HIGHLIGHTS
- Ground up restoration completed in 2013
- Matching numbers engine and gearbox
- Presented in fine condition with seating for 7
- Rare Safari hood
THE APPEAL
The Land Rover is a vehicle that requires little introduction, thanks to its endearing popularity ever since the original Rover off-roader was launched in 1948. It was the brainchild of Maurice Wilks, who having owned an American built Jeep, realised there was no rival available for the British market. It was a gap in the market that he was determined to fill.
When the new off-roader debuted, it proved so popular that demand quickly outstripped supply and its success helped keep Rover afloat during the lean times of the 1950s. Nowadays the humble and rugged Land Rover is highly collectable thanks to its instantly recognisably shape, its simplicity, and a dash of its plucky British spirit.
The Land Rover on sale here with Car and Classic is a 1955 Series 1 Station Wagon example that has benefited from a ground up restoration carried out over a 10 year period.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5C Registration document in owners name
- First registered on the 24th June 1955
- The Land Rover comes with an original buff log book
- The current V5C shows 4 former keepers
- Odometer shows 76,775 miles
- The owner informs us it was originally sold by Caffyns of Maidstone
- The Land Rover was acquired by the current owner in 2003 and immediately embarked on a strip down restoration, which was completed in 2013.
- The history file includes a large number of invoices which document all the parts acquired for the restoration
- Old polaroid photos in the history show the Series 1 when it was first acquired by the current owner and a nice selection of subsequent photos document its restoration
THE INTERIOR
- The interior of the Series 1 Land Rover presents in very nice condition and it still has a fresh feel after its restoration
- The seats were retrimmed in the front and rear and these all present in very good condition and have had very little use since the restoration was completed
- The headliner for the Safari top was also replaced and this is in very good condition as well
- The owner informs us that all the gauges work as they should
- They add that a heater is installed but it has not been plumbed in which is noted in one of the photos of the engine bay firewall
- There is a small area of paint peeling on the passenger bulkhead but it is relatively minor
THE EXTERIOR
- Today the Land Rover is presented in dark blue which gives it a Royal Navy type look
- The owner informs us that the Series 1 was originally green and it was decided to repaint it blue during the restoration
- It is said that the rare Safari top was taken off an actual former Royal Navy Land Rover
- The paint work on the Land Rover presents in nice condition with a few light scratches and chips here and there. The most notable are some chips on the front edge of the bonnet.
- There is some surface rust evident on one of the door hinge hangers on the drivers side
- The owner informs us that when the Land Rover was stripped down, the chassis was found to be in good shape and only required some minor repairs
- They go on to say that the body work was in good order with repairs need to just a couple of areas of the bulk head, the front floors and the top rail of the bulk head
- Underneath the Land Rover is in very clean condition and the owner tells us it has never been taken off road since they acquired it
THE MECHANICS
- 2.0 litre four cylinder engine which is mated to a 4 speed manual gearbox with synchro on 3rd and 4th gear
- The owner states that the Land Rover is matching numbers
- We can confirm the Land Rover started and idled nicely for the photo shoot with the signature sound of a Landy petrol engine
- The history file shows an extensive range of new parts acquired by the current owner
- Items of note are a new clutch, a rebuilt Zenith carburettor and a new distributor with electronic ignition
- The owner tells us the Land Rover was serviced last year and new spark plugs was also fitted
- The suspension was refreshed during the restoration which included rebuilding the swivel joints and the fitting of new wheel bearings
- The brake system was also gone through with new cylinders and shoes fitted
- The history file also shows that new tyres have been fitted which includes the hood mounted spare and a new exhaust was also installed
- In keeping with its off road credentials, the Land Rover has front locking hubs which the owner says work as they should
- A selection of spares come with the Land Rover which includes another gearbox, the original distributor, spare gaskets, a parts manual and a workshop manual, plus a full size car cover.
SUMMARY
The Land Rover has a special place in the hearts of many 4x4 fans, not just here in its homeland but also all around the world. The no frills and spartan principles of the original Series 1 are a far cry from the luxury 4x4’s built today and it is this simplicity and back to basics design that makes the original Land Rovers so appealing. This 1955 Land Rover Series 1 has clearly been looked after by its current owner and its restoration was a labour of love with no expense spared. It is also a very practical short wheelbase example with seating for 7 which makes it a brilliant runabout. This Series 1 Land Rover is on the button and is ready to hit the open trails with its new owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.