The background of the iconic Land Rover is well documented. A blatant interpretation of the World War II Willys Jeep, the Land Rover was a peacetime utility vehicle targeted at farmers, foresters and landowners.

Being a 1952 model this Series I Land Rover sits at a pivotal time in the Land Rover’s long development cycle. 1952 was the first model year to feature a larger and more robust 1997cc petrol engine, a notable improvement over the previous 1.6L units. It was also a year before the wheelbase was extended to create the 86” vehicle. Many purists consider this vehicle’s configuration somewhat of a sweet spot providing a very compact footprint with a smooth and relatively powerful engine.

Considering its age, an amazing 70 years, this vehicle is a low owner example with a total of just 8 being now recorded. The authenticity certificate confirms that the vehicle was supplied new to a dealership in Newmarket, Suffolk in January 1952.

It is understood that the vehicle underwent a full restoration in 2017 and it is clear from some of the invoices on hand and the condition of the Land Rover that this was a thorough and professionally undertaken restoration.

The current owner bought the Land Rover in 2018 and is believed to have covered less than 1,000 miles in his ownership. The Land Rover has been garaged and used occasionally for short trips in and around Derbyshire during his tenure.

A current V5 is on hand for the Land Rover as is a Certified Copy of a Factory Record, as issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. There are also a number of bills and invoices for parts supplied and work undertaken across a number of owners.

The Series I is registered as Historic Vehicle and as such, we believe it to be tax and MOT exempt.

The interior of this Land Rover presents very well, and it walks an agreeable line between condition and character.

The extensive body-coloured sections of the cabin appear in very good, repainted condition and all period knobs, gauges, pedals, and information plates are present and in fine original fettle.

The rear cabin is similarly presented with the body-coloured floor and the tail gate and cabin sides appearing in undented and well painted condition. 

The photographs presented here give an indication of the condition and quality of the exterior. The restoration has succeeded where many fail. It has retained some of the gentle undulations of the Birmabright BB2 body panels acquired over its long life. However, the paintwork appears in very good and lustrous condition in all areas.

The canvas hood appears to be in great condition and will certainly do an excellent job of keeping the Land Rover dry as well as suppressing more noise than the aluminium hard tops do. The wheels, glass and galvanised trim pieces all appear in a good, original condition. The 600-16 CJ NATO tyres appear to have covered very few miles indeed and have significant levels of tread remaining.

The owner reports that the vehicle runs very well, and everything works as you would expect from a fully restored and recommissioned example.

All visible mechanicals, including the chassis and bulkhead, appeared to be in very good condition. See the photographs for full details and to appreciate the excellent overall condition of this 70-year-old utility vehicle.

It is rare to find an early Land Rover that has been so well restored, cared for and presented. Anyone familiar with this off-road icon will appreciate and understand the opportunity presented here to own an early and yet highly useable Land Rover Series I. 

This Series I Land Rover is ready to start, drive away and enjoy by its new owner. It also sits at an interesting juncture in the long life of this iconic British utility vehicle.