Lot 673: 1958 Land Rover Series I Hardtop
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 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 The original 1.6-litre petrol engine was soon superseded by a 2.0-litre unit (in 1952) and the company set about developing its own diesel, which was first offered in 1956.
This Land Rover Series I has the 88” wheelbase, introduced as the shortest option in 1956, and the 2.0-litre petrol engine. The vehicle was treated to a full restoration between 2006 and 2007, which included a new galvanised chassis and bulkhead, and re-galvanised rear body cappings. Completed only within the past few weeks, it is offered with restoration invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to October 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.
| Auction |
Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles Bonhams, Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate |
|---|---|
| Type | Car |
| Lot Number | 673 |
| Estimate | £6000-£8000 |
| Hammer Price | £5800 |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | £6670 |
| Year | 1958 |
| Condition rating | |
| Registration number | USJ 652 |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | |
| Engine number | 111805936 |
| Engine capacity (cc) | |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors |