1950 LAND ROVER 80 SERIES 1

1950 LAND ROVER 80 SERIES 1

Restored to original condition, starts on the button and drives perfectly.

Land Rover entered production in 1948 with what has later been termed the series I. This was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show. It was originally designed for farm and light industrial use, with a steel box-section chassis and an aluminium body.

Originally the Land Rover was a single model offering, which from 1948 until 1951 used an 80-inch (2.03 m) wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing around 50 bhp (37 kW; 51 PS). The four-speed gearbox from the Rover P3 was used, with a new two-speed transfer box. This incorporated an unusual four-wheel-drive system, with a freewheel unit (as used on several Rover cars of the time). This disengaged the front axle from the manual transmission on the overrun, allowing a form of permanent 4WD. A ring-pull mechanism in the driver's footwell allowed the freewheel to be locked to provide more traditional 4WD. This was a basic vehicle: tops for the doors and a roof (canvas or metal) were optional extras. In 1950, the lights moved from a position behind the grille to protruding through the grille.

According to the Heritage Certificate supplied with the car, LRR 177 was delivered on the 24th May 1950 to North Nottinghamshire Motors Limited whereupon the registration number was issued some weeks later. This wonderful example has come from an important collection of a true Land Rover enthusiast who quite literally grew up with Land Rovers, as both his Grandfather and Father were official Land Rover dealers. Over the years, our vendor built up a collection of national importance, and in deference to his advancing years we are assisting him in downsizing this collection. In March 2016, two examples of his collection were auctioned that broke world records, including a 1950 Tickford and subsequently Chassis #149, which topped the '80in' table at an astonishing £47,000.

Expertly restored in 2000, this Land Rover is in good order and stands resplendent today in Bronze Green. Fitted with a 2.6 litre, 6 cylinder petrol engine this Land Rover would be at home anywhere, and the perfect car for the first time Series One owner.

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