Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

MOTOR CARS | 199

0nspired by the <S Armys wartime Jeep, developed in haste and
intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would
defy its creators initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw
the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of
the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land
Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity
of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel
shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of
operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3
saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs
down and cut development time.

Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved
capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say
the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance.
Indeed, it is estimated that two-thirds of all Land Rovers ever produced
are still in existence today.

Progressively developed since its launch in 194, the ubiquitous Land

Rover has been modified over the years to serve countless specialist

requirements, both civilian and military. Its replacement is keenly awaited.

This Series I Land Rover on the 88" wheelbase chassis was in the

same family ownership from 1961 until January 2015. The vehicle was

treated to a comprehensive restoration in the early 1990s around a new

galvanised chassis endorsed by the Series I Club. After the rebuild's

completion, PDB 1 won a concurs award in 1994 (trophy included

in sale) and has been well looked after ever since. A service and MoT

test were carried out in August 2016, and the Landie is described as

in generally very good condition, with 'concours' bodywork. All MoT

certificates since 1994 are on file and the vehicle also comes with a V5C

registration document.

£30,000 - 35,000

€35,000 - 40,000

169

1957 LAND ROVER 'SERIES I' 4X4 UTILITY

Registration no. PDB 1

Chassis no. 111703585

• Collectible early model


• Long-term family ownership 1961-2015


• Restored in the 1990s


• Concours winner