1949 Land Rover Series I 80"

Highlights

• Exceedingly early 80" Land Rover with lights behind the grille
• Subject of a 10-year restoration with emphasis on originality and period correctness
• Retains original chassis with stamped chassis number
• Glorious time-earned patina preserved throughout
• Rare power takeoff (PTO) unit and powered capstan winch fitted
• Period-correct 1.6-litre engine rebuilt by Hamlins of Bridgwater
• Voluntary MOT tested to 5th May 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

In 1947, on the sands of Red Wharf Bay on Anglesey, Rover chief designer Maurice Wilks traced a simple outline in the beach with a stick. Inspired by the war-surplus Jeep he used on his farm, that sketch became a rugged, British-built, four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, and by 1948 the Land Rover was born. Intended only as a stopgap, it became the ancestor of every Defender, Discovery and Range Rover that followed.
Car & Classic is delighted to offer this exceedingly early 80"-wheelbase Land Rover, approximately the 8,000-9,000th Land Rover built according to the chassis number data. While it retains a beautiful time-earned patina, this Series I has undergone a 10-year restoration, during which the vendor prioritised originality and period correctness over all other considerations. The result is a Series 1 fitted with a range of rare, period-correct equipment that is seldom seen together on a single vehicle. The governor alone, which makes the rear pulley functional as originally intended, took six years to source. Combined with the capstan front winch, wire-top doors, period heater and correct lighting, this Land Rover has been assembled with a level of care and dedication that is immediately apparent to Lode Lane devotees.

Despite the attention given to its restoration, this Land Rover has also been regularly used and enjoyed, from family outings and dog walks to Land Rover rallies, exactly as its makers intended.

Key Information

• Mileage: 85,473 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt; voluntary MOT to 5th May 2027 (no advisories)
• Technical specs: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual, selectable low-range/4wd
• Paperwork: Buff logbook, old MOT certificates, V5C, various invoices, historic photos & reference books

The Detail

• Engine comprehensively rebuilt by Hamlins of Bridgwater at a cost of approximately £4,000
• New hood and rear bulkhead canvas supplied by Exmoor Trim
• Complete set of period wire-top doors included with the sale
• Period-correct capstan front winch fitted
• Period-correct PTO-driven rear pulley fitted; complete with governor, correct linkages and throttle, making the rear pulley fully usable
• Free-wheeling front hubs
• Correct period Clayten heater fitted
• Period map light fitted
• Rear tub LED downlighting installed
• Kingstone tyres fitted
• Finished in dark green over Limestone wheels; richly patinated
• Original chassis retained, presenting very well for its age (see gallery)
• The vendor states the vehicle has been used for family outings and has attended various Land Rover rallies and events

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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