Chassis number 161900006 - the 6th Series II 109" Station Wagon ever made and believed to be the earliest surviving UK market example
Equipped with free-wheeling front hubs and overdrive
Voluntarily MOT tested November 2023 with no advisories
Accompanied by several invoices for recent work
Upgraded interior with Exmoor Trim seats and three-point belts fitted
Comes with the original bench seats and brackets
Used very sparingly, formerly an estate vehicle in long-term dry-storage
Previously dry-stored and recommissioned by renowned specialists John Brown 4x4
The Appeal
Listen up, rivet counters!
This Land Rover is potentially the earliest UK market survivor of the Series II 109" Station Wagon.
Chassis number '161900006' denotes that it's the sixth example in this specification to leave the 1958 production line, making it a very significant car in Land Rover's history. It may well be the oldest surviving example.
It wasn't road registered until October 1977, and that's likely because it was either a Land Rover demonstrator or used for estate work. Either seems distinctly possible since this was such an early example, which may well have been used to sell subsequent iterations of the all-new David Bache-designed Series II in long-wheelbase four-door Station Wagon form.
This Land Rover is well-known to renowned specialists John Brown 4x4, who sold it firstly to someone hoping to use it for ferrying guests around their country hotel. John Brown stored the Series II for this customer in readiness for this purpose, but they ended up buying it back and recommissioning it for the road. That's when the vendor acquired, in 2021, covering minimal mileage since, yet ensuring any maintenance was attended to by marque specialists. Although not all of the original features are currently fitted to the car, the original seats are with it and are included in the sale.
We're informed that the Land Rover starts first time, every time, and drives very well indeed. It is naturally MOT exempt but for reassurance there was a recent MOT test in November 2023 that delivered no advisories. This Series II 109" is surely a must-have for Land Rover collectors.
History and Paperwork
Built in 1958, (1959 model year), first registered in October 1977
Chassis number 161900006 - the 6th 109 station wagon ever made
Chassis number on the original VIN plate matches the front chassis leg
1977 registration etched into glass windows
Potentially the earliest surviving home market Series II 109" Station Wagon on the road
Bought from John Brown 4x4 in 2021 with very limited use ever since
Some gaps in the known history available due to long periods in storage
Mileage on 12.7.2012: 3,592 miles
Mileage on 05.09.2013: 4,089 miles
Mileage on 04.11.2021: 4,183 miles
Odometer currently reads 4,213 miles
MOT ended November 2024
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
Various invoices and MOT certificates available
LED lights, seats, immobiliser, handbrake and WaxOyl
John Brown 4x4 sales listing accompanies the car (see gallery below) and is still viewable online
The Capstan winch is not original and will be removed prior to collection
The Capstan winch can be purchased by separate negotiation
Original seats removed but are included in the sale together with brackets
Bidders to note some photos were taken when bought from John Brown 4x4 to show the original layout of the seats that are all INCLUDED in the sale, with the mounting brackets. The vehicle could be re-instated in full with the original seats and the Exmoor seats - (3 of - driver, passenger and folding single seat in the boot)
The Condition
Original Limestone paint scheme and Safari roof
Lightly patinated through commensurate with the vehicle's originality, age and nature
Early style valance with twist style type vent hinges, original horn, denoting Series II manufacture
Original 'Deluxe' door cards
Original 'Deluxe' bench seat available with brackets which are included in sale
Currently fitted with modern, (comfy) Exmoor seats with headrests and three-point seat belts
Forward-facing rearmost Exmoor Trim seat also fitted
The original seats will also be included in the sale
Large, versatile luggage compartment
Original Limestone colour paintwork throughout
Added spotlights wired to work on full beam
Working side steps for all passengers, including the rear
Tropical roof, vents, and liner survive, though tired/original
Matching set of wheels and tyres fitted, including spare (removed from bonnet)
Later linked wipers fitted
Clayton round cabin heater with front screen demist
Aftermarket matting and carpeting fitted for sound deadening and comfort
The Mechanics
2,286 four-cylinder NA petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Free-wheeling front wheel hubs
Reportedly starts first time, every time and runs very well indeed with no overheating or other known issues apparent
Capstan winch will be removed prior to sale at seller's expense, but can remain if purchaser wants to acquire it separately
Work done includes professional renewal of new Britpart half shafts on rear axle
Undercarriage cleaned and professionally WaxOyled by John Brown 4x4
Little use since on dry or semi-dry days, no off-road use during current ownership
Half shafts professionally replaced to address play
BEFORE YOU BUY
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.
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