1958 Land-Rover Series I 88"

Registration No: 288 FUV
Chassis No: 111801851
MOT: Exempt

• In service (believed with the R.A.F) between 1958 and 1963
• Matching chassis, engine and gearbox numbers
• Benefitting from an uprated back axle, Fairey overdrive and freewheeling hubs
• Widely improved during the current sixteen-year ownership
• Offered with a large history file and spares package

Designed by Maurice Wilks in 1947, a Land-Rover rates highly on any list of the world's most significant vehicles, and the earlier – and therefore purer – the better. By the 1957 model year, during which this example was made, weak points had been ironed out to bring the 4x4 to a specification that would last for decades. A simple ladder frame chassis, steel bulkhead and rugged square-formed aluminium panels created a strong workhorse for light industrial, countryside and military use alike. The 88in chassis was offered from mid-1956 model year.

Simple, Spartan and beautiful in its own way, this late Series I possesses all the characteristics that make early Land-Rovers so desirable. It was originally built for military service, it is believed with the R.A.F., but was demobilised in 1963 and issued with its present London registration. The previous owner purchased it in 1993 as a dismantled project and set about putting it back on the road over a period of several years. Having enjoyed for a number of years thereafter, he sold it to his friend, the present vendor, in 2009.

The Land-Rover retains its original engine and gearbox and has benefitted from much further work in the vendor’s ownership, including an engine overhaul, new rear springs and shock absorbers, new starting equipment including an ignition switch and an electronic ignition conversion, a new fuel tank, and fitment of an electric fuel pump. The result is a machine which is not merely useable but highly capable, and has done much off-roading with the Land-Rover Series One Club. It has been mildly modified with desirable upgrades including an uprated back axle, Fairey overdrive and freewheeling hubs, but is supplied with parts to return it to a more original specification, including the half-doors. It ran and drove beautifully during our photoshoot and is supplied with a large history file including the V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452