Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1955 Land Rover Series 1 107 inch
No Reserve
Registration No: RNX 15
Chassis No: 57200376
MOT: Exempt
An exciting recent barn-find in the same family ownership for over fifty years
Extremely solid example treated to chassis repairs some years previously
Just 53, 852 recorded and credible miles
Designed by Maurice Wilks in 1947, a Land-Rover rates highly on any list of the world's most significant vehicles, and the Series 1 variants are highly sought after due to it be considered that the purer - the better. A simple ladder frame chassis, steel bulkhead and rugged square-formed aluminium panels created a strong workhorse for light industrial, countryside and military use alike. In 1954, 86-inch and 107-inch wheelbases were introduced - the 107-inch being the first production long wheel base Land Rover, and later that year, the 'spread-bore' engine became standard, which offered better cooling between the cylinders. The 107" was replaced only two years later by the 109", which was necessary to accomodate the new Diesel engine.
Registered in 1955, chassis 57200376 retains its original registration number 'RNX 15' denoting that it came from the Warwickshire area, which is where it resides to this day. Understood to have been bought new by the vendor's father, the long-wheelbase Land Rover proved a fine workhorse during most of its life and was part of the family business being used to tow Avon river-based sight-seeing cruisers of some 30-40ft through Stratford-upon-Avon to the boat yard for repairs. As the 'Landy' aged, it was marked for preservation - the vendor's late father repainting the bodywork Grey and spending much time having the chassis repaired to a high standard some 20 years ago. Sat in dry storage in the boat yard that it served since, the pick-up is said to have been started on an annual basis and it is confirmed that it last ran in early 2024. The untimely passing of the vendor's father has meant this fabulous example is not getting the use it deserves so the vendor has chosen to find its second ever home.
A delightfully original example retaining features such as what are believed to be the original floor mats and seats, 'RNX 15' is to be sold in need of thorough recommissioning and is supplied complete with its V5C displaying 0 previous keepers, plus a layer of barn-dust that will make for an exciting first wash!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
