***Vendor suplied imagies***
HIGHLIGHTS
- Some restoration carried out
- Larger engine fitted
- Recent recommissioning carried out
THE APPEAL
This Land Rover 80 Series 1 is believed to have originally been used in the military before being purchased and registered in 1982.
Produced from Birmabright, the mixture of aluminium, magnesium and manganese created the robust and lightweight material used to create the body panels for the Land Rover, which are stronger than the aluminium on later models and more resistant to dents.
This particular vehicle has been given an upgraded engine at some point which the vendor's Land Rover specialist has given a recommissioning. The vehicle now runs as it should and is ready to be taken to the next level by a new custodian.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- UK Registered 1st June 1982 and manufactured 1952
- 1,000 miles since 2008
There is little in the way of history which comes with the Land Rover. The vendor has told us that it was in storage from approximately 2016 until he purchased it in April 2021.
After the purchase, the Series 1 was sent to a Land Rover specialist to carry out some of the necessary chassis repairs and other mechanical work to get the vehicle back up and running and capable of being used.
THE INTERIOR
- New seats
- Original instruments
- Original steering wheel
The interior is pretty much as you would expect for any Land Rover of this age, which has been left mainly untouched. However, you will notice the three seats have been replaced and are in excellent condition.
The steering wheel is in good condition with minimal age related wear. The dashboard has some paint flaking off, much like the rest of the vehicle. The instrument cluster is reported to have a working odometer with a reading of 9,563 miles. The vendor is unsure if the petrol gauge and volt gauge are working.
Electrically the lights are said to be working correctly, and the only thing reported not to work is one of the windscreen wiper motors.
The paint has worn or flaked off throughout the floor area, but there don't appear to be any areas of concern from what we can see, or from speaking to the vendor. In the rear, the spare wheel is mounted with a tyre with good tread, but would show some cracking once under load like the other tyres.
THE EXTERIOR
- Original condition
- Aluminium bulkhead
- Chassis repairs carried out
As you can see, the Land Rover 80 is very much in its original guise and hides nothing. Yes, there are some dings and dents here and there, particularly to the rear nearside quarter, which has a slight crease.
Some lights are not working, which is believed to be a wiring fault. There is some corrosion to the inner lenses on the headlights, but the sidelights, indicators and rear lights all look in good condition with no signs of splits or cracks. The windscreens look in good order with some minimal scratches, as expected from the age.
Looking at the sides, the doors do look to have come out of alignment slightly but could probably be adjusted to straighten them up a touch. There are no side windows present or a canvas cover and frame.
To the rear, the door is in good condition and aligns straight. There is some surface corrosion to the rear crossmember, and the electric socket for the towbar would need to be replaced. The wheels are the originals and have surface corrosion, and the tyres would need to be replaced as they have started to perish.
THE MECHANICS
- 2.6 litre 6 cylinder engine
- New radiator
- New waterpump
- New battery
- New clutch
This Series 1 has had the engine upgraded to a 2.6 six-cylinder taken from a Rover. It has been recommissioned by the vendor and his mechanic, who has fitted a new head gasket, waterpump, radiator, spark plugs, oil change and set up the carburettor, and there has also been a new fuel tank fitted.
The Land Rover is now said to run as it should with no untoward noises coming from the engine bay. It has had a new clutch fitted and is said to drive as it should, change gear nicely and stop as well as you would expect, as the brakes have been given an inspection and are working as they should. The next thing on the to-do list was going to be the suspension, but it is said to ride quite well even though it is a little tired.
To make the vehicle structurally sound, some welding has been carried out to the chassis, crossmembers and gearbox mount. However, we cannot comment if this is everything that was needed as the vendor’s local specialist carried out the work.
SUMMARY
Cosmetically the 1952 Land Rover 80 Series 1 requires some fettling to restore it to its former glory, or you could enjoy the charming patina look which is in keeping with the age of the vehicle and shows it had a life but is still capable of being used.
Mechanically the vehicle has been given a good overhaul and is now running nice and smoothly.
This would be an ideal vehicle for any 4x4 enthusiast to put their own stamp on a piece of British 4x4 history.
