1956 Land Rover Series I 86''

• Home-market, right-hand drive 86'' Series I built in late 1955, starts on-the-button and said to drive well
• Offered with a current MOT showing no advisories, serviced and ready for work
• Recent expenditure of around ú7,500 including a new wiring loom and mechanical attention
• A good example, some history, Heritage Certificate, enjoy as is or fully restore this iconic British classic

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 long lifespan of the Landie. 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 strong, reliable 2.0-litre petrol engine was standard until 1957 when, with the introduction of the Series II, a diesel engine was offered as an alternative.

According to the Heritage Certificate that accompanies this Series I, this right-hand drive home-market example was built in November 1955 and supplied new by Vincent Greenhous Limited, of Shrewsbury. Today 'PVS 518' presents rather well, starts on-the-button and is said to be in good condition. Our vendor purchased this early example with the intention of occasional use whilst slowly restoring it to Concours condition. Unfortunately, after losing his storage facility, the reluctant decision was made to move the Land Rover on, offering a great opportunity for someone with a bit more space. Although not required by law, our vendor obtained an MOT Certificate for peace of mind indicating that, at the time of the test, this vehicle was structurally sound and safe to use on British highways. Invoices within the history folder also indicate recent attention to the engine (which is a factory rebuild unit), a new wiring loom, and a replacement axle amounting to some ú7,500. The Series I Land Rover is a remarkable British classic with a 'back to basics' charm, easy to work on, cheap to maintain and good fun to drive on the road or across the fields. Offered without reserve, recently serviced, a current MOT, reported to be reliable and drive well, what's not to like.