Highlights
- Chassis number 161900006 - the 6th Series II 109" Station Wagon ever made and believed to be the earliest surviving home market example
- Equipped with free-wheeling front hubs and overdrive
- Voluntarily MOT tested
- Accompanied by several invoices for recent work
- Upgraded interior with Exmoor Trim seats and three-point belts fitted
- Used very sparingly, formerly an estate vehicle in long-term dry-storage
- Previously offered for sale twice, 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 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.
We're informed that the Land Rover starts first time, every time, and drives very well indeed. It retains numerous original features, including some removed and available from the vendor via separate negotiation. Voluntarily MOT tested and ready to enjoy, this Series II 109" is surely a must-have for Land Rover collectors.
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 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.
We're informed that the Land Rover starts first time, every time, and drives very well indeed. It retains numerous original features, including some removed and available from the vendor via separate negotiation. Voluntarily MOT tested and ready to enjoy, 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 done in November 2023, passed with just one advisory for a wiper blade
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- various invoices and MOT certificates available for winch, LED lights, seats, immobiliser, handbrake and WaxOyl
- John Brown 4x4 sales listing accompanies the car (see gallery below) and is still viewable online
Bidders to note some photos were taken when bought from John Brown 4x4 to show the original layout of the seats that are all available by separate purchase with mounting brackets if required. 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) removed along with the capstan winch if not required or bought separately.
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' seats available with brackets by separate negotiation
- Currently fitted with modern, (comfy) Exmoor seats with headrests and three-point seat belts
- Forward-facing rearmost Exmoor Trim seat also fitted
- Large, versatile luggage compartment
- Original Limestone colour paintwork, not perfect 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
- Xlayton 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 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 due to slight play
- 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
BEFORE YOU BUY
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