Land Rover Series I 80-inch

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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.

The first notable change happened in early 1950 when the headlights moved from a position set behind the grille to protruding through.  Until 1951 this ‘go anywhere’ marvel was only available with an 80-inch wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a much improved 2-litre unit being installed from then on. A further update in 1954 saw the 80-inch replaced by a longer wheelbase 86-inch model and a 107-inch long wheelbase pick-up version added to the range, all models based on extended versions of the proven box-section ladder-frame steel chassis.

This 1953 model is in many ways the most appealing of them all, retaining the cute, short 80-inch wheelbase coupled with the more robust 2-litre engine. The vendor purchased it from a Monmouth farmer in 2002 and has driven it around 4,500 miles, on local journeys, the log-run and for odd-jobs about his farm.

Since acquiring the vehicle, he has undertaken regular restoration and improvement work. The front axle & swivel hubs have been completely rebuilt, along with new front springs, shock absorbers and a replacement wiring loom. The engine was a bit tired, so the vendor swapped it for a good one which is still in situ, the unit that was removed from the vehicle being sold alongside the car so the new owner can rebuild and reinstall it should they so wish. The rear springs were reset, the vendor advising us that while he has replaced most of the braking system over the period, they were the next item on his list for attention.

Described as a basically sound, genuine and usable 80-inch Series I, it has proved extremely reliable over the last 13 years and represents what must be one of the cheapest to run and useful classics on the road today.