Friday 10 June 2016

Land Rover Series 1 - 80" - 1953

Barn find - Land Rover Series 1 80”
This Land-Rover is one of the last year of the 80” wheelbase model - it is 1953 year model Series 1 - chassis number 366612** with original 2 Litre Engine number 36107041 (turns feely but not had it running) and 52 stamped radiator - if you know your Land-Rovers you will know that these are correct numbers for year and shows a remarkable originality of this vehicle.

Description
The vehicle is in excellent unrestored order with remarkably straight body panels and a very sound chassis and bulkhead.  Almost everything required to get it up and running is with the vehicle  Please Note: Although the dynamo has been removed one will be included in this sale. Lower door halves are also included (These are also original but not certain that they are from the same vehicle as they are still in a much more of a Deep Bronze Green colour, but that could be due to having been stored undercover for years instead of out and about on the vehicle).
 The Chassis still displays much of its original green paint and has not had any weld repairs.  It has no deep corrosion or damage (other than a couple of the usual dinks on cross members - but nothing major). Rear cross member is original, albeit having lost much of its paint due to exposure to the elements but is sound and shows only light surface rust.
 The Bulkhead is 90% perfect, other than minor impact damage to RHS door pillar (see picture) –  repair would be very straightforward.
Alternatively, I have another 80” bulkhead in near perfect condition which could be available by separate negotiation should purchaser wish.

History
This vehicle was supplied direct from Land-Rover to their agent in NSW and sold to Gardner Callmin (?) Ltd on 25th May 1953 –  A copy of Grenville’s handwritten ledger record of that sale can be made available on request, showing chassis and engine number as present today. It came back to UK in 2015 and is for sale now to help to cover costs of bringing another Land Rover (1949 80")  back to good order.

N.B. 
There is no V5C with the vehicle but it is VAT paid and NOVA was declared at import.  I have not applied for an age related plate but Land Rover Series One Club are very helpful in securing issue if purchaser should wish to have one when the vehicle is ready to use.

Summary
This is not the normal rotten and corroded basket case dragged out of a hedgebottom ....  The condition of this vehicle is such that it will require more of a sympathetic re-commissioning rather than full restoration. Although it is not roadworthy at present and will need work on steering, brakes, electrics etc. to bring it up to scratch, it is an excellent opportunity to acquire a true British classic vehicle that will be an appreciating asset and give years of enjoyment along the way.