1950 Land Rover 80

Lot details
Registration No: FP 5265
Chassis No: 06111874
Mot Expiry: Oct 2006

Almost as old as the marque itself, the sport of Land Rover off-road trialling dates back to the 1950s. While ordinary road cars could expect to enter the realms of bangerdom when they finished their useful lives, many a Land Rover found itself reincarnated as an off-road competitor. Smaller than any of its successors, the Series One 80" became the weapon of choice for the determined trialler. Arguably stretching the Association of Rover Club's strict rules somewhat, many 80" owners chose to install the lightweight and powerful Rover V8 engine. The resultant hybrid 80"V8s soon became the class of the field and even today remain capable of embarrassing far newer / more exotic machinery.
Finished in bronze green with green upholstery, this particular example - a genuine 'lights-behind-the-grille' Landie - is described by the vendor as being "very sound indeed" and "the epitome of shabby chic". A real wolf in sheep's clothing, it has been extensively modified in the recent past. Strengthened with a six-point ARC-specification roll cage and 'jackable' sills its original chassis is now home to a Range Rover type 3.5 litre powerplant mated to a Series 2a gearbox (widely held to be the strongest of the readily available Series 'boxes). Utilising Series 3 axles front and rear chosen for their strength, width and the ease with which they surrender half-shafts (an important consideration mid-stage), it further benefits from a Series 2a steering box and extra wide 1-Ton front wheel rims that aid lock in tight sections.
Remarkably standard looking even down to spade-type seats, any illusions as to its true nature are quickly dispelled soon after the starter button is depressed. Reconverted for road use not long ago, it is offered for sale with "a useable set of door tops, canvas hood, hood frame", transferable registration number, old ARC competition logbook, sundry invoices, MOT certificate current until October 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until September 2006. Now regarded as highly collectable, 1948-1950 80s in restored condition are currently making £10,000-plus, so it is unlikely that many other very early Series Ones will get the V8 treatment.