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Closed Auction- Unsold

1949 Land Rover Series 1 SWB

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  • Mileage~195 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationPulborough

AUCTION CLOSED

1949 Land Rover Series 1 SWB

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Introduction

Alan Stuart
Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

A British motoring legend - this has to be one of the most beautifully restored examples out there.

Launched at the Amsterdam motor show in 1948, the Land Rover Series 1 was a clear departure from Rover’s historic staple of opulent executive saloons. Initially seen as a stop gap while a new range of traditional designs could be developed, the vehicle caught the public’s imagination and proved an instant success. By the time the Series II came to replace it 10 years later, over 200,000 had been produced in Rovers Solihull plant. The essence of the usable classic– tough, enduring, and resilient, the construction was light and corrosion resistant and remained a key part of Land Rover design throughout production.

This Land Rover looks incredible! This example, spent most of its life and was restored in driest Australian climate before being imported to the UK in 2019. We hesitate to use the term "flawless" but this iconic, post war, utility vehicle is about as close as it gets. Highly original, matching numbers, even down to the rare, early production sidelights lenses this car almost certainly looks better than when it left the factory in 1949 – amazing!

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Dave the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I love Land Rovers and I just had to have this wonderfully restored example – it’s a true piece of history.

Dave loves Land Rovers and couldn’t resist this wonderfully restored example. He tells us “It’s such a great piece of history – I love the look and the fact that so much love and care has gone into the rebuild”.

Of its origins he explains “Apparently the vehicle lived a working life at an open mine in Australia – it was well maintained and, of course, didn’t suffer from rust as they can in the UK". The driest Australian climate of Cober Pedy opal mining area has certainly helped to preserve this vehicle, "It was always a good example but the previous owner did a fantastic job to get it to this standard”, Dave tells us.

He goes on to say “This car is in better condition that new - I genuinely doubt there’s a better one out there”. Dave will be happy to answer any questions about his car in the comments section below.

Dave
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Straight out of a 1949 showroom, this Land Rover looks incredible in original Sage Green paintwork.

Wheels and Tyres

The Sage Green painted pressed steel wheels look amazing and while we could see few signs of curbing, the bolts and centre caps look fantastic.

The wheels are shod with Dunlop SP Road Gripper 205/R16 Tyres which look in great condition and have plenty of tread remaining. Even the spare looks superb. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

As would be expected of a restoration of this standard, the vehicle stands straight and doors, bonnet and tailgate open and close precisely with shut lines looking good for a Series 1. We could find no evidence of dents, dings, or panel distortion.

Silver painted fittings and hinges look superb and the canvas hood is in great condition. Overall, the vehicle presents beautifully. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Beautifully finished in "Sage Green", the colour used on early production Land Rovers. The finish is clear, even and consistent with a deep shine. It’s no surprise that the paint finish on this restoration is to an extremely high standard, entirely in keeping with the rest of the vehicle.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass screen looks good with no cracks or significant marks. Lights and lenses all appear in great shape including the early production inset headlights, side, and brake lights. Badging and trim look superb all demonstrating the attention to detail that has gone into this restoration.

The canvas roofing looks great on this part, and the folding front screen all works like you'd expect and as pictured in the gallery, allowing for that authentic classic experience.

Interior

Beautifully utilitarian, functional and highly original – the interior is wonderfully presented.

Seats and Carpets

The seat coverings look superb in green, and appear in excellent condition and we could find no evidence of wear. Likewise, the rubber floor coverings are great, as is the painted floor underneath.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents really well with excellent "Sage Green" paintwork and immaculate dials and switches. Even the information plates on the vehicle have been replaced although the originals come with the vehicle.

Please take the time to look at the hi resolution images and video of the interior so that you can assess the condition for yourself.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The 3 spoke, Bakelite, steering wheel, gear stick and range selector match up to the standard of the rest of the restoration and set off the interior perfectly.

Mechanics

Dependable, robust, and determined workhorse – not much terrain gets in the way of a Land Rover.

Engine and Gearbox

Set in the impeccably presented engine bay, the tried and tested 1,595cc matching numbers engine delivers 80Ib ft torque making it ideal for a wide range of uses both on and off road. All the components are amazingly clean and, overall, the engine bay looks magnificent right down to the detailed labels and lubrication information plate.

Check out the “On the Road” video to see for yourself, including the car start up procedure.

Suspension and Brakes

Original drum brakes and leaf sprung suspension make this Land Rover a true 1949 drive. Dave assures us that all brakes and suspension are working exactly as they should – they certainly look amazing.

The Drive

While we were unable to take this Lovely Series 1 on the road, Dave was keen for us to drive it on farm tracks and, to be honest, isn’t that where these Land Rovers feel at home!

Check out the video to share in the short test drive. The car seemed to drive well with no untoward knocks, bangs or rattles. It pulled up evenly and the ride, while typically Land Rover, was comfortable and sure footed.

Electrics and Other

While the Electrics on a 1949 Land Rover are not extensive or complicated, all lights, switches and gauges look in superb condition and Dave confirms everything works exactly as it should to his knowledge.

History and Paperwork

A rare chance to invest in an impeccably restored matching numbers Series 1 - few classics have the cult following enjoyed by Land Rover and this is a truly amazing example.

Examples of Series 1’s in any condition are becoming hard to find. See if you can find another one like this! This really is a special vehicle and one that represents a key part of British Automotive History.

This vehicle has been the subject of a diligent, thoughtful, and passionate restoration. The paperwork contains receipts detailing much of the work and show the £1,000’s spent. Land Rovers, particularly early vehicles, hold their values well so we think this stunning example could make a great investment.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • ModelSeries 1 SWB
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. DateUK 01.05.2019, Built 11.05.1949
  • CC1,596
  • Mileage~195 on clock
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourSage Green
  • Interior ColourGreen
  • Chassis #R8664417
  • Engine #061130
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTExempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandDunlop
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2.5 Years
  • Key FeatureExcellent restored example
  • Auction ID1141






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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10 Comments
as12
as12
1 year ago

Why are you claiming that it is ‘matching numbers’ when it is clearly a 49’ model car with a 50’ engine??!

3sheets86
3sheets86
1 year ago

Hi, are the hinges and cappings galvanised as original or have they been redone in silver paint? Many thanks

Oilseed1
Oilseed1
1 year ago

Hi there,
In the description it states it’s matching numbers from the engine number given it indicates this would not be the original engine, could you please provide the axles numbers and gearbox number?

bert
bert
1 year ago

Could you please confirm why no actual on the road test please

bert
bert
  glassman
1 year ago

Many thanks

Party49
Party49
1 year ago

Good afternoon. Which company undertook the restoration? Do you have photographs and invoices of what was done? Is the chassis number a 1949 number? regards, Richard

Party49
Party49
  glassman
1 year ago

Thank you for your reply

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Vehicle Location

Pulborough

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