1951/2 Land Rover Series I 80"

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-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre. The wheelbase was extended to 86" in 1955 to give the vehicle more stability and greater load capacity and the stronger, more reliable 2-litre petrol engine was standard until 1957. Whilst on paper at least, the later Series I’s offered significant improvements, it's the early models that are the most sought after.

Over the years, here at Iconic Auctioneers we have been pleased to offer over 150 Land Rovers, including a good number of early vehicles, but it's a long time since we have seen such an impressively restored example as the 1951 Series I on offer today.

Built on 14th August 1951 and supplied new by the dealer, David Rosenfield Limited in Manchester, we are informed by our vendor, a Land Rover enthusiast, that examples built in August by Land Rover would be referred to as the following year's model, in this case a 1952 model, however for simplicity’s sake we will refer to GSL 390 as a 1951 example.

This venerable Land Rover was found on a farm in Scarborough in 2013, where it had been languishing in a barn for some years. Having brought it back home, our vendor commenced a full sympathetic restoration retaining as much originality as possible whilst trying to create the very best early Series I that he could. This was a substantial project and obviously too long to detail fully here. The aluminium bulkhead was carefully restored as were the rear tub and front wings but it was necessary to source other parts including a period-correct 2-litre engine, new tilt and canvas roof, fuel tank, doors, reconditioned gearbox, a rare correct battery and countless sundries. Considerable care was taken to ensure this vehicle presented as close as possible to the way it would have looked on the day it was delivered to its first lucky owner in 1951.

Very rarely do we see a record of restoration costs as detailed as the one here. Our fastidious vendor has kept a handwritten list that runs to seven pages and 224 lines totalling £21,447 including multiple entries for less than £10, and it appears that every nut, bolt and grommet has been accounted for. We can only conclude that anyone meticulous enough to document and cost every detail would have been equally exacting when it came to the quality of the restoration itself.

Also present is a Heritage Certificate confirming the build date and chassis number as well as period correct ancillaries including the jack, starting handle, stirrup pump, wheel brace, and even a 1950s toolkit roll, further displaying our vendor’s strive for originality. Included with the car are a period correct heater (not fitted) along with all the copper piping which we understand is very rare.

After the restoration was completed, the 74-years old Landy has been used sparingly, attending local shows and taken out on special occasions. Incredibly, our vendor had the foresight to take pictures of the Series I on the day he collected it, highlighting its incredible transformation into the vehicle you see here. We invite and encourage your close inspection of this remarkable restoration.