Highlights
- Barn stored for 40 years, recommissioned in 1997
- Entirely original with working patina
- Service history supported by invoices
The Appeal
The Land Rover is, put simply, a keystone in the UK’s automotive culture. These rugged, all-terrain, all-purpose off-roaders have come to be an icon - as legendary and significant as the Mini and the E-Type. Their aluminium bodies and simple mechanics meant that, by 1992, Land Rover claimed that around 70% of the model was still in use.
This example is a great ambassador for that longevity. Built in 1955, this impressive Series One was placed into storage for some forty years, only to be recommissioned in 1997. In the process, its working patina has remained to create a highly evocative image of a bona-fide utility classic.
History and Paperwork
- Built in 1955 at Rover’s Solihull factory
- First purchased in Cheltenham in the same year
- The vehicle was placed into dry storage roughly for a few decades
- It was retrieved and recommissioned in 1997, maintaining its period condition
- The owner from 1997 used the vehicle largely as transport on Exmoor
- It then changed hands in 2011
- In previous ownership from 2021 until 2023 when it was acquired by the vendor
- MOT exempt and last tested in 2012
- Indicates 63,263 miles on a five-figure odometer, likely accurate, judging by the car’s history of being in storage for much of its life
The car’s history file includes:
- V5C document
- An old blue V5c from 1997
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
- A selection of invoices dating back for a few years
- A Register of Vehicles from the Land Rover Series One booklet
- Original auction booklet from 2011
- A couple of old tax discs
The Condition
- Working patina throughout; maintained, not restored
- Looks solid underneath with some surface corrosion
- Fabulous patina throughout - best described as the car being in its ‘working clothes’
- Some remedial paintwork that likely dates back sixty years is visible
- As expected, the bodywork does have the occasional dent or ding
- The signature ‘Pork Pie’ rear lamps are replicas and really suit the car
- All glasswork and lenses in good order
- Canvas top is reportedly still very waterproof
- All branding appears present and correct
- The car is sat on its original wheels, which are wearing Michelin tyres
- Rugged, highly original interior
- Working patina throughout, maintained rather than restored
- Floors look solid with no perforating corrosion anywhere we can discern
- As a result you can expect some surface corrosion, though nothing severe
- All original instruments with no reported faults
- Seats were recovered in 2011 and are still in good order
- The vehicle is carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
- We also note the centre seat has a wicker basket, acting as a glove compartment
- As expected for an austere utility vehicle, the only option is a (powerful!) heater
- The steering wheel is string-wrapped and looks in excellent order
- The rear load bed is also careworn but still very solid and useable
The Mechanics
- Correct 2.0-litre (1,997cc) four-cylinder petrol engine
- Four-speed manual transmission with selectable low-range and four-wheel-drive
- General maintenance carried out fairly regularly
- The Land Rover is reportedly in excellent order and running beautifully, isn’t using any water or oil and is free of any major leaks, knocks, smoke or bangs
Recent (documented) mechanical work includes:
- Period-correct, refurbished carburettor
- Reconditioned steering box
- New wiring loom
- New battery
- New prop shafts
- Full overhaul of brakes
- New front springs
- Conversion for unleaded petrol
- New clutch
- New water pump
- New starter motor
- New dynamo
- New fuel tank
- New electric fuel pump
- New exhaust manifold and exhaust system
- Rebuilt wheel hubs
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.
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