1953 Land Rover Series I 4x4 Royal Review Vehicle

• Used in Australia by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
• One of only two survivors out of six built
• Restored between 2015 and 2018
• Offered from a private collection of Series I Land Rovers

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism, going on to become an outstanding worldwide success in a myriad of roles.

The Royal Family has long been a patron of Land Rover, and this special example is one of a handful built for ceremonial review duties. When the new Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip embarked on their tour of the Commonwealth in 1954, following her accession in 1952, one of the countries they visited was Australia. The Royal couple undertook numerous engagements across Australia and used a large variety of vehicles including Rolls-Royces, Humber Imperials and Land Rovers.

Land Rover made six special vehicles for the Royal couple to use in Australia, and this is one of them. The vehicles had a specially designed rear tub with seating and leaning bars for when the Royal couple were standing to wave to the crowds, as well as a bespoke rear door with a step to make it much easier and more dignified for them to enter and exit. The vehicles also has sills to conceal the exhaust and fuel tank (five years before they became standard on Series II Land Rovers), a chrome bumper, wheel trims (from the Rover P4) and a valance. Inside, there is a comfortable bench seat, door cards, and even a clock! There are only two of these Royal Land Rovers from that tour known to survive: this one, and one in the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon.

This Land Rover was displayed at the Cartier Style et Luxe display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023 and won the award for best vehicle in its class. The vehicle has also won awards at the Land Rover Series 1 National Rally and at other Land Rover shows.

Finished in Claret with blue interior, this very rare Royal Land Rover was restored in Australia by Land Rover enthusiast Keith Cree between 2015 and 2018. The vehicle was then purchased by the vendor and shipped back to the UK where it was subject to a professional respray by classic car specialist Bodyline Classics in Selsey. It is described by our vendor as in excellent condition in every respect. Offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate.