LOT 104

1954 Land Rover Series I 86" 4x4 Fire Tender Registration no. NGY 839 Chassis no. 57101966

Sold for £11,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 104

Offered from the estate of the late Peter Stevens
1954 Land Rover Series I 86" 4x4 Fire Tender

Goodwood Members' Meeting|19 April 2026, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1954 Land Rover Series I 86" 4x4 Fire Tender
Registration no. NGY 839
Chassis no. 57101966

• Formerly displayed at the National Coal Mining Museum
• Purchased by Peter Stevens in 2008
• Restored by Bodyline of Chichester
• Full history and specification available

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. 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 engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. The versatile Land Rover would prove adaptable to countless military and civilians roles, including that of fire tender, as seen here.

This Land Rover Fire Tender left the factory in early 1955. It was then (possibly) in service with the RAF until sold off and registered for civilian use in January 1982. The Land Rover then served for many years as a fire tender and snow plough in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. It was then put on display at the National Coal Mining Museum before being sold into private ownership in 2004.

Peter Stevens purchased the Land Rover from an online auction site in 2008. The seller provided a lengthy description of the vehicle's history, specification and condition (printout on file), which prospective purchasers are encouraged to read. At that time it was stated that there were 25 pages of service records, invoices and work sheets affording a fascinating insight into the vehicle's history .

Since its purchase by the late Peter Stevens, the Land Rover has benefited from an extensive restoration by Bodyline in Chichester, believed carried out shortly after its acquisition.

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