Land Rover Stage I V8 Prototype

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Anyone can own a Land Rover, but only one person can own The Oldest Running and Driving Stage 1 V8 Prototype in the World……it could be you. Put your hand up if you want it. (No, at the auction, silly.)

THP 74R is the last remaining survivor of around a dozen pre-production prototypes built in 1977, two years before production began in 1979. The odometer shows a scant 35,574 miles, which may be correct as the vehicle has been in long-term storage.

Following its recent re-emergence, the body has been removed and the chassis shot-blasted, repaired, and powder coated. The brakes have been overhauled with numerous new parts, new springs and shock absorbers have also been fitted. As you might expect, the bulkhead has also had some repair work and has been repainted.

The paintwork is original, but has been power-polished and waxed giving THP 74R a lived-in, battle-scarred look that you don’t get in a dealer’s showroom. The interior also sports the lived-in look, with the unique tunnel trim still intact.

The engine (serial number: LR8) has been checked over and electronic ignition fitted, otherwise the engine spec. is all original, although the Land Rover has received a new clutch, alternator, starter motor, exhaust and radiator. The wheels have all been shot-blasted, powder coated, and fitted with new tyres. New side steps and mud-flaps have been fitted and, to top it all off, there is a new Exmoor canvas tilt complete with side windows.

THP 47R has done no mileage since its re-vivification (just on and off the trailer) and will require a little tweaking here and de-snagging there before it heads off into the wider world. One thing is certain though, all the hard work has been done and the successful bidder will be rewarded with a practical load-lugger that is just a little different from the run-of-the-mill.