1952 | Land Rover 80

The Land Rover was introduced in 1948 by the Rover car company as a utilitarian vehicle which could be widely exported and sold abroad to earn vital foreign currency for the UK in the difficult period following the Second World War. Taking inspiration from the WW2 Willys Jeep, it used a steel box-section chassis and aluminium alloy body panels (in response to the post-war metal shortage) and could be said to be the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive vehicle with doors, providing the ability to cover rough terrain under all conditions. The first iteration evolved over time, through Series I, II, and III variants, production ending in 1985 when superseded by the Land Rover Ninety & One Ten and later Defender models.

The Series I was at first only available on a short, 80-inch wheelbase chassis, with a 1600 cc motor and simple 4-speed gearbox with a supplemental 2-speed transfer box providing four-wheel drive. Within a couple of years, this had been replaced by a more conventional 4WD system and 1952 saw the introduction of a more powerful 2.0-litre engine. The original 80-inch wheelbase model was replaced by two enlarged options - 86-inch and a long 107-inch wheelbase version - for the 1954 model year, both of which were enlarged again in mid-1956 to 88 and 109 inches respectively. Also that year, a 2.0 litre diesel engine option was offered. The Series 1 models remained in production until 1958, when replaced by the second Series.

The Series 1 Land Rover offered here is an early model, manufactured in 1951 for the 1952 model year. It is in original specification throughout, with the exception of the 2.25 litre petrol engine which usefully replaces the less powerful 2 litre engine first fitted. The car was first registered for the road in the UK in May 1979, at which time the recorded mileage was reset to zero. Between 2015 and 2023, the then owner (who was a Jaguar Land Rover employee) completed a major nut and bolt restoration, which he recorded as costing “… somewhere north of £45,000”. Purchased by a new owner and imported to Jersey in 2024, the Land Rover has covered very little further mileage post restoration.

The engine swap (for a larger 2.25 litre unit) was carried out in the late 1960s and was clearly done properly, everything looking correct, in its proper place and in good order. The engine bay has been restored and detailed. The Land Rover starts and drives exactly as it should, the vehicle having recently been checked over and fettled in our workshops.

As part of the fastidious restoration work, everything that needed refurbishing or replacing has been refurbished or replaced with a focus on maintaining authenticity and originality wherever possible. The chassis, alloy bulkhead and body panels are original. Everything was taken back to bare metal. All the galvanised parts were re-galvanised and the painted parts finished in period-correct yellow primer and ‘Bronze Green’ paint. The underside is equally tidy and well detailed. A new tan hood is fitted. Everything is in excellent condition.

The restoration goals of originality and authenticity continue with the interior of the Series 1. Spartan it may be, but everything has been refurbished or refinished - seats, front and rear, floor coverings, glass, instrument panel and steering wheel – everything is solid, correct and functional.

The Series 1 represents the beginning of a world famous brand and range of vehicles still very much in action today and as such, is seen as the most collectable version. This is a very good example, having been professionally restored on a virtually no-expense spared basis with correct period parts and materials, for which there is a photographic record.

The Land Rover is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.