1954 Land-Rover Series I Registration Number: LJU 307 Chass...

Hammer

£9,500

1954 Land-Rover Series I

Registration Number: LJU 307
Chassis Number: 57102040
Recorded Mileage: 72,750 miles

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.

First registered in December of 1954 to Berkshire, the Land-Rover resided for many years on a Berkshire country estate, being used primarily by the estate’s gamekeeper. The Land-Rover was subject of a previous chassis-up restoration in 2015. We understand during the restoration the chassis was galvanised, and the engine rebuilt on a new block and converted to unleaded. The truck retains its original body panel, axles, gearbox, tilt frame and wheels, which were overhauled at the time, in addition to the fitting of a new wiring loom. The suspension, brakes and transmission were refurbished, the vehicle refinished in satin Keswick Green, and the interior retrimmed.

Changing hands in 2018, the Land-Rover has been kept on the current owner’s driveway and used mainly for local trips and errands. On a sunny day with the canvas tilt removed, bouncing around an old Land-Rover is a fun place to be. The restoration has mellowed over the last few years, presenting a nicely preserved example of the definitive off-road vehicle.