1957 Land Rover Series I 109
Highlights
- Dry climate import
- Right-hand-drive
- Fully known history
- Project for light recommissioning
The Appeal
One of the beauties of Land Rovers is that they’re loved (and used) all over the world – and the Series I was very much the pioneer of what went on to become the brand’s global domination of the utility 4x4 market.
Built by the Rover Company on similar principles to the US Jeep, intended initially for military and agricultural purposes, the Land Rover became an icon whose DNA still runs through the brand today, and is recognisable wherever you are in the world.
In the case of this example, that extends to even some of the more far-flung places – it returned to the UK last year, having spent most of its life in Botswana, where the arid climate means its remarkably solid and doesn’t appear to have ever been welded.
The vendor purchased the Land Rover in 2020 from the previous owner, who had owned it since 1982. Prior to that, it had been owned from new by the Botswanan government, having been originally dispatched to the High Commission in Salisbury, in the former Rhodesia, and put into service with the Bechuanaland border police.
It was certainly in government use when the territory gained independence as Botswana in 1966 and was released by auction – the original number plates are included with the vehicle. The last owner used it frequently and the vendor then used it himself for light duties on his family farm in Botswana, but brough the truck with him when he moved to the UK last year.
It has been in dry storage since and is completely and wholly original, other than being fitted with a lightweight tropical tilt on a new galvanised frame. It has had no restoration at all, and is presented ‘as is’ with an amazing patina of paint oxidised under the Kalahari sun.
The History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- All import duties completed and paid
- UK-registered with non-transferable registration
- Genuine mileage
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Heritage Certificate
- Original Botswanan number plates and licence disc
- Matching chassis, engine and axle numbers
The Condition
- Original green paint
- All original panels
- Never welded
- Tropical tilt with galvanised frame
- The rear tub has clearly had a long-range fuel tank or water tank fitted in the past and a side access filter hole has been cut in the bodywork – tank no longer fitted
- The front panels suffered hailstorm damage shortly after the vendor bought it, with pockmarks evident in the wing tops and roof
- The passenger windscreen is also hail damaged
- Front wings show the most wear and tear and they have been repaired in the past
- The interior paint is in good condition and the shovel seat backs are in reasonable condition
- Seat squabs are in used condition with some notable wear
- The interior is as spartan as when it left the factory in 1957
- Perspex windows are in poor condition, cracked and hazy from the sun
- Rare rear cab slider windows are complete
- The crank handle is located on the bulkhead behind the seats, still in its in original clips
- The truck is thought to still be on the same tyres it left service with in the early 1980s
- One tail light is damaged and both front side light lenses are missing
- New horn button required, as previous one was stolen
- Fitted from the factory with a single windscreen wiper in front of the driver’s screen only
- Remarkable, charming patina
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Brakes will require attention as vehicle hasn’t been used for a long time
- The engine runs and the transmission including transfer box works well
- The carburettor is not perfect – a brand new carb is included with the vehicle
- Huge project potential – one to be preserved and not over-restored
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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
Vehicle specification
- Year 1957
- Make Land Rover
- Model Series 1
- Colour Green
- Odometer 80,597 Miles
- Engine size 2000
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Bourne
- Location Lincolnshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
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The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
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