Land Rover S1

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From 1948 until 1951 the Land Rover was only available 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 early 1950, the headlights came out from behind the metal grille and by 1954 the wheelbase had been extended by a useful six inches. At the same time a 107-inch pickup version was also introduced. Power was increased, a new 2-litre ioe engine adding a welcome dose of extra torque and bhp without losing any of its charm. From 1957 wheelbases gained a further two inches.

Viewing this vehicle to take the photographs for the catalogue was a welcome trip down memory lane. Its home for the last 40 years or so has been on a rural Herefordshire farm where it has only been used for light domestic duties. This 1957 88-inch was purchased from the vendor’s cousin back in the late '70s, light damage from a minor under-bonnet fire was soon sorted and the vehicle put back on the road. It was given a brush-coat of beige paint to smarten things up and has barely been touched since.

The chassis appears sound and has been rust treated over the years although there are a few visible signs of repair as one would expect. More recently the vendor has attended to the bulkhead which is now back in solid and sound condition.

An MOT on file shows that in 1973 it had covered an indicated 21,000 miles. Although there is insufficient documentary evidence to confirm its total, the vendor sees no reason to believe that the current mileage of only 34,000 is not correct, having known the car for some time prior to his own long term ownership.  He describes it as a good, honest, usable machine.

Up until recently, these tough Series 1s were a common sight driving around our more rural counties. Most of them have now been hoovered up by enthusiasts so it is pleasing to find a proper working example, still in sound order after such a relatively easy life. Bidders are advised that the hammer price is subject to VAT.