1956 Land Rover Series I 109" Diesel Prototype

• The only long-wheelbase diesel prototype known to have been made
• Formerly used by Gordonstoun School
• Restoration completed in 1997
• Excellent restored condition

In the mid-1950s, the increasing use of diesel fuel by the agricultural sector, Land Rover's most important market, prompted Rover to develop its own diesel engine for the 'Landie' (several enterprising companies were already offering conversions). Displacing 2,052cc, the new four-cylinder diesel produced the same power as the petrol engine (52bhp) so the transmission did not need alteration. It was, however, slightly longer, necessitating a 2" stretch in the wheelbase to 88" (regular) and 109" (long).

The historic Land Rover offered here is the only long-wheelbase diesel prototype known to have been made. It was built on a Station Wagon chassis (extended by 7") and given the chassis number 'LR109/1'. The vehicle was first registered in October 1956, quite some time before the production run started in the summer of 1957. The prototype remained registered to the Rover Company Ltd, Solihull until 1957 when the prototype diesel engine was removed and a petrol engine installed, the change being recorded in the original buff logbook on 16th September 1957.

The Rover Company later gifted the car to Gordonstoun School where it was used for a few years. Photographs on file depict the Prince of Wales (HRH King Charles III as he now is) and the late Queen Elizabeth II at the school, with what is believed to be 'VAC 266' in shot; at this time it was being used a fire tender on a Services display day. Other photographs within the car's history file depict 'VAC 266' being used at the school.

In 1974 the prototype was sold by Gordonstoun School to a Mr Coux (sales invoice on file). Subsequently the car was sold in an unrestored state to a collector in Surrey, who undertook a painstaking restoration (some related bills are on file). At this time a diesel engine and gearbox of the correct type was installed from the LWB Landrover Chassis number 69. The rebuild was completed in 1997 and the vehicle is presented today in excellent restored condition. As a prototype Land Rover with such an interesting history, it would grace any collection. Offered with a V5C document.