Lot details Registration No: YHU 770 Chassis No: 121700323 Mot Expiry: July 2007
"Here's a station wagon . . . with all the toughness and reliability of 'the world's most versatile vehicle' for meeting trains, meeting planes, meeting people . . . Fast, comfortable, economical and completely at home on every kind of road surface, the Land-Rover gives you 8 forward speeds, 2 reverse speeds and all the mobility of 4-wheel drive" (Land-Rover sales brochure)
Introduced for the 1956 model year, the Land-Rover Series I 107-inch wheelbase Station Wagon was the Solihull company's first five-door design. Able to seat ten, it was based around a modified version of its pick-up sibling's box-section ladder-frame chassis. Equipped with all round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension (mounted outboard at the rear to give a flatter floor) and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, it was powered by a 1997cc four-cylinder engine allied to dual-ratio four-speed transmission. Bodied in lightweight aluminium, the 107" Station Wagon benefited from a double-skinned 'Safari Roof' that kept it cool in hot weather and lessened condensation levels.
Finished in dove grey with black vinyl upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (though, he considers the engine to be "fair" and the bulkhead to be "near perfect"). Reputedly one of just 239 home market Series I 107" Station Wagons, 'YHU 770' is thought to have begun life as a RAF 'blood wagon' before becoming a mountain rescue vehicle. Upgraded with a later generation powerplant at some stage, the recent installation of a period 2-litre engine has reportedly seen it "returned to original specification" (while, the long-term history of this unit is unknown, it apparently showed "good oil pressure" prior to installation). Further treated to a new clutch, replacement radiator and fresh tyres, 'YHU 770' has been in the current ownership for nineteen years. Said to be "running and driving well", it is hoped that this rare surviving 107" Station Wagon will possess a new MOT certificate by the time of auction. Only being offered for sale "due to reduced garage space", it comes with a history file and historic class (free) road tax until 31st September 2006.
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