1948 Land Rover Series I 80" 4x4 Utility

• The second production Land Rover built
• Restored in the 2000s by a marque specialist
• Original engine
• 'Best Land Rover' at Dunsfold Open Weekend
• 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. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. Progressively developed since its launch in 1948 and modified to serve countless specialist requirements, the ubiquitous Land Rover continued well into the 21st Century, production of the final Defender model only ceasing is 2016.

This is the second ever production Land Rover. Together with chassis '860001', it was completed on 19th July 1948. The main production run did not start until after the summer shut down, and only three production vehicles were completed in July. In fact, it is older than several of the 1948 pre-production vehicles, the last of which were completed around October 1948.

The vehicle was supplied by Steels of Cheltenham, a leading Rover dealer of the period, to an estate where, reportedly, it remained until the 1970s. The first 150 Land Rovers had seat backs which were different from those of the later models, and this vehicle retains those and many of the features only found on very early examples, such as the hand-made bulkhead, hydrostatic brakes, long nosed differentials, two spoke steering wheel, early full grille and 20/20 ammeter. '860002' retains its original 1,600cc engine and running gear, and comes complete with the optional rear power take-off and pulley to drive stationary machinery.

The vehicle was restored in the 2000s by one of the leading experts on early Land Rovers, John Taylor. The current owner has enjoyed this vehicle over 15 years, and it has been the centrepiece of a collection of Series I Land Rovers. Described by our vendor as in excellent condition throughout, it has won numerous awards, including 'Best Land Rover' at the prestigious Dunsfold Open Weekend. Finished in light green with matching interior, this expertly restored early 'Landie' is offered with a V5C registration document.