Ex-Belgian Gendarmerie
1953 Land Rover Serie 1 'Gendarmerie belge'

• Left-hand drive export model
• Belgian delivery from new via importer Minerva
• Blue Piletta with original markings
• Excellent mechanical condition

Launched in 1948 and inspired by the Jeeps of World War II, the Land Rover was the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive vehicle. Aimed at farmers and light commercial customers, the aluminium-bodied off-roaders quickly found success with armed forces and government agencies, who relied on their rugged dependability in any location or weather condition. In 1951 Belgian authorities arranged a supply deal with the British to replace their aging Jeeps, which included a fleet of Blue Piletta-painted Land Rovers for the gendarmerie, and a license to assemble Minervas in Belgium.

This rare left-hand drive export model 80-inch Land Rover was used by the Belgian gendarmerie from 1953. The specification includes painted coats of arms and markings, spotlight, flashing blue light, rear bench seat, jerry can, police radio and door-mounted medical kit. An older restoration in good overall condition, our vendor reports that the Land Rover is in excellent mechanical condition and to put it to the test, the car was driven 200 kilometres to deliver it to the Bonhams storage facility prior to this sale, without any issue or remark. The car comes with current Belgian registration documents and a valid contrôle technique.