Land Rover S1

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From a standing start in 1990, the Country Vehicles Department at Brightwells has gone on to establish itself as the largest weekly 4x4 auction in the whole of Europe, drawing vehicles and buyers from all over the UK and beyond.

It was only a matter of time before classic ‘Series’ Land Rovers began to make an appearance in our now virtually bi-monthly Classic Car auctions, and in each sale we usually get a good selection of mainly Series 1 machines as well as the odd newer Series example. From hedge find to concours queen, we have seen them all, so when a nicely original machine with good patina comes along we sit up and take notice.

Notable for its Warwickshire number plate, WUE 490 sports the classic UE designation harking back to the registrations worn by the early prototypes from the Land Rover Solihull works. Although it is not suggested that this is a works vehicle, from an enthusiast’s point of view it is a nice touch.

First registered in July 1957, WUE 490 has had only eight owners from new, the vendor purchasing it six months ago from a lady who had owned it for over 15 years and kept it in a dry barn. An 88” model, it shows an indicated 7,421 miles which in reality probably means 107,421 miles. Unlike most Land Rovers of this period it has not been butchered or modified and retains the correct 1997cc side valve engine, correct gearbox and running gear.

In fact it retains numerous interesting period items such as: the correct electrical fuel pump; a horn mounted on the underside of the bonnet; rare horn switch arm; working ‘round’ Smiths heater; Solex carburettor; glass Lucas side lights; Tex Magna indicator stalk; correct seats; road wheels fitted with period cross ply tyres (including the spare); tailgate chains with period covers; ‘Power Train’ freewheeling hubs and the correct front bumper.

Structurally the bulkhead is said by the vendor to be solid as is the chassis, although for the ‘rivet counters’ it does have a later rear cross member fitted. The panels have worn paintwork but the truck wears its working clothes with pride. The canvas tilt is sound if a little faded and it suits the original feel of the vehicle.

The engine is thought to have been rebuilt at some time although there is no paperwork to support this, but it does run sweetly, according to the vendor, with no ‘breathing’ or oil leaks.

Tax and MOT test exempt, it comes with a few old MOTs but very little other paperwork as the previous long-term lady owner was not overly concerned with such things, seeing it as a tool rather than a historic artefact. The V5C that states that its colour is grey as opposed to the green that it clearly is, although you can see evidence of grey where the paintwork has been chipped on the bulkhead.

Altogether a lovely, honest Series 1 Land Rover in just the shape we love to find them.