Highlights
- Restored and well detailed 88in Series 1
- Fitted with later 2.2L petrol engine and overdrive
- Very smart example in classic dark green
- Desirable later Series 1 with improved chassis
- Good history file of regular maintenance
- Recent full service
The Appeal
The offroad revolution began here. The original Land Rover was so innovative that the firm’s engineers continuously improved it in its early years as customer feedback flooded in.
The post-54 examples are particularly sought after as they group together a number of key improvements, including longer wheelbases and strengthened chassis. The 88" model was introduced in 1956, with further tweaks to the front chassis member.
This lovely 1956 88" example is classically finished in Deep Bronze Green. That appealing finish was applied during a comprehensive restoration over many years. The condition is impressive and the photographs are a neat reminder of the many original details that make these early models stand out.
It is a clever blend of originality and some choice upgrades drawn from later models. The engine is the later 2.2L petrol unit, better suited to modern traffic. The gearbox is equipped with an overdrive unit that delivers 11 gears across high and low ranges and, just like the engine, improves everyday usability. The axles and brakes are from a Series 2 Land Rover for similar reasons.
With its original aesthetics and uprated mechanicals, this Series 1 is both stylish and very usable.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 28th September 1956
- Chassis number indicates this is a 1957 Model Year Home Market Series 1 vehicle
- Seven registered keepers from new according to DVLA
- HPI clear
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Reported to have been restored over several years
- Previously recorded as blue which was re-registered green in September 1987
- Engine number 25154381C according to V5C
- Various old invoices and MOTs as shown in photos
- Due to the 5 digit odometer buyers should not assume the displayed mileage is the total mileage
- Recent full service
The Condition
- Finished in factory colour of dark green
- Paintwork has held up well following older restoration
- Paintwork finished to a good standard with some points to note in photos
- Some light marks and scuffs to paintwork shown in photo
- There is also an area of microblistering to the bonnet as shown
- Bodywork appears well presented with straight, well-fitting panels
- There are some minor, small areas of bubbling to note such as to front wings
- Body colour painted steel wheels in good order with matching spare
- Fitted with quality Dunlop vintage off-road 16in tyres which show good general condition
- Complementary green canvas roof and side cover for pick up in good overall condition
- Roof shows some light marks due to storage as can be seen in photos
- Exterior fittings including aluminium trim, lights and decals present well
- Some light chips to note to painted front bumper
- Fitted with a rear tow bar
- Trio of individual grey vinyl front seats with green seatbelts in good condition
- Original and largely unmodified dashboard and cabin with some auxiliary dials fitted
- Pair of rear bench seats in black vinyl which are similarly well kept
- Rubber floor mats to front and rear
The Mechanics
- 2,286cc Land Rover 4cyl petrol engine
- Manual gearbox with 11 gears (including overdrive on 3rd and 4th)
- Gearbox provided four forward speeds in each of high and low ranges plus overdrive
- Fitted with Series 2 front and rear axles and brakes
- No reported running or driving issues
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