1955 Land Rover Series I 107" Aircraft Crash Rescue Vehicle ex-RAF

Over the years, here at Silverstone Auctions in conjunction with Classic Car Auctions, we have been pleased to offer over 150 Land Rovers, including examples supplied to the armed forces, which always hold a special cachet.

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, stronger and more reliable 2.0-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre. The 1954 model year brought major changes, the 80-inch (2.03 m) wheelbase model was replaced by an 86-inch (2.18 m) wheelbase model, and a 107-inch (2.72 m) wheelbase ‘pick-up’ version was introduced, offering a variety of applications.

The car presented here is a 1955 Land Rover Series I 107-inch which, in 1956, was issued to the RAF, and subsequently converted to an Aircraft Crash Rescue vehicle in 1959. It then went on to work at Marshalls of Cambridge and then into civilian ownership. Obviously, over its working life it must have been well-maintained doing such important work (and hopefully seldom used as a crash vehicle) and consequently survived in such a state to be a worthy contender for restoring, building on its inherent preservation and originality and going on to have a new life as a classic vehicle worthy of a Land Rover collection and gracing any show.

Our marque enthusiast/engineer vendor purchased this vehicle as a project a couple of years ago and has meticulously restored it back to its original rescue vehicle condition. The work done to it includes its original chassis being fully cleaned and coated in two-part epoxy, the fitment of a new Autosparks wiring loom, a full engine (being a slightly newer and possibly a replacement unit) and gearbox rebuild, the addition of an original Winkworth bell and original search light, a stainless-steel exhaust, new brakes and brake lines (with original calipers being reconditioned) and new Avon Traction tyres. The original panels (left in their preserved state) were treated to a full respray.

This charming Land Rover is accompanied by a copy of its RAF Vehicle Card documenting its history, plus a book entitled British Military Land Rovers in which it is mentioned.

Often restored and rebuilt but rarely to this standard, this lovely Series I is now ready to be enjoyed once again, be that starring in a period drama, gracing the aerodrome at a vintage airshow, or looking the part at a 1950s re-enactment gathering – it would be superb at The Goodwood Revival, or simply ambling to a country pub on a Sunday, a delightful vehicle to own and appreciate.