A matching number Series I having undergone a full, professional restoration in 2020
In a highly desirable 2L petrol, 109 pickup configuration with original, rebuilt engine
A head turning example which is ready to use and enjoy immediately
The Appeal
The background of the iconic Land Rover is well documented. A very British interpretation of the World War II Willys Jeep, the Land Rover was a peacetime utility vehicle targeted at farmers, foresters and landowners. Thanks to its unmatched utility and simplicity, the Land Rover soon conquered the world becoming especially popular in some of the most inhospitable locations on earth.
Being a 1957 model this Series I Land Rover hails from a sweet spot in the Land Rover’s long development cycle. In 1952 the Series I inherited a larger and more robust 1997cc petrol engine, a notable improvement over the previous 1.6L units. This example boasts its original engine, now fully rebuilt, and a fully restored condition that is hard to fault.
The Series is documented as a factory RHD export model
By February 1957 the Series was on the way to Lusaka in Zambia
By 2019 the Land Rover was found languishing in a South African mine
The current owner acquired the Series at that stage
The Land Rover was then fully restored in 2019 and 2020
This restoration was undertaken by South African specialists Landy-Net
Once the restoration was complete the current owner re-imported the Land Rover
The Series was first registered in the UK in December 2022
The Land Rover is complete with a V5 in the name of the owner
This classifies the Pickup as an Historic Vehicle
As such it is considered MOT and VED exempt in the UK
Other paperwork includes a Heritage Certificate documenting the factory record
A number of invoices are also on hand detailing some of the diligent work undertaken
The Interior
The interior of the Land Rover retains excellent originality despite its restoration
In line with the Land Rover utility ethos, the interior is predominantly painted metal
Three abreast bench seating is a signature Land Rover feature
The Land Rover was originally conceived as a working vehicle for farmers and foresters and the interior of the Series I models befit that brief perfectly. More attention is given to ease of maintenance and component accessibility than to driver comfort. That, undoubtably, is a big part of the vehicle’s charm.
Much of this cabin is finished in easy to clean and maintain body-coloured painted metal. The seating accommodates three abreast when required courtesy of a full width bench seat. The backrest is formed from a single piece and finished in hardwearing brown vinyl. The seat base is formed from three individual, removable squabs. This allows them to be removed to access the storage and access lockers underneath.
In the Series I, the familiar white on black Jaeger gauges are located in a centrally mounted panel. These consist of a speedometer and dual-purpose fuel level and amperes monitoring gauge. The quirky dog-legged gear lever is mounted in front of these. This is shaped like this to provide some clearance if the centre seat is occupied. This accompanied by the four-wheel drive selector (yellow knob) and the transfer box lever (red knob). The original “banjo style” steering wheel is fitted.
This example benefits from door mounted storage hangers which provides useful accommodation for maps and the like. A pair of useful storage shelves either side of the instrument panel provide useful accommodation for your Carl Zeiss binoculars or similar.
The full and diligent restoration has included a full respray in the original grey livery
This is accompanied with numerous, fresh looking galvanised parts
A set of galvanised hood hoops are fitted ready for use if desired
As part of the 2020 professional restoration, the Series I has undergone a full and thorough respray in its original grey livery. As a result, the exterior condition of this example appears hard to fault. The finish appears appropriately smooth and thick with plenty of period Land Rover charm in evidence. This includes the grill mounted headlights, mesh grill, bonnet spare wheel mounting plate and spring loaded, external bonnet catches. The bodywork looks equally well presented with the notorious Land Rover panel gaps looking very good indeed.
The generous rear load bed is accessed via a drop-down door. The bed is protected by a hard-wearing rubber covering which is secured with full length polished alloy rub strips. A pair of storage lockers are set into the sides of the load area and a spare wheel and tyre is mounted to the cab bulkhead.
The Land Rover rolls on a set of 16-inch steel wheels. These are finished in body-coloured paint and appear to be in a fine, overall condition. These are shod with a matching set of Goodyear all terrain tyres. These date form 2020 and appear to have covered very few miles. h4a1XeS8syo4QfX9vvoihmjMCfWZbeqb7pQE2QOb.jpg1.53 MB
The Mechanics
This Series I is fitted with its original side valve 2L petrol engine
This has been diligently rebuilt with many new or NOS parts used
An electronic ignition has been fitted to aid reliability and drivability
The arrival of the 2L petrol engine in 1952 provided a useful improvement over the earlier 1.6L units. This Land Rover is known to retain its original engine making it a sought-after matching numbers example. Since 2020 the engine has been diligently rebuilt with NOS pistons and head utilised. The fitment of a modern electronic ignition has added an extra level of reliability and usability to the Land Rover. The gearbox has additionally been rebuilt and the accompanying invoices support some of the valuable work that has been recently undertaken.
The under-bonnet presentation of the Land Rover appears to be excellent. A number of new and uprated parts are in evidence but, despite this, the originality has been admirably retained. The underside of the Land Rover appears equally well presented with no corrosion, leaks or dents noted or reported.
As a result, the Land Rover is reported as running very well, starting quickly and reliably and stopping effectively. This is an example that is ready to use immediately and enjoy that unique Land Rover Series driving experience that so many adore.
The way in which the Series Land Rovers have consistently and steadily increased in value and desirability is a testament to the brilliance of the original design. Almost everyone the world over knows what a Land Rover is and the affection with which they are greeted is nearly universal. As a result, well restored and less commonly configured Series I Land Rovers continue to be desired and admired in equal measure.
This example has been expertly restored leaving nothing more needed before using and enjoying this example to the full. Aside from the diligent and thorough restoration, the matching number status and popular but rare pickup configuration is sure to catch the purist’s attention and interest.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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