Highlights

Fully restored by a Land Rover specialist
Matching numbers: original engine, gearbox, and axles
Benefits from a life in Australia's dry climes from 1956-2016
Bare metal respray with many replacement panels
New wheels/tyres, seats, gear knobs, glass and Charles Worth refurbished steering wheel
Partial mechanical rebuild with all ancillaries renewed: new Autosparks wiring loom, new wheel bearings, brakes, swivel kits, prop shafts, carburettor/fuel pump and recorded radiator

The Appeal

Launched in the wake of the Second World War, Rover knew it wasn't just Britain that needed a simply, hard-working vehicle to aid economic recovery. Indeed, the vast majority of early Land Rovers were exported overseas, many going to Australia where their utilitarian nature was ideally suited to unforgiving terrain of the Outback.

This 1956 Land Rover Series I 88” was repatriated to the UK in 2016 following a life spent 'Down Under'. This was quite a fitting time for it to return, since this was the year production of the original Defender finally ended. Since landing back on British soil, the Land Rover has undergone an extensive professional restoration, and as you can see in the photographs, it now presents superbly. The vendor informs us that it remains matching numbers - quite the feat for a Land Rover of this vintage.

Whether you're a collector or are simply drawn to one of the smartest Series Is to hit the market in recent years, this 1956 example would be a fantastic candidate.

History and Paperwork

Right-hand drive example supplied new to Australia in 1956
Imported to the UK by a Land Rover specialist in 2016
Subsequently restored to a high standard
Photographic record of the restoration included in the gallery below
Restoration details reportedly available from the specialist who carried out the work
Limited paperwork accompanies the car due to specialist restoration
One former registered keeper since import
54,772 miles indicated

The Condition

The restored chassis has been refinished in black and presents very well with no signs of advancing corrosion
New wheels and tyres fitted
The front bulkhead presents well with no issues apparent in the photographs
Very straight alloy bodywork, incorporating several replacement panels
Bare metal respray carried out
Some patina retained in the load bed, with some dents to the rear bulkhead
All the galvanised elements look to have been refinished and appear very smart
New glass installed
Truck cab-type hard top fitted, complete with sliding rear window
New seats installed
Charles Worth refurbished steering wheel and new gear knobs (including for transfer levers)
We understand the cabin electrics and instrumentation to be in good working order

The Mechanics

2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with selectable low range and four-wheel drive
Original engine, gearbox, and axles with matching numbers
New Autosparks wiring loom installed
New prop shafts
Rear wheel bearings and brakes renewed
Front axle fitted with new swivel pin kits and brakes
Re-bushed pedal shaft
Radiator re-cored, and new carburettor and electric fuel pump fitted
All presents impeccably under the bonnet
We're informed that the Land Rover runs and drives very well

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.

✓ 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.

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