Lot 308: Land Rover Series I lwb Pick-up
From the collection of the late Jimi Heselden, OBE
The original Land Rover needs no introduction. As the world's most trusted workhorse, it is familiar everywhere, known for its rugged dependability in the harshest environments. The simple utility of its design together with its reputation for strength and off-road ability has arguably never been bettered. Indeed, when modern 4x4s go off-road to play they often end up being towed back to the tarmac by a Land-Rover, the fate of one of Colonel Blashford-Snell's Range Rover when it attempted to cross the Darien Gap in South America in 1971 and had to be rather ignominiously rescued by a dilapidated Series One Land Rover of the type we are pleased to offer today.
Although the overall shape has changed little from the earliest cars to the present day Defender, the Series 1 cars built from 1948 to 1958 are the most highly prized by collectors for their purity and simplicity of design. Among the rarest of the Series 1 cars is the 109 long wheelbase variant, produced for just three seasons, and of the approximately 16,000 sold worldwide only 3,000 stayed in the UK.
The Series 1 Land Rover that we are offering is a desirable 109 long wheel base variant with a hardtop cab to the front and canvas tilt to the rear. OAS 821 had a great deal of restoration work in about 2005, attested to by a large and highly complimentary feature in Land Rover Enthusiast magazine. The Land Rover remains today in smart condition with straight bodywork and very good paintwork in a most attractive shade of Dove Grey, which is a close match to the original paint uncovered during restoration.
An excellent example of a rare model, this highly collectable Land Rover would be equally at home pressed into service on a country estate, or simply preserved in a collection of fine motor cars.
| Auction |
Spring Classics Coys, Royal Horticultural Halls, London, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type | Car |
| Lot Number | 308 |
| Estimate | £3000-£5000 |
| Outcome | SOLD |
| Hammer Price | - |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | £12272 |
| Year | 1957 |
| Condition rating | 1 |
| Registration number | OAS 821 |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | 121700400 |
| Engine number | |
| Engine capacity (cc) | |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors | 2 |