1952 | Land Rover 80

Think 4×4 and you automatically think Land Rover. The best of British has been with us for 76 years now and with the launch of the new Defender there is also an increased interest for the traditional Land Rover line. Its go-anywhere nature makes the Series 1 a truly versatile classic, and its ability to be hosed down makes it one which you shouldn’t be scared of using regardless of the weather or the season.

The Land Rover concept was inspired by the WW2 Willys Jeep. Maurice Wilks of Rover had one shipped to his Anglesey farm as a work vehicle, and decided that the idea was so good Rover should market a civilian equivalent targeted at farmers like himself. The first Land Rover prototype was produced in 1947, and unless the central driving position of this prototype the majority of its formula remained unmodified until the eighties. Until 1951 Land Rover used a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine, expanded to 2.0 from 1952. In 1953 the standard wheelbase was extended by 6 inches to 86”, and a series of longer models became available as well.

The example we are offering for sale is a very original example. It was shipped as a CKD kit to Belgium, where it was assembled for the Gendarmerie. These cars were always painted dark blue and in use for many years. The car was restored in the eighties and painted in the only factory colour available at the time : Bronze Green. The vinyl seat covers in matching green and the beige canvas top are recently fitted and look like new. This Landy is an original LHD car with matching nrs 2,0 litre engine and rear axle. This Series 1 has a lovely patina which suits the car really well, and even the original trafficators are still fitted and work like it should. This lovely Land Rover is ready to be used and comes with a Dutch registration.