"DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THIS LOT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE AUCTIONIn the aftermath of the Second World War, Rover's chief engineer Maurice Wilks used a ‘demobbed' Willys Jeep around his farm in Anglesey and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.
Registered new on 13th November 1953 this wonderful Series 1 Land Rover is in largely original condition and has been maintained to a high standard. Offered with a wonderful patina throughout the Series 1 has been used sparingly during its life having covered a mere 24,282 miles from new. Acquired by our vendor in 2018 the Series 1 has had just three keepers in its 70 years!
Believed to have never been apart the only significant work that has been completed in more recent years is a new rear cross-member. Accompanying the car is sizeable history file including its heritage certificate confirming that it’s a UK supplied home market example, that was despatched to ‘Ministry of Supply’. Also included are various invoices, as well as many old MoT test certificates supporting the indicated 24,382 miles covered. In good running and driving condition this example benefits from having its original factory hardtop fitted. Eminently useable for work or play this is an opportunity not to be missed."