Land Rover S1 86

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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, then in plentiful war surplus supply, as was the green paint, the only colour available.

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.

This 86” Series I dates from early 1956 having been commissioned into the Signals Corps. Purchased by the vendor three years ago in good condition, he has further improved it, using it for very light duties around his hill-farm.

He describes the chassis and bulkhead as in good condition, the latter having recently had a small repair. New front springs and a replacement fuel tank have been also been fitted. Mechanically it is in fine fettle after a comprehensive engine rebuild by local Series I Land Rover specialist Colin Morgan of Felindre, the carburettor and distributor being reconditioned at the same time and a new exhuast fitted.

Wearing a recently acquired tilt for the summer months, the vendor has just had its hardtop refurbished and repainted which will be included in the sale along with the door tops which were removed for the summer.

The history file contains 17 old MOTs dating back to 1986, the vehicle having had its most recent service in late June 2014 at cost of £300. It will be driven 30 miles to the sale and is taxed until February 2014 and of course MOT exempt.

The vendor is reluctantly parting with it after all this work due to a reduction in garage space caused by an imminent house move.