Description
Brief Description
This 1955 Land Rover Series 1 is quite possibly the highest-quality Land Rover restoration outside of the 'Reborn' project. It presents a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a concourse standard classic 4x4 which continues to rise in value.
Full Description
In the aftermath of World War Two, Rover chief engineer Maurice Wilks owned a ‘demobbed’ Jeep and was impressed with its abilities. Eventually it was worn out and, as there was no British replacement on the market, he decided to build his own. The Land Rover appeared in 1948 and proved so popular that demand massively outstripped supply. It went on to become an enduring success that helped keep the rest of Rover afloat during the 1950s. Now known as the Series 1 or S1, these early examples are enduring classics and continue to increase in value.
Few Land Rovers come on to the market with such well documented history, and in the immaculate condition of this example.
This Series I had been in the UK from 1955 until 2017 when it made the trip across to Jersey. Whilst it was in the UK it had only three registered owners, of whom only two actually drove the vehicle. The first owner kept 'UYA 712' from 1955 to 1960, and the second owner from 1960 to 1964 when the Land Rover passed to his widow, who dry stored the vehicle for some 40 years. It eventually saw the light of day again in 2015, and for the next two years it underwent a comprehensive nut and bold concourse restoration by its then owner who was an avid enthusiast with extensive knowledge of Land Rovers. The parts suppliers used during the restoration were the same as the manufacturer's own 'Land Rover Reborn' project, with the restoration invoices totalling over £20, 000.
As expected, the exterior of this Series 1 is immaculate and presented in its original specification. The chassis was sand blasted, galvanized and then finished in two-pack paint during the restoration. The bodywork is mostly original, with only some reproduction panels used where required. The result is an incredibly solid body and chassis which is future proofed for longevity. The body has been beautifully resprayed in deep bronze green and is equally impressive underneath.
The exterior is completed with the traditional canvas hood which is in brand new condition, and steel wheels which are also finished in the same deep bronze green. All four tyres are like new.
The impressive condition continues when moving inside, with the addition of new seats, floor mats and controls which are all in perfect working order. A new original-specification braided wiring loom has also been installed.
Moving into the rear and behind the front seats is the spare wheel, which is secured on top of new rubber matting. The box sections running along the inside of both rear wings are finished in the same body colour.
Under the bonnet is a traditional and rebuilt 2. 0 litre petrol engine which starts and runs perfectly. It delivers drive to all 4 wheels via a fully reconditioned 4-speed manual gearbox.
The sale of this Series 1 includes a leather box of invoices and history. This includes all the invoices from the restoration, local servicing and mechanical work and even an original logbook from 1956!
This 1955 Land Rover Series 1 is quite possibly the highest-quality Land Rover restoration outside of the 'Reborn' project. It presents a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a concours standard classic4x4 which continues to increase in value
