1950 Land Rover Series I

When Maurice Wilks, Rover's chief designer, came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural utility vehicle in 1947 he would have no idea that his design would become an icon and launch a whole new industry sector. The original Land Rover was presented in sage green with a canvas roof and revolutionised rural transport. As an engineering marvel it can still outstrip its modern counterparts, and the Series I rightly belongs in the Motoring Hall of Fame. Hugely successful globally, improvements were made throughout the production run. In 1950 the lights moved from a position behind the grill to protrude through the grill and in 1952 a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre.

This stunning example was built as a 1950 model year, leaving the factory on 5th December 1949 and was originally sold to the Ministry of Supply. Its history prior to being purchased by John Craddock Ltd. remains a bit of a mystery, but when rescued by him it had been used as a trials vehicle. Purchased some years later by our vendor as a restoration project, work started in 2010, the vehicle being completely stripped to the bare bones. The objective was to restore it to perfection, using as much of the original as possible and as many 'New Old Stock' components as could be found. The original chassis, bulkhead, and axles were restored, along with the correct long-nose differentials. The original gearbox was also restored and the car was gradually and carefully built up with new springs, shock absorbers, track-rod ends, NOS bump stops and much more besides. The bodywork was dismantled and the cappings re-galvanised. All necessary rivets were replaced with correct spec items finished by hand.

Although originally Bronze Green, the vendor decided to paint the vehicle in light green to emphasise its early production status. The front wings and rear tailgate were replaced with new Keith Wadsworth supplied items. The engine was stripped, checked and repainted, a new loom fitted and all of the correct instruments and switches carefully detailed, the vendor even sourcing a NOS speedometer and cable. A rare, brand new and unused column-mounted horn/dipswitch was also acquired along with NOS side lights and incredibly, a set of NOS 'spade' seat backs still in their original packing cases. Finally completed in 2014, the restoration was featured in an expansive three-page article in 'Classic Land Rover'.

The owner had been asked if they could use the vehicle at the opening of the new Colliers Land Rover showroom in Birmingham, a deadline which was duly met, with the completed vehicle proudly sitting next to HUE 166, the prototype Land Rover at the launch. It has subsequently won 1st prize in the Concours at the ARC National event at Eastnor in 2015, followed by the David Bowyer Cup for the best Series One a year later when the annual event was held in Sussex, a real credit to the quality of the restoration, especially as the vehicle had been driven to both events. In fact, the vendor has used it extensively, including trips to North Wales where it has been put through its paces and just this year, a three-day adventure to Ypres in aid of the Dunsfold Collection.

We are delighted to offer this Concours winning Land Rover which has taken part in various important events and would undoubtedly be an asset to any serious car collection.