Lot details

Year: 1954
Make: Land Rover
Model: Series I Minerva 80”
Registration: 413 UYX
Chassis No: 36636495
Engine No: 36140959

Minerva was a Belgian firm active from 1902 the company became defunct in 1956. After World War II the company produced a version of the Land Rover 80" under licence for the Belgian army up to 1954. The 80" model was known as the TT (Tout Terrain). A smaller number of licence-built Land Rover 86" were built from late 1953 to 1956. Some civilian sales of both the 80" and the 86" models were achieved. A number of Land Rover vehicles were also assembled for the Belgian Police. A bitter dispute broke out between Land Rover and the Minerva company and this led to a court case, won by Minerva for breach of contract. This was the death knell of the partnership and licence arrangement. After the deal with Land Rover fell apart there were plans to re-enter the car market but these did not get beyond the prototype stage. The company struggled for survival and eventually went into receivership in 1956.

This 1954 manufacture Land Rover Minerva was imported into the UK and registered with the DVLA upon arrival. All the import documents, together with a V5 are correct and present. These Minerva built Land Rovers are instantly recognisable as a Land Rover, although there are some differences, the slant on the front wings being one of the more noticeable. Commanding less than half of a Solihull built example, this 80 inch Series I looks to be fabulous value for money. Supplied with some previous MoT's and service invoices this Land Rover Minerva will be a rare sight on British roads. Consigned by Stewart Banks.