Land Rover S1 80

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

One of the longest-running success stories in motoring history, the iconic Land Rover was designed by Maurice Wilks and launched to the world at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948. 

Until 1951 this ‘go anywhere’ marvel was only offered with an 80-inch wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine but a 2-litre unit was to follow in 1952. 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, all models sharing a sturdy box-section ladder-frame steel chassis.

According to a motor vehicle index from Hampshire County Council, HHO 305 was first registered to a Mrs AJ Arden of Petersfield on 5th August 1949 and was owned by her family until 1978. Ownership then transferred to a large country estate in Hampshire where it was to remain for the next 35 years although they never registered it for road use. When the owners died the estate was put up for sale and the vendor acquired the vehicle from the executors a few months ago.

Barn stored for many years, the vehicle is said to remain in remarkably sound and original condition throughout with no evidence of any previous restoration and an engine which still turns freely. It is believed to be complete apart from the speedo and the front grille mesh which are missing.

Given the way that values of Series One Land Rovers have soared in recent years with top examples fetching in excess of £30,000 at auction, this very early ‘lights behind the grille’ example should amply reward the sympathetic restoration that it now requires. Although it currently has no V5, the vendor has established that it can be re-registered on its original number with the DVLA.

PS: The last photo shows the vehicle as found in the Hampshire barn earlier this year.