Land Rover S1 80

Land Rovers have now become such a common sight on Britain's roads that it is hard to imagine life without them. 

However, the world had somehow struggled along without these go-anywhere marvels until Maurice Wilks had a bright idea in 1947. Taking a war surplus American Jeep as his inspiration, the Rover chief designer messed around with prototypes on his farm in Anglesey until he perfected the vehicle that was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948.

Then as now, a distinctive feature of the Land Rover was the bodywork, constructed of a lightweight alloy of aluminium and magnesium called Birmabright. Used solely due to post-war steel shortages and a plentiful supply of aircraft aluminium, it's resistance to corrosion was one of the key factors that earned the vehicle a legendary reputation for longevity in the toughest conditions. The early choice of colour was also dictated by circumstance – military surplus paint was the cheapest available, so it was a case of any colour you want, so long as it's green.

From 1948 until 1951 the Land Rover was only offered with an 80-inch wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine. So basic was it that tops for the doors and a roof (canvas or metal) were optional extras. In 1950, the lights moved from a position behind the grille to protruding through the grille. From 1952 the engine gained an extra 2bhp, however was a lot more torquey thanks to an increase to 1997cc. The 80" carried on until 1954 when the longer wheelbase 86" came along with its extra carrying capacity.

Dating from October 1951, this particular Land Rover 80" soft top may well have spent its first few years in the military, as an Experian check reveals that it was previously registered EEW 153C which is a number that would not have been issued until 1965.

As it happens there is very little history with the vehicle but the vendor considers it to be a particularly sound and original example that has clearly been cherished by previous owners who have named it 'Little Nellie'. The front seats have been retrimmed at some point and it also benefits from two bench seats in the back. A 2-litre petrol-engined model, it is said to run and drive well with reliable steering and brakes although it has only been lightly used on private land for the last few years, being last MOTd and on the road in 2007.