1950 Land-Rover 80"
No Reserve - Entered from the Dering Collection

Registration No: OXS 672
Chassis No: 06108322
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from the Dering Collection, the property of a gentleman racing driver
• A RHD export model shipped to Australia when new
• Re-imported in 2017 and subjected to a full "preservation" job including a full engine and gearbox refresh
• Now fitted with a two-litre engine plus LED side and taillights and winkers for modern-day use
• Partially re-wired and fitted with new vinyl covers on the original spade-back front seats

This is where `The Best 4x4 by Far' started – a utility vehicle devised in 1947 by the Wilks brothers for use on their farm and inspired by the wartime Jeep. Aluminium panels, used because of a shortage of steel, meant the bodies did not rust and thanks to an ingenious high-and-low ratio four-wheel drive system, the new small utility vehicle was possessed of incredible climbing ability in all conditions including glutinous mud. Initially powered by a 1,595cc inlet-over-exhaust Rover engine, a two-litre unit was adopted from 1952. More than 75 years after the prototype first ran, Land Rovers of all ages continue to give faithful service all around the world, but the most desirable examples are still the earliest 80in-wheelbase Series I models, and particularly the 'lights-behind-grille' examples manufactured from 1948 to 1950.

This supremely original and beautifully patinated 'lights-behind-grille' Land-Rover (early models were always hyphenated) was built on 22nd February, 1950, in RHD form for export to Australia, where it was originally handled by Grenville Motors Ltd. It left the factory painted Green which, as can be seen, is still present in all its aged splendour. Keen Land-Rover enthusiasts will spot that it comes with an extremely rare 80in hardtop and probably one of the first ever produced – as an accessory, it was introduced in February, 1950, and it appears to have been with this vehicle from new – and a similarly desirable centre power take-off.

Sadly, none of its early history survives, but it was reimported into Britain in a weathered but fundamentally sound state in 2017. Crucially, it had survived with its original steel chassis intact, the Australian sun evidently having treated it far more kindly that the British climate would have done. In 2021, the vendor, a well-known gentleman racing driver and an enthusiastic member of the Land-Rover Series One Club, became the first registered British owner of the 80in after it was returned to running condition in 2020.

The vendor went to great pains to preserve the Land-Rover’s impressive originality, although some discreet modifications having included LED bulbs for the side and tail lights, which now also function as flashing indicators. It now uses a two-litre spread-bore engine which is thought to have been installed in period. The engine and gearbox both received sympathetic attention, the electrics were partially rewired and the seat covers were too worn, so have been recovered with new vinyl. Upon completion, the Land-Rover was MOTed in 2020 with no advisories, before receiving its registration the next year. It is offered for sale with the current V5C, import and registration documents, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and a dating certificate from the Series One Club.

PLEASE NOTE: The registration plates fitted to the vehicle in the photographs are incorrect, please refer to the catalogued number.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430