Highlights

Restored and well detailed 88in Series 1
Fitted with later 2.2L petrol engine and overdrive
Very smart example in classic dark green
Desirable later Series 1 with improved chassis
Good history file of regular maintenance
Recent full service

The Appeal

The offroad revolution began here. The original Land Rover was so innovative that the firm’s engineers continuously improved it in its early years as customer feedback flooded in.

The post-54 examples are particularly sought after as they group together a number of key improvements, including longer wheelbases and strengthened chassis. The 88" model was introduced in 1956, with further tweaks to the front chassis member.

This lovely 1956 88" example is classically finished in Deep Bronze Green. That appealing finish was applied during a comprehensive restoration over many years. The condition is impressive and the photographs are a neat reminder of the many original details that make these early models stand out.

It is a clever blend of originality and some choice upgrades drawn from later models. The engine is the later 2.2L petrol unit, better suited to modern traffic. The gearbox is equipped with an overdrive unit that delivers 11 gears across high and low ranges and, just like the engine, improves everyday usability. The axles and brakes are from a Series 2 Land Rover for similar reasons.

With its original aesthetics and uprated mechanicals, this Series 1 is both stylish and very usable.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 28th September 1956
Chassis number indicates this is a 1957 Model Year Home Market Series 1 vehicle
Seven registered keepers from new according to DVLA
HPI clear
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Reported to have been restored over several years
Previously recorded as blue which was re-registered green in September 1987
Engine number 25154381C according to V5C
Various old invoices and MOTs as shown in photos
Due to the 5 digit odometer buyers should not assume the displayed mileage is the total mileage
Recent full service

The Condition

Finished in factory colour of dark green
Paintwork has held up well following older restoration
Paintwork finished to a good standard with some points to note in photos
Some light marks and scuffs to paintwork shown in photo
There is also an area of microblistering to the bonnet as shown
Bodywork appears well presented with straight, well-fitting panels
There are some minor, small areas of bubbling to note such as to front wings
Body colour painted steel wheels in good order with matching spare
Fitted with quality Dunlop vintage off-road 16in tyres which show good general condition
Complementary green canvas roof and side cover for pick up in good overall condition
Roof shows some light marks due to storage as can be seen in photos
Exterior fittings including aluminium trim, lights and decals present well
Some light chips to note to painted front bumper
Fitted with a rear tow bar
Trio of individual grey vinyl front seats with green seatbelts in good condition
Original and largely unmodified dashboard and cabin with some auxiliary dials fitted
Pair of rear bench seats in black vinyl which are similarly well kept
Rubber floor mats to front and rear

The Mechanics

2,286cc Land Rover 4cyl petrol engine
Manual gearbox with 11 gears (including overdrive on 3rd and 4th)
Gearbox provided four forward speeds in each of high and low ranges plus overdrive
Fitted with Series 2 front and rear axles and brakes
No reported running or driving issues

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.