1955 Land Rover Series I 86”

Highlights

A commendably straight, original and delightfully patinated Series I
Retains a period-correct 2.0-litre petrol engine
Equipped with overdrive and free-wheeling front hubs
Canvas tilt in very good condition
Professionally checked over by Mike Harding Land Rovers, Bovey Tracey, Devon

The Appeal

A truly great car should be fun at 30 mph.

That’s the acid test for us. If you can’t enjoy your classic at the sort of speeds you’ll be averaging on Britain’s overcrowded road network, there’s frankly no point in having it. And few cars bring such a broad smile to our faces at 30 mph as a Series Land Rover. It’s at this leisurely pace where these cars are at their happiest as you bumble along a single-track lane, peering over the hedgerows from your upright driving position.

Every self-respecting petrolhead should own one at some point and if you’re yet to scratch that itch, we’re pleased to offer this splendid example.

This 1955 Series I is utterly charming and it’s in just the right condition to be enjoyed. Aficionados will note it’s the 86” variant which was built for less than two years during the period when Rover were fine-tuning the wheelbase. In mid-1956 they eventually settled on 88” - which they stuck with for the next three decades! This Land Rover also retains a 2.0-litre engine - when many have since had 2.25-litre engines swapped in from later models.

Delightfully patinated and resplendent in Limestone, one of the best Land Rover colours and a welcome antidote to green, this Series I is a very handsome machine. The canvas tilt makes it very versatile; a great car for summer and the fabric looks to be in very good condition.

The vendor has recently inherited the car and while there’s not a great deal known about it, an independent check-over by well-regarded specialists Mike Harding Land Rovers confirms it’s in good order. The vendor demonstrates that the engine ticks over smoothly and we understand it to be in good driving order.

The History and Paperwork

Judging by the DVLA records, the Land Rover appears to have been re-registered in 1998
One former registered keeper since 1998
Exempt from MOT and road tax
ULEZ compliant
Last (voluntary) MOT expired 11th June 2024 - (no advisories)
The vendor has recently inherited the car

The Condition

Smart-looking chassis with no signs of notable corrosion in the usual troublesome areas
The outriggers, dumb irons and rear crossmember appear in very sound order
Smart bulkhead with no obvious issues
Both footwells appear in solid order
Commendably straight ‘Birmabright” alloy bodywork
Lightly patinated Limestone paintwork
OEM steel wheels with Security tyres fitted - a similar tread to the period Avons
Canvas tilt in very smart order with no notable wear or any obvious signs of damage
All the galvanised cappings, accessories and front bumper look smart
Inside, the three-abreast front seats are just lightly worn, matching the patina of the rest of the vehicle
Rear seats fitted both sides - with desirable galvanised frames
Aftermarket seat base upholstery in the rear
Full-size spare wheel and starting handle loose within the rear compartment

The Mechanics

2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Selectable ow-range and flour-wheel drive via red and yellow levers
Free-wheeling front wheel hubs fitted
All presents well and looks to be very original under the bonnet
The vendor demonstrates that the engine starts readily and ticks over sweetly

BEFORE YOU BUY

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