24th Jul, 2024 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
www.handh.co.u...
Among the longest standing members of the collection
Thought to have prevsiously served with the Armed Forces before being decommissioned in 1966
No former keepers shown on its accompanying V5C Registration Documents
Reputedly uprated with a later 2.25 litre engine
In need of recommissioning / restoration
This is where 'The Best 4x4 by Far' started - a utility vehicle devised in 1947 by the Wilks brothers for use on their farm which drew inspiration from the wartime Jeep. Thanks to its ingenious high/low ratio four-wheel drive system, the resultant 4x4 possessed incredible climbing capabilities in all conditions (including battlefields). Boasting a roomier cabin than its 80in predecessor, many consider the short-lived 86in (1954-1956) to be the best of the Series 1 Land Rovers.
Built during the 1955 model year but not issued with the Preston number plate ‘ECK 275D’ until 23rd November 1966, chassis 57105948 is believed to have spent its first eleven years in service with the British Armed Forces. Part of the late Mr Lucas’s collection since at least the late 1970s when the DVLA computerised their ownership records, the Land Rover is thought to have been uprated with a later / more powerful engine at some stage if only because the accompanying V5C quotes the cubic capacity as 2286cc. The same document also lists no former keepers. Passing its most recent MOT test on 17th March 2011 at an indicated 52,306 miles with ‘no advisories’, the Series I has since deteriorated and as such will require recommissioning / restoration prior to use.