Lot details
Registration No: B801LNU
Chassis No: SALLBBAHZAA221578
Mot Expiry: Dec 2011

The ubiquitous Land Rover was launched at the 1948 Amsterdam Motorshow. It was designed for light agricultural use and to create the cashflow required to kickstart Rover's post-WW2 passenger car production. That today's Defender is immediately recognisable as its direct descendent is huge testimony to Maurice Wilks' original concept. Inspired by the WWII Jeep, its specification was influenced by the austere conditions of the time. The irony of the Land Rover's longevity is that production was only intended to run for two to three years. Instead, it rapidly became the workhorse of the world. The model steadily progressed from a single offering powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine to a complete family of long and short wheelbase derivatives with an ever increasing choice of engines. By the time of the Series IIA of 1969-1971, Land Rover production was at its all time peak - over 60,000 vehicles per annum. In addition to record sales, the model dominated many world markets, accounting for around 90 percent of the 4x4 sector in Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

'B801 LNU' is a right-hand drive 1984 Lightweight Station Wagon that is thought to have been delivered new to the armed forces as a radio vehicle - it features a 24 volt electrical system. However, shortly after delivery it appears to have been put into storage before eventually being sold off to the private sector. It was then purchased by a Nottingham based couple who used it to tow their caravan around Europe, presumably fitting the Fairey overdrive unit for more relaxed cruising. The Landie then passed to their next door neighbour, from whom the most recent keeper acquired it in October 2007; since when it has only been used for runs to the corporation tip and towing a light log trailer. The Land Rover's history apparently seems to confirm the indicated mileage of 20,000 kilometres and the vehicle is said to have benefited from a regular maintenance regime. Some welding has been carried out to the rear cross member and the vendor has conceded that a new quarter chassis and rear cross member would now be worth fitting. The perfect vehicle for a snowy winter!