1955 Land Rover 86

Lot details
Registration No: PBM 384
Chassis No: 57105407
Mot Expiry: Oct 2011

OFFERED FROM A PRIVATE ENTHUSIAST'S COLLECTION

That today's Defender is immediately recognisable as a direct descendent of the Land Rover launched at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show, is huge testimony to Maurice Wilks' original design. The `Landie' was designed for light agricultural use and to create the cashflow required to kickstart Rover's post-WW2 passenger car production. Inspired by the WW2 Jeep, its specification was influenced by the austere conditions of the time - it featured the extensive use of aluminium rather than steel and was finished in varying shades of military green. The irony of the Land Rover's longevity is that production was only intended to run for two to three years; to be axed as soon Rover's traditional fare of luxury saloons was available once more. 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% of the 4x4 sector in Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

`PBM 384' is a right-hand drive, home market Series I Land Rover built in 1955 and delivered new to dealer Dunham & Haines Ltd of Luton. It is a standard 86-inch wheelbase model, powered by Rover's 1997cc four-cylinder petrol engine. Purchased by the vendor in 2001, it was subsequently treated to a `nut and bolt restoration' based around a brand new galvanised chassis - since when it has apparently covered very few miles. This very pretty Landie is now available complete with buff log book and Heritage Trust Certificate.