Land Rover Series I 88" Petrol Truck-cab

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One of the most influential vehicle designs of all time, the go-anywhere Land Rover was to spawn a whole raft of imitators.

The rugged simplicity of the first Series I models, produced from 1948 to 1957 ensured that these early cars have survived in large number. Initially only available with an 80-inch wheelbase and a 50bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, later models got a 2-litre upgrade and an 86-inch wheelbase or 107-inch for the stretched pickup and Station Wagon versions.

For the 1956 Model Year, a 2-litre diesel engine option was offered which lengthened the chassis by a further 2-inches in order to accommodate the new unit. This longer chassis carried over to the petrol version and was to remain in production, virtually unchanged until the coil-sprung 90 made its debut in 1984.

This July 1956 example comes to us from Scotland, although it only moved there in 2014 having spent most of its life in the Swansea area. There are just two previous keepers showing on the V5 and we understand that it was given a thorough restoration in around 2012, its chassis being prepared and galvanised in the process.

Traces of red paint and an oil cooler gave credence to the rumour that it was built as a fire tender, but when the order was cancelled, was repainted traditional Bronze Green. We are advised that it retains its original engine.

Described by the vendor as “a ready starter and in regular use”, it comes with a number of bills and invoices for panels including a new tailgate and an electronic ignition system.

Fitted with a handy storage box on the back, this appealing late Series I, offers more capacity - both in the rear compartment and up front under the bonnet - compared with its earlier, more rudimentary siblings.

It is both tax and MOT exempt and will cost its new owner little more than £1 a week to insure!