c from 1997
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
A selection of invoices dating back for a few years
A Register of Vehicles from the Land Rover Series One booklet
Original auction booklet from 2011
A couple of old tax discs

The Condition

Working patina throughout; maintained, not restored
Looks solid underneath with some surface corrosion
Fabulous patina throughout - best described as the car being in its ‘working clothes’
Some remedial paintwork that likely dates back sixty years is visible
As expected, the bodywork does have the occasional dent or ding
The signature ‘Pork Pie’ rear lamps are replicas and really suit the car
All glasswork and lenses in good order
Canvas top is reportedly still very waterproof
All branding appears present and correct
The car is sat on its original wheels, which are wearing Michelin tyres
Rugged, highly original interior
Working patina throughout, maintained rather than restored
Floors look solid with no perforating corrosion anywhere we can discern
As a result you can expect some surface corrosion, though nothing severe
All original instruments with no reported faults
Seats were recovered in 2011 and are still in good order
The vehicle is carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
We also note the centre seat has a wicker basket, acting as a glove compartment
As expected for an austere utility vehicle, the only option is a (powerful!) heater
The steering wheel is string-wrapped and looks in excellent order
The rear load bed is also careworn but still very solid and useable

The Mechanics

Correct 2.0-litre (1,997cc) four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual transmission with selectable low-range and four-wheel-drive
General maintenance carried out fairly regularly
The Land Rover is reportedly in excellent order and running beautifully, isn’t using any water or oil and is free of any major leaks, knocks, smoke or bangs

Recent (documented) mechanical work includes:

Period-correct, refurbished carburettor
Reconditioned steering box
New wiring loom
New battery
New prop shafts
Full overhaul of brakes
New front springs
Conversion for unleaded petrol
New clutch
New water pump
New starter motor
New dynamo
New fuel tank
New electric fuel pump
New exhaust manifold and exhaust system
Rebuilt wheel hubs

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 fee. 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..