Full canvas tilt and poles available for £1,200 extra to a colour of your choosing!
THE APPEAL
After the end of World War Two, the Rover Company was chasing export sales as much as its rivals, as well as looking at areas in which it could develop its domestic sales success.
Maurice Wilks, Rover's chief designer came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural and utility vehicle, of a similar concept to the Willys Jeep used by American forces in the war, but with an emphasis on agricultural use. It would also be made of a new alloy composite developed by Rover and called ‘Birmabright’, which was an effective way of getting around the steel rationing that was in place straight after the war.
The original Land Rover made its debut at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show and was an instant hit, attracting orders from across the globe. Its simple utilitarian appeal and Meccano-like construction appealing to commercial customers from farmers to military.
This example is an ex-military vehicle, which the owner has completely rebuilt and has transformed He grew up working on Land Rovers in Kenya and has never stopped – he rebuilds several per year, each to an individual vision. external 1.JPG5.08 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Ex-MOD
Registered to military contract company
British Motor Heritage records
Old photographs
The Land Rover began its life as a Column Commander’s vehicle for the British Army, whose job it was to lay communications cables across strategic territories.
It was registered in 1955 to the Halesowen Engineering Company, which converted vehicles for military contracts.
It then passed through a succession of owners before being acquired by the vendor in 2018. He completely stripped and rebuilt the vehicle and although the focus was on it being structurally and mechanically perfect, he's been careful to preserve some of its patina as that – in his opinion - is a core part of its appeal.
There are a few bills and receipts supplied with the Land Rover including a selection from a well-known Series One specialist documenting many of the model specific parts that were required for its restoration.
In addition, there's a British Motor Heritage certificate confirming that the Land Rover was made in February 1955 and dispatched from the factory the following month. Also included are a selection of photographs of the Land Rover ‘as found’ and also during its restoration.
There really isn't much inside a Land Rover Series One, but what there is in this example is in very good order.
The front three seats have all been replaced by new ones in tan-coloured vinyl and look great, while otherwise it's just a painted dash and a few dials, plus red and yellow gear knobs. It is, however, in lovely condition. internal 1.JPG4.53 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Bronze Green
Original panels
Underside completely rebuilt
Canvas tilt available at extra cost
The vendor has rebuilt the truck from the ground up, stripping, blasting and repairing the chassis which is now in perfect condition. The chassis has been painted in gloss black and is completely free of rust, as is the front bulkhead.
The original body panels have been retained where possible so there are a few small imperfections on each, but this is primarily to add to the vehicle’s patina and prevent it from having an over-restored appearance. The paint is good all round, the bumpers and trim are in excellent order and the wheels have been refurbished and fitted with new tyres.
It’s as basic as a Land Rover can possibly get - even the doors are fully removable if you want to keep it simpler. However, if you do require a bit of weather protection then it can also be supplied with a full set of polls and a brand new canvas tilt, which the vendor will supply for £1,200. external 3.JPG5.08 MB
THE MECHANICS
2.0 valve-in-head engine
Dual range transmission
Engine rebuilt
Suspension, brakes and steering overhauled
Under the bonnet, you'll find the earlier two 2.0-litre valve-in-head engine that powered all Land Rovers up to 1956.
The engine is essentially the same as that in the Rover P4 saloon and is a reliable if somewhat slow and steady operator.
An engine rebuild was a significant part of this Land Rover’s restoration and the vendor has had it completely stripped and overhauled by a respected specialist. It starts and runs brilliantly.
Also carried out as part of the Land Rover’s rebuild were a thorough suspension and steering overhaul, so the truck has seen new springs, hubs, swivel joints and a complete brake refurbishment.
This is an extremely charming and appealing old Series 1.
It has been restored in such a way that the new owner will know that beneath the body it is essentially a new vehicle, but the upper body work his deliberately not been over-restored and the overall effect is wonderfully characterful.
A lovely old thing that is bound to be loved by its next owner.
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