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Land Rover S1

Land Rover S1

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Land Rover S1Land Rover S1Land Rover S1Land Rover S1Land Rover S1
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Lot number 57
Hammer value £10,800
Description Land Rover S1
Registration MAO 639
Year 1953
Colour Green
Engine size 1,997 cc
Chassis No. 36102876

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

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. It was so basic that tops for the doors and its canvas or metal roof were optional extras. From 1952, engine capacity increased to 1997cc which although adding just 2bhp, gave bags more torque which really made the Land Rover come of age. The 80" carried on until 1954 when the longer wheelbase 86" came along with a bit extra carrying capacity.

This nicely patinated 1953 80” has had five owners since 1982. In 2010 it received a major brake overhaul along with a new fuel tank. At the same time the seats were replaced and a rare pickup cab fitted, although the vehicle retains the original fittings for a soft top which are included in the sale. The steering wheel has its correct centrally mounted dip-switch which has been reconditioned and there are six old MOTs on file along with a spare key. Its MAO registration number also remains transferable so if you see the Chairman...

Inexpensive to insure and MOT and road tax exempt, these early Land Rovers are extremely cheap to run. There is an amazing support network supplying spare parts – not that you are likely to need many, their overall simplicity and inherent quality ensuring that thousands upon thousands of these hardy workhorses still earn their living around the world, more than 60 years after they left the Solihull factory.  

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