1951 Land Rover Series 1 |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1951 Land Rover Series 1

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Mileage~2,889 KM On Clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationWorcester

AUCTION CLOSED

1951 Land Rover Series 1

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

One of Britain’s most enduring motoring legends – tough and resilient, the Land Rover Series 1 is the epitome of the utilitarian classic.

The Land Rover legend began in April 1948 when the Series 1 was launched at the Amsterdam motor show. A clear departure from Rover’s staple of opulent executive saloons, the Land Rover was originally seen as a ‘stop gap’ while a new range of more traditional designs could be developed. The vehicle proved an immediate success however, and the public loved it. By the time it was replaced by the Series II in 1958, over 200,000 had been produced by the Solihull factory.

Available only in light green the Jeep inspired vehicle was built using a steel box section chassis and aluminium body in response to the shortage of steel in the immediate post war period. The construction proved to be light and corrosion resistant, and remained a key part of Land Rover design throughout production.

Appearing highly original this car is a 1951 series 1 with four-wheel drive, leaf sprung suspension and an 80-inch wheelbase. It has lived a life, exactly as Land Rovers should, but is in great condition. Designated for export this Series 1 went to Switzerland in 1951 and was first registered in the UK in 2018 when it finally returned. Complete with a heritage certificate it’s ready for any challenge. This is a great opportunity to have part of one of Britain’s most enduring motoring legends.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Gavin 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 this Land Rover – it’s practical, reliable and it always gets people’s attention!

Apart from an aftermarket steering wheel Gavin believes this Land Rover to be totally original. He tells us “That’s part of what makes the car so special – apart from replacement and repairs being carried out as necessary, it looks and feels exactly as it would have when it left the factory in 1951”.

With a house move and business commitments taking priority, the Land Rover gets little use now and it’s therefore time for a new owner to enjoy it. Gavin would be more than happy to answer any of your questions about the car in the comments below.

Gavin

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The essence of utility – this Series 1 looks highly original and oozes 50’s charm.

Wheels and Tyres

The green painted pressed steel wheels look in really good condition and are wearing Deestone Extra Traction tyres all round. The tyres are believed to have been fitted very recently and appear in excellent condition.

Bodywork

The vehicle stands straight and the doors, bonnet and tailgate open and close precisely with shut lines looking good.

As would be expected on a car of this age there is some evidence of historic welding repairs and there is minor damage to the inside fixing of the tailgate chains. Overall though, the bodywork presents really well - take a look at the high-resolution photos and videos we have taken to help you assess the condition of this car.

Paint

It is believed a restoration was carried out around four years ago and the condition of the paint would reflect that. The finish is even and consistent with only a few minor flaws.

Interestingly, "Army Dark Green" has been used which is entirely in keeping with the colour the car would have been when it left the factory. The British Army ordered ~1,878 of these vehicles In 1949 and, at that point, Rover decided to paint all Land Rovers in this colour.

There is some very minor bubbling on the front bulkhead and a few minor marks here and there together with some very small white spots, possibly polishing compound or emulsion, which should come off with some buffing we think.

Glass and Trim

The glass screen looks good with no major scratches or cracks. Apart from some inevitable age-related marks, the trim and badging are in very good shape, just a bit of patina. The perspex side windows are misted and would benefit from renewal.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Beautifully functional and highly original, the interior is in great shape and even has the luxury of indicators and a heater!

Seats and Carpets

The seat coverings have clearly been renewed in recent years and still appear in excellent condition. The floor coverings are good with only the expected signs of use

Dashboard

The dashboard presents really well with good paintwork and clear unbroken dials. The speedometer is calibrated in Kilometres as a result of the cars export status, and a new ignition switch has been fitted.

A heater and indicators, both optional extras in 1951, are also fitted in the cabin.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is an aftermarket item that appears to function well, however, given the originality of the rest of the car, a replacement with the original specification might be an option for the new owner.

Gear stick and range selector are in good condition although the Bakelite knob is missing from the four-wheel drive spring loaded selector lever and has been replaced by an aftermarket item.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

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

Engine and Gearbox

The 1,595cc, 50BHP engines fitted to these vehicles delivered 80 ft-Ib torque making them ideal for a wide range of uses both on and off road.

This engine starts easily, settles down quickly to a steady idle and emissions appear clear. A new exhaust and new Magnetron ignition cables appear to have been fitted. We understand the car in still on points based ignition as pictured.

Suspension and Brakes

Original drum brakes and leaf sprung suspension make this Land Rover a true 50’s drive. Gavin assures us that all brakes and suspension are working exactly as they should.

The Drive

Check out the On The Road video to share in the short test drive we joined Gavin for. 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

It’s fair to say the electrics on a 1951 Land Rover are not extensive or complicated. However, Gavin confirms all electrics work and the car has benefitted from a new ignition switch relatively recently.

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History and Paperwork

Few classics have the cult following enjoyed by Land Rover and this car is the coveted Series 1, a great chance to invest in a key part of British automotive and social history.

This car appears amazingly original and examples of Series 1’s in this condition are becoming hard to find. Ready to simply use and enjoy or as the basis for a show car, this Land Rover has a great deal to offer – values are on the up too!

The Heritage Certificate, issued in February 2018 confirms this Series 1 was despatched to Titan Autos in Switzerland on 5th January 1951. Beyond this there is little history with car. That said, its originality speaks for itself and researching it’s history could be a fascinating part of ownership.

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.