1956 Land Rover Series I 88"

The last known record of this Series I was in 1988. Its condition was extremely poor when it came into the current ownership, with corrosion to the chassis, bulkhead, and aluminium panels. Mechanically the vehicle appeared to be good, although not running. It had a recorded mileage of 25467.

The vendor embarked on an epic restoration which began in August 2022 and quickly discovered original Civil Defence signwriting beneath the paintwork, excitingly confirming its use as a Field Cable vehicle. The Land Rover was completely dismantled and all usable parts cleaned. All new parts fitted have been to the original pattern where possible. The chassis was grit blasted, the rear section was replaced in its entirety and the rest repaired with new dumb irons, gearbox and rear cross members. It was then galvanised, treated and painted with etch primer and three coats of Hammerite smooth black. All body panels were stripped back to bare metal, repaired where necessary / possible, then the exterior was treated with etch primer, two coats of light grey primer, two coats of green primer and three coats of Bronze Green coach enamel. The interior of each panel was treated with etch primer, stone chip grey and two coats of smooth black Hammerite, and the panels were reassembled with new capping rivets and new BSF bolts when needed. All galvanised items were checked and re-galvanised where required. The sliding windows are new Perspex and the door seal rubbers are new and fitted with correct rivets. All glass was removed and refitted with new sealant or window channel. The vendor has fitted new Exmoor Trim seats in Tygan Vinyl and a khaki hood and new hood sticks, also Exmoor Trim. Original pattern side boards have been made and fitted, for Division Nameplates, and the original pattern Jack is supplied in the tool kit, as are Whitworth/BSF spanners and other tools similar to original, all contained in a canvas tool roll. It is worth noting that the Civil Defence decals on the vehicle can easily be removed. 

Mechanically, nothing has been left unattended. The bulkhead was replaced with a new unit; the engine was partly dismantled to check the internal condition, the pistons and rings checked, as was the timing chain and oil pump. The valves were reground and exhaust hardened seats fitted. All cooling components were replaced with new, including the core plugs. The engine was stripped and a reground crankshaft plus new bearings were fitted. The Land Rover is also fitted with a new heater matrix and the gearbox and differential internals have been inspected. A reconditioned overdrive unit has recently been installed. The front axle is rebuilt with new swivels, seals and other components as required and the rear axle is also rebuilt with new seals, bearings and other components. All engine, gearbox and axle seals are new. The steering box internals have been checked, all suspension components have been replaced with new and all brake components replaced with new including piping. The lighting has been renewed, apart from the original spot light to front which has been retained. The wiring loom has been replaced with a new cloth covered loom, all instrumentation is checked, as are the wiper motors which are fitted with new blades and arms. The fuel tank is new and the fuel pump is also, as per the original. The wheels have been grit blasted and painted with etch primer, two coats of light grey primer, two coats of green primer and three coats of coach enamel. They, including the spare, are fitted with new 6 x 16 tyres.

The restoration ended in May of this year and after an MOT test (with no advisories) was completed, the owner has enjoyed the Land Rover this summer, notably participating in a local concours event and winning first prize! He is now searching for his next project which gives someone a super opportunity to purchase his meticulously restored Series I.

The history file contains all invoices from the current ownership together with the current MOT test certificate, a wiring diagram, a dating certificate from the BMIHT, two Civil Defence handbooks, a reproduction instruction manual, a memory card of images, an older V5C, the current V5C registration certificate and others.

Auction Date: ! March 2024