1949 Land Rover Series I 80"

Highlights

• Early lights-behind-the-grille Series I produced in December 1949
• Full nut and bolt restoration by marque specialist Jeanette (Netty) Coates, famed for her work with John Brown 4x4
• Ex-ministry example retaining both its original chassis and original 1.6-litre engine
• Approximately £30,000 spent on restoration, with photographic documentation throughout
• Supplied with British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate and associated paperwork

The Appeal

We've arrived at an exciting moment for Land Rover collectors. This 1949 Series I 80" represents where it all began: the purest expression of the silhouette scribed in the sand of Red Wharf Bay by Maurice Wilks that would go on to become a global icon.
This 80" ex-ministry example was produced in December 1949 and retains both its original chassis and original 1.6-litre engine: a combination that is increasingly difficult to find.

Discovered on a farm in Yorkshire with all parts present but in need of restoration, the vehicle was entrusted to marque specialist Jeanette (Netty) Coates. The approximately £30,000 rebuild saw all mechanical components refurbished, the engine and gearbox reconditioned, and the vehicle sympathetically returned to its correct specification. Finished in its original Bronze Green with Green Vinyl interior trim, and fitted with brand new sand-coloured all-weather gear, it has covered just 300 miles since completion.

Key Information

• Mileage: 300 miles since restoration; total mileage from new is unknown
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax-exempt
• Technical specs: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual (early "ring-pull" gearbox)
• Paperwork: British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, restoration photography, and associated documentation

The Detail

• Stripped to a bare chassis as part of the restoration
• Engine and gearbox reconditioned
• Headlights correctly repositioned behind the grille to restore the original configuration
• Painted in the original Bronze Green body colour
• Interior trimmed in the original Green Vinyl
• Galavnised components refreshed
• Brand new sand-coloured all-weather tilt fitted, including new hood 'sticks'
• Military split-rim wheels fitted
• The vendor states all original feature components are still present
• The vendor reports the vehicle drives exactly as it should

BEFORE YOU BUY

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