Land Rover Series I 86-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, then in plentiful war surplus supply, as was the green paint, the only colour available.

From 1948 until 1951 the Land Rover was only offered 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 1950, the lights moved from a position behind the grille to protruding through the grille. 1954 model-year saw a big change as the 80-inch wheelbase was extended by 6 inches and a 107-inch pick up version was also introduced.

This smart looking 86” was purchased by the vendor in 2009 and has been gradually improved during his ownership. At some point the original 2-litre engine had been replaced by a more powerful 2 ¼-litre unit and more recently he has given it a full respray along with new seats, fresh tilt and a rewire. The clutch hydraulics have been replaced, the vendor describing the chassis and bulkhead as in good solid condition. It also comes with a handy tow bar (but no electrics), free-wheeling hubs and front spot lights.

On the button and in regular use by its owner, we would like to advise bidders that there is a discrepancy with the VIN on the V5C which relates to a slightly later model.