Land Rover Series I 86"

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Not all Land Rovers were destined to boldly go across uncharted wastes, and the MOD, in their wisdom, decided that four-wheel drive was not necessary for those used on aircraft carriers, air-fields or around army barracks. To this end, they specified a two-wheel drive Land Rover. It will not surprise you to know that these 4x2s cost more than the standard vehicle!

This is one such 4x2, first registered in June 1955 and built on an 86” chassis. And, in case you were wondering, it is rear-wheel drive. This one is fitted with a 3.9:1 diff which helps to keep the noise down when cruising in modern traffic and make it just that little bit more economical. It has a transfer box already fitted which would provide a lower ratio if required and – should you want to – it would not be too hard to convert to four-wheel drive. Mmm.

Our vendor undertook a three-year nut and bolt restoration to present the vehicle in military trim as he remembers from his Army service days in Aden (with the upholstery made for the Middle East). If it all seems a little brighter and shinier than your average civvy street Land Rover well, that’s the way it was. The Army did like their spit’n’polish and – remember – this was not a fighting vehicle, more CO’s company car.

This Land Rover is in exceptional condition and has only covered 2,000 miles since its rebuild – barely run-in. It certainly started easily and drove very smoothly and quietly when being manoeuvred for photographs. Its 3.9 diff makes it a very nice road-burner; what does it matter that it is only two-wheel drive – how many historic Land Rovers go off-road? And surely, being rarer, it’s worth more (it certainly cost the MOD more).