Vehicle Description
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. It
had an 80 inch wheelbase and a sturdy box section ladder-frame
chassis, the open back arrangement with three seats in the front
was undoubtedly influenced by the design of the Jeep. Naturally
these vehicles were subject to lots of developments over a period
of time and one of the most important of these was extending the
wheelbase to give the vehicle a greater load capacity. This
outstanding Land Rover was originally registered on 9th December
1949 and after a splendid restoration project presents in excellent
condition. The 1600cc engine starts at the touch of a button and
the gearbox operates exactly as it should. Driving this early Land
Rover is a joy and a testament to what a magnificent design this
�headlamps behind the grille'utility vehicle is. With a ruggedness
associated with the marque, yet steeped in history and tradition,
this 80inch example is capable of turning heads wherever she
appears. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a good
history folder this Series I Land Rover is very realistically
estimated given the condition. For sale by auction on Saturday 23
September 2017 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor
Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey, Call 01753 639170
