Land Rover Series I 80-inch

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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.

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 lovely original Series 1 80” has been in the same family ownership from new. Purchased new by the vendor’s late father from Henlys Motor Group in 1952, it was taken there for care and attention as its owner was the personal Solicitor to Mr Henly himself.

Used for light duties on the small family farm, it was even used to commute into central London in the winter of 1963 and is only on its second canvas tilt in 63 years. It has always been a good starter, the vendor using it as his first car, passing his test in the vehicle in 1967. A trip to Spain with three friends shortly after passing his test has gone down in family lore, the trusty Land Rover always being well cared for and garaged at night when not in use. Retired from daily duties in the late 1980s, it has stood in the workshop for the last 15 years and has only recently been recommissioned for the road - bills for which are on file.

The vendor advises us that the chassis and bulkhead are solid and that it retains its original engine. The brakes have been thoroughly overhauled, including new cylinders and brake pipes and the top-end of the engine has been overhauled including a rebuilt carburettor. Needless to say it has a new coil, plugs and points.

It sits on its original wheels, although after much debate, it was decided to replace the trim on the seat squabs as they were just too far gone. Sold with a fresh MOT which expires in July 2016 and AA badge on the front, its only major departure from the original is the very ’60s modification of a rear work-light.

Recorded on the V5 as having no previous keepers, this super, original short wheelbase Series 1 looks excellent value at the suggested guide price and can be driven away from the sale.