1956 Land-Rover Series I 88" Registration Number: SXF 623 C...

Estimate

£19,000 - £22,000

1956 Land-Rover Series I 88"

Registration Number: SXF 623
Chassis Number: 111701531
Engine Number: 111805335
Recorded Mileage: 26,000 miles

- Former Civil Defence Field Cable Vehicle
- Subject of a comprehensive restoration

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success following its introduction in 1948 took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. There was permanent four-wheel drive with a lockable freewheel for the front axle, a Rover four-speed gearbox, and a two-speed transfer box offering high and low ranges. Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance. Indeed, it is estimated that two-thirds of all Land Rovers ever produced are still in existence today. 

This lovely Series I was the subject of a comprehensive restoration from August 2022 to May 2023. Upon initial inspection, original Civil Defence sign writing was discovered beneath the paintwork, excitingly confirming its use as a Field Cable vehicle. The Land Rover was then completely dismantled and all usable parts cleaned. All new parts fitted were to the original pattern where possible. The chassis was blasted, the rear section replaced in its entirety and the rest repaired with new dumb irons, gearbox and rear cross members, then galvanised, treated and painted with etch primer and three coats black enamel. 

All body panels were stripped back to bare metal, repaired where necessary. The exterior was treated with etch primer, two coats of light grey primer, two coats of green primer and three coats of Bronze Green coach enamel. The interior of each panel was treated with etch primer, stone chip grey and two coats of smooth black enamel. The panels were reassembled with new capping rivets and new BSF bolts when needed. All galvanised items were checked and re-galvanised where required. The sliding windows were replaced in perspex, as were the door seal rubbers. All glass was removed and refitted with new sealant or window channels. 

The Series I was fitted with new Exmoor Trim seats in Tygan Vinyl, matched to a khaki hood and new hood sticks, also Exmoor Trim. The original pattern jack is supplied in the tool kit, as are Whitworth/BSF spanners and other tools similar to the original, all contained in a canvas tool roll.

Mechanically, we understand that nothing has been left unattended. The bulkhead was replaced with a new unit; the engine was partly dismantled to check the internal condition, the pistons and rings checked, as was the timing chain and oil pump. The valves were reground and exhaust hardened seats fitted. A reground crankshaft plus new bearings were fitted. All cooling components were replaced with new, including core plugs. A new heater matrix has been fitted.

The gearbox and differential internals have been inspected, a reconditioned overdrive unit has recently been installed. The front axle was rebuilt with new swivels, seals and other components as required, the rear axle was also rebuilt with new seals, bearings and other components (all engine, gearbox and axle seals are new). The steering box internals have been checked, all suspension components have been replaced with new and all brake components replaced, including piping. The lighting has been renewed, apart from the original spot light to the front which has been retained. The wiring loom was replaced with a new cloth covered loom, all instrumentation checked, as were the wiper motors which are fitted with new blades and arms. The fuel tank is new, as is the fuel pump, as per the original. The wheels have been grit blasted and painted with etch primer, two coats of light grey primer, two coats of green primer and three coats of coach enamel. They, including the spare, are fitted with new 6 x 16 tyres.

An MOT test (with no advisories) was completed at the end of the restoration, after enjoying the Land Rover at local concours events (and winning first prize, of course!), the previous owner decided to move onto his next project. The vehicle has since spent its time forming part of an extensive private collection of historic vehicles, but a necessary thinning of the stable has forced the current custodian to offer this restored Land Rover for sale once again, thus providing an exciting opportunity for a Series I enthusiast.

The history file contains all invoices from the current ownership together with the 2023 MOT test certificate, a wiring diagram, a dating certificate from the BMIHT, two Civil Defence handbooks, a reproduction instruction manual, a memory card of images, an older V5C, current V5C registration certificate and other.