Offered from the estate of the late Peter Stevens
1957 Land Rover Series I 107" 4x4 Station Wagon

• Relatively rare model
• Delivered new to New Zealand
• Purchased by Peter Sevens in 2014
• Extensively restored (bills 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, initially, the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time.

Built between 1949 and 1958, the Series I Land Rover was available in no fewer than five different wheelbase lengths ranging from 80" to 109". The original 1.6-litre petrol engine was soon superseded by a 2.0-litre unit (for 1952) and the company set about developing its own diesel, which was first offered in 1956. 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. In the course of more than 60 years in production the supremely versatile Land Rover would prove itself adaptable to innumerable civilian and military roles.

A relatively rare model, this late petrol-engined Series I station wagon comes with photographs of it 'as found' in New Zealand in 2014 when it was purchased by Peter from fellow enthusiast Paul Daniell. The history file contains a BMIHT certificate confirming that the Land Rover was despatched new to Christchurch Car Exchange Limited of Christchurch, New Zealand on 16th September 1957. Also on file is the import paperwork and bills for parts from Dunsfold DLR/Bush Motor Engineering Ltd and Craddock to name a few, totalling £4,000-5,000, while Exmoor Trim retrimmed the seats and door cards at a cost of £2,760. There are also bills from Bodyline of Selsey for £22,000 for dismantling the vehicle, blast-cleaning the chassis; welding; powder coating bodywork; repaint in silver; engine work; and a wiring loom. The engine is removed from the car and has been dismantled.