Land Rover S1

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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. 1954 saw a big change as the 80-inch was replaced by an 86-inch, and a 107-inch pick up version was also introduced.

First registered in Kent in November 1957, this petrol-engined Series One Land Rover has been in the current ownership for the last eight years with only four other keepers previously. Said to run and drive well, it has been subject to much recent work including re-wiring, chassis treatment and repairs, a new exhaust, new canvas hood and the wheels resprayed. A small box of sundry spares is included in the sale along with an owner’s handbook. Perfectly usable as it is, it could be improved over time if desired.