Chassis No.: 36636768

Engine No.: n/a

Registration: PXS 859

Sold £10,188 | Sold

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Rover's chief engineer Maurice Wilks used a ‘demobbed' Willys Jeep around his farm in Anglesey and was impressed with its abilities. Eventually, it wore out and he was keen to replace it with a British vehicle, however, nothing remotely similar was available. Coincidentally, his brother Spencer, who was Managing Director at Rover, had reached the same conclusion as he struggled to get his Rover 10 to reach the more inaccessible parts of his estate on Islay.

This is where `The Best 4x4 by Far' started - a utility vehicle devised in 1947, they would have no idea that Maurice's resulting design would become an icon and launch a whole new industry sector. The vehicle appeared as the 'Land Rover' in 1948 and proved so popular with the military and the farming fraternity that demand massively outstripped supply. When new in 1953 this left hand drive Series I Land Rover short wheelbase, was sent CKD (completely knocked down) to Cyprus in the Mediterranean. When it arrived, it was unpacked, assembled and had a timber pick-up section fitted. According to the Land Rover records, this car was sold to a private person.

Finished in Limestone with dark green triple front seat, it has a number of features including bonnet mounted spare wheel front and rear, wing mounted water/petrol Jerry cans, a shovel mounted on the driver’s side front wing and a sturdy tow rope on the rear. This Land Rover is UK registered and is supplied with a V5C registration document. Its simple design and ruggedness are still admired by many and it remains a symbol of British engineering excellence. Whether you are an off-road adventurer, a farmer, or simply a fan of classic cars, the early Land Rover 80 SWB is a vehicle that deserves recognition and respect.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4050&au=75