Comprehensive chassis, bulkhead and mechanical rebuild
OHV 2.25-litre Rover 100 Series engine, as fitted to prototypes in period
Stunning patina to the bodywork
Early truck cab roof
BMIHT Heritage Certificate
Accompanied by a substantial history file and restoration record
Several discreet upgrades including conversion to Negative Earth, and Series IIA steering
The Appeal
The 1950s were a time of great experimentation at Rover HQ. Solihull's engineers were trying different wheelbase options for the Land Rover, having initially started with 80" between the wheel centres, later changing to 86", and finally settling on 88" for short-wheelbase models. They experimented with engines too, planning to do away with the 60 Series P4 2.0-litre sidevalve unit in place of an overhead valve 2.25-litre motor from the 100 Series. The new engine finally hit full-scale production during for the Series II, but some were fitted with earlier prototype engines. And that's exactly what has been done to this 1955 example, using reference photographs from 'VAC 265', from the Dunsfold Collection.
Outwardly, this 86" Series I bears the patina of its 70 years, but an inspection of the underside reveals it to have been subject to a significant rebuild. We wholeheartedly approve of this approach to restoration.
The vendor has provided a detailed account of all the work carried out, which forms the basis of the description below. The Land Rover comes with a substantial history file, is exempt from road tax and MOT, ready to enjoy.LandRoverSeriesI_86in_1955_RGX144-022.JPG6.62 MB
The History and Paperwork
UK RHD example issued by the Ministry of Supply
BMIHT confirms the chassis number matches the registration; chassis number correct but only partly discernible
rear axle casing replaced, but evidence of original available
Subject to a comprehensive restoration while preserving the patinated bodywork
Rear tub cleaned, base sealed (black WaxOyl), new rubbers with s/s spacers and refitted with UNF bolts
Tailgate refurbished with a mixture of welding/rivets
Bulkhead refurbished, “A” posts and feet rebuilt as required
Offside floor pan replaced, top rail replaced, steering column support rebuilt; all parts supplied by Radford’s, etch primed, undercoated, topcoated Tractol paint system
Seat box refitted with UNF bolts
Centre floor section (gear levers) Series 1 with oil filler hatch but cab floor modified similar to later three-piece design
New J clips and fasteners and new lever rubbers
Truck cab fitted with new seals, top windscreen to roof bracket/s scratch built. BSF bolts used
Rear sliding window scratch-built but using original channel top and bottom (with drains) with new felt seals
Spare wheel carrier modified to allow use of truck cab
Door bottom hinges bolts freed up cover/captive plates remade, (BSF bolts)
Door tops stripped and cleaned; one hinge bracket remade and sliding/fixed windows (Perspex) refitted to original specification, i.e. channels with inserted felt
New OEM seals fitted to door surrounds using inserted metal strips with semi tubular rivets
O/S wing refurbished to correct shape, and all front panels aligned to correct spacing and alignment
New set of OEM original style seats fitted
Period correct wing mirrors fitted
Handbrake "lock" fitted
Period correct jack included with remanufactured extension and original wooden handle; period style wheel brace, also original crank handle
2.25-litre Rover P4 100 series full OHV unit, very similar to all latter engines as fitted to Series II/IIA and III
Modifications to ensure correct fit, using Dunsfold Collection's similarly-engined chassis No 17661126 'VAC 265' as reference vehicle
Radiator - Bottom hose Series one radiator moved to opposite side; pressure tested
Series 2/2a bottom hose
N/S engine mount modified, all new engine/gearbox mounts
Air cleaner lowered to clear bonnet; hose rerouted using modern silicon hose
Inlet to carburettor modified
Crossmember modified to allow clearance.
Fuel lines changed to allow use of a mechanical lift pump
Throttle linkage rebuilt to suit carburettor on N/S
Alternative oil filter assembly fitted to clear front drive shaft (Series III)
Modified exhaust fitted, 2.25 diesel front pipe, 2/2a mid-section and original rear
Correct bell housing wading plug fitted
Rear engine oil seal and oil/filter changed, and new dip stick installed (calibrated to correct oil fill)
Refurbished water pump
Tappets checked and adjusted as required
Good second-hand clutch unit installed
Front and Back drive shafts overhauled
Oil change in all sections of transmission
Rear axle semi floating type bearing system overhauled fitting new seals/bearings as required
Special jig made to remove bearings in a controlled manor
Fuel tank cleaned and refitted. New pick-up gauze filter fitted New fuel gauge fitted with BA fixings
Chassis:
Two new chassis outriggers (front O/S) from Radford's
Rear crossmember outer inner plate only; red oxide primer then Chassis Black
New Metalastic bushes fitted
Axle straps replaced with new BSF bolts
New shock absorbers (lower plates with an unusual Nyloc fitment)
New OEM road springs all round
Steering:
Later recirculating ball steering box fitted from IIA; fully overhauled and new output shaft seal
Swivel hubs overhauled using good second-hand units, top and bottom swivels updated to latter taper bearing and Racol system
Wheel bearings cleaned and greased and all control rods overhauled
Steering relay overhauled, using the correctly machined original unit, housing in chassis replaced
Complete system set-up as per OEM recommendations
5 - 600 x 16 wheel rims shot blasted and powder coated (primer only)
New cross-ply tyres
Electrics:
Converted to Negative Earth, new battery and clamp
Wiring loom designed and built using traditional L/R wiring colours, allowing for the incorporation of fitted engine, indicators, four-way fuse box and various other modifications for convenience and safety
Column stalk installed incorporating indicators, headlamp dip and flash
Rear lamps not L/R correct but period correct, allowing fitting of indicators front lamps incorporating LED bulbs to allow a period look but allow amber indicators
Dynamo and control box retained. (new/refurbished)
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..
You have made an offer on this vehicle. Our team will be in contact when your offer has been reviewed
