Highlights
- Highly original Series I Land Rover
- Early model with ‘ring pull’ transmission lock
- Extensive, sympathetic restoration from 2015
- Delightfully patinated
The Appeal
The Series I Land Rover gave birth not only to a brand, but also to a genre of vehicle, that is now synonymous with capability. When it was launched in 1948, the ‘Land-Rover’ gave many people motorised access to hard-to-reach places for the first time, and quickly became a cultural icon.
This very original and delightfully patinated 1949 example was purchased by the seller in September 2012 and was sympathetically restored from March 2015. This has involved the rebuilding of the engine, gearbox, transfer box, axles and hubs. The car was stripped and the chassis, which had previously been extensively welded, was completely rebuilt by a marque specialist. A new electrical system, including wiring loom, was installed.
The exterior, with the imperfections that are customary of Land Rovers, has been fitted with some very discreet indicators. The original fold-out trafficators are supplied, along with several boxes of rare original parts, spare doors and hood hoops. The car will be supplied with a spare set of side windows, and with new front driver and passenger side screens still in wrappers. The seller reports that the hood is in poor condition and will need to be replaced.
The interior is also highly original; of note are the early-type ‘ring pull’ to lock the transmission, and the indicator switch in the centre of the windscreen.
The seller states: “The car starts on the button and is great fun to use. More than £10,000 was spent on the rebuild and sourcing all the engine components. All the hard work is done!” The new owner of this lovely vehicle would only need to fit a new hood and conduct some cosmetic finishing to make its appearance fully match its charm and provenance.

Key Information
- Mileage: 45,179 miles (indicated; odometer replaced)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 1,595cc 50hp in-line 4-cylinder petrol, 4-speed manual
- Paperwork: V5C, plentiful invoices and receipts
The Detail
- Extensive restoration included rebuilt chassis
- Restoration also involved rebuild of all key powertrain components
- Restoration also included new electrical system
- Engine rebuilt alongside gearbox, transfer box, axles and hubs; the car was stripped and the chassis, which had previously been extensively welded, was completely rebuilt by a marque specialist
- Original fold-out trafficators supplied
- Car comes with several boxes of rare original parts
- Spare doors and hood hoops provided
- New, in-wrappers, front driver and passenger side screens supplied
- Hood reported to be in poor condition and in need of replacement
- Tyres show ample tread
- Rear ‘Land-Rover’ mud flaps
- Spare wheel present
- Towbar fitted
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