1949 Land Rover Series I 4x4 Utility

• Preserved in the early 1980s
• Restoration completed in 2020
• Many original components retained.

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 following its introduction in 1948 took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. There was permanent four-wheel drive with a lockable freewheel for the front axle, a Rover four-speed gearbox, and a two-speed transfer box offering high and low ranges. Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance. Indeed, it is estimated that two-thirds of all Land Rovers ever produced are still in existence today.

This 1949 model was first registered in July of that year and delivered new to Armstrong's of Hull. In the early 1980s a group of local enthusiasts preserved the vehicle on account of its high degree of originality. An extensive restoration was completed in 2020, retaining many of the Land Rover's key features. All importantly this example retains its original engine, gearbox, axles.

During the restoration the chassis was shot blasted and repaired, and the bodywork was renewed and repaired where required. The engine and gearbox and axles where refurbished . The engine was fitted with new pistons and valves. The radiator was fitted with a new core. Electrics where refreshed, including the wiring loom. The brakes and fuel system received new hoses and pipes, along with a new fuel tank and fuel pump. Girling brakes where fitted.

The speedometer was changed during the rebuild (current odometer reading is circa 00001 miles). This restored 'Landie' is finished in red, suggesting it may have been an Auxiliary Fire Service vehicle during its early working life. Offered with a V5C document. A post-restoration shake down and service is recommended after a period in storage.