1955 Land Rover Series 1 86-inch

• Superbly restored Series 1 from long-term ownership
• Originally supplied new to a farmer in Shropshire
• Underwent body off - nut & bolt restoration in 2018/20
• Our vendor believes he is the car's 4th owner and it appears to have been used lightly all its life
• The indicated mileage when he bought it was 20,192 .(see MOT 2005/06). Current 24,572
• This is a really lovely Srs 1, properly recommissioned and delightfully presented

As an engineering marvel, the Land Rover 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 its long lifespan. In 1950, the lights were moved from a position behind the grille to protrude through the mesh and in 1952 a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre. The wheelbase was extended to 86 inches in 1955 to give the vehicle more stability and greater load capacity. The stronger, more reliable 2.0-litre petrol engine was standard until 1957.

This venerable Series 1 is believed to have been originally supplied new to a farmer in Shropshire before finding a home, some years later, in Bromsgrove where it appears to have been renovated and resprayed in a green (not Bronze Green). It was then sold to a Mr Wyatt in Telford who owned the car for many years before old age meant it had to be moved on. It was purchased by its current owner, our vendor, in 2006 and he used it regularly but lightly, until the decision was made to fully restore the 'Landie' with the process starting in 2018.

Our vendor has kindly provided us with a list of the work carried out (below) and invoices and full details are in the cars history file.;

Underwent body off - nut & bolt restoration in 2018/20.

Chassis stripped, repaired where necessary, powder coated. Bulkhead sound

All body panels retained were stripped, primed, and resprayed in Bronze Green.

New outer wing panels – AB panels. New tailgate – Wadsworth panels

New under-tub cross members

All parts galvanised where required (except door top edges)

Differentials/axles checked, serviced and painted

All relevant suspension, steering bushes etc. renewed

Springs are parabolic fitted approx. 8 years ago, new shock absorbers

Engine: head off and de-coked/recon

Block, pistons etc. all OK. New core-plugs fitted. Repainted block in original duck blue

Gearbox checked, serviced.

Radiator reconditioned. Tested/pressure checked. New hoses throughout.

Rewired/new wiring harness/dynamo/coil/battery and related parts

Electronic ignition fitted

New rear lamps, headlamps

New wiper blades and refurbished motors

Fuel gauge as with all Series 1 is not reliable

Heater ducting and heater repaired but like all Series 1s, never good at its job.

Brakes – totally replaced, brake pipes, master cylinders, brake cylinders

Steering wheel refurbished by Charlesworth - 2021

New chrome mirrors

New seats front & rear - Undercover Covers

New sliding window felt rails

Recent new canvas tilt cover – 2021 - Undercover Covers

New tyres all round

855 UXB is now in simply splendid condition and as nice a Series 1 as you'll find. Our vendor believes he is the car's 4th owner and it appears to have been used lightly all its life. The indicated mileage when he bought it was 20,192 (see MOT 2005/06) and the current mileage is 24,572 meaning that only 4,380 miles have been covered in the last 15 years.

Often restored and rebuilt but rarely to this standard, this lovely 86" Series 1 is now ready to be enjoyed once again, be that at a local County Show or scattering the pheasants down a country lane.