Lot 031: Land Rover Series 1

Land Rovers have now become such a common sight on Britain's roads that it is hard to imagine life without them. However, the world had somehow struggled along without these go-anywhere marvels until Maurice Wilks had a bright idea in 1947. Taking a war surplus American Jeep as his inspiration, the Rover chief designer messed around with prototypes on his farm in Anglesey until he perfected the vehicle that was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948. Then as now, a distinctive feature of the Land Rover was the bodywork, constructed of a lightweight alloy of aluminium and magnesium called Birmabright. Used solely due to post-war steel shortages and a plentiful supply of aircraft aluminium, it's resistance to corrosion was one of the key factors that earned the vehicle a legendary reputation for longevity in the toughest conditions. The early choice of colour was also dictated by circumstance  military surplus paint was the cheapest available, so it was a case of any colour you want, so long as it's green. From 1948 until 1951 the Land Rover was only offered with an 80-inch wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine. So basic was it that tops for the doors and a roof (canvas or metal) were optional extras. In 1950, the lights moved from a position behind the grille to protruding through the grille. 1954 saw a big change as the 80-inch was replaced by an 86-inch, and a 107-inch pick up version was also introduced, all models sharing a sturdy box-section ladder-frame steel chassis. A diesel engine option had also become available. The early vehicles were replaced by the very similar Series II in 1958.Today, unmolested Series I Land-Rovers are becoming increasingly rare and are highly prized by collectors for their no-nonsense functionality. Indeed good original examples of the very earliest models have been known to change hands for in excess of �20,000.This 1956 example is said to be fantastically well-preserved and is believed to have covered less than 21,000 miles from new in the hands of one family owner. All the paint looks original and the panels are in remarkably good condition with virtually no dents. Said to drive exceptionally well and with that lovely patina that only comes from decades of careful use, it is MOTd until December 2008. With Land Rover celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, what better way to mark the occasion than by investing in a lovely old beauty like this?