Land Rover S1 86"

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Launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the first production Land Rovers used a 1600cc 50bhp engine mated to a 4-speed Rover P3 gearbox with a 2-speed transfer box added to double the available number of ratios.

Until 1951 it was only available with an 80-inch wheelbase and the comparatively weedy 1.6-litre petrol engine, a more lively 2-litre unit following in 1952. By 1954 the stumpy 80-inch chassis had been replaced by an altogether more useful 86-inch version and a long wheelbase 107-inch pick up was also introduced, adding much needed carrying capacity to this go-anywhere workhorse.

First registered in Oxfordshire in August 1954, this 86-inch petrol has had only three owners from new, the vendor acquiring it way back in 1983 from Land Rover specialist Glyn Lewis of Bodenham, Herefordshire. Used lightly but regularly over the next 25 years, it proved useful holiday transport, including trips to Scandinavia and France, becoming part of the family.

By 2007 it was beginning to show its age, so the vendor decided to treat it to a full restoration, initially sending it to a local restorer but when his work turned out to be not quite as good as desired, it was then sent to AllTrack 4x4 in Storridge to be properly finished off.

This included a new galvanised chassis; new bulkhead; all new suspension; new wiring loom; new clutch; new dynamo; new seat covers and canvas tilt plus a host of other parts, the final bill coming to some £11,000 not including the cost of the chassis. A good file of invoices and a CD of photos document the extent of the work carried out.

Since the restoration was completed in 2008, the Land Rover has barely been used, spending most of its time in storage, hence its inclusion in our sale today. As you can see it remains in very good order throughout and doubtless has another 60 years of loyal service ahead of it. It also retains its original registration number, HUD 167, which is transferable, not that you would though, would you?