1951 Land Rover Series I

We’ll begin by stating that this Land Rover Series 1 is definitely of the ‘running project’ school. Then again, by old Landie standards, there’s no doubting it could still be used as a day-to-day run-around. These venerable old beasts really will take a fair bit of punishment, all the while faithfully continuing to deliver their workhorse-like wares.

The included V5 document indicates that is was originally registered on November 25, 1953 and that it’s had just three owners from new. A quick check of its MOT history reveals that it was in regular action (albeit, only with very limited annual mileage) up until 2012, when it appears to have been laid up until recently.

It undertook a fresh MOT test on March 8, 2021, which it failed for some non-functioning lamps and indicators. This was quickly rectified (although we do have to state that the wiring job to get it done is a bit hairy, though apparently effective) and it received a fresh certificate that runs until 15.03.22. We're not sure the mechanic has a good handle on MOT requirements, it is possibly the only Series 1 equipped with a fresh set of windscreen washers...

Oh and it’s had a later 3.5-litre V8 dropped into it at some point, so it has considerably more oomph than back in ’51.

This un’s been over hill and dale, down valley and up peak; whilst there it’s been scraped and scratched, and dented. And it wears its considerable battle scars with pride.

As such the alloy panels sport a number of imperfections, each if which simply endows the bluff old girl with oodles of character. The nearside flank is definitely the less rippled and bashed of the two.

The paint on the panels is okay, if a bit flaky and aged; with just the odd scrape revealing the alloy underneath, while the rear valance has been painted black at some point in the not too distant past – although there’s evidence of a repair just to left hand side of the tow bar.

Land Rover mud flaps are fitted at the rear and the steel wheels’ paint remains relatively fresh looking; we’d change those tyres though. They have a decent amount of tread remaining but who knows how long they’ve been in-situ and some have sidewall cracks. The spare wheel is mounted proudly on the bonnet. Two of the four wheels retain their centre caps.

The canvas top is weathered and there’s a spare in similar condition, but the underlying frame looks okay. An X3 Superwinch sits just above the front bumper.

You don’t buy a Land Rover for all mod cons and a supremely cosseting interior; no, they’re rudimentary, almost agricultural in their design. At least they used to be! Step away, from the discussing the modern iteration – there’s a good boy, now…

Where was I? Oh yes, rudimentary. A more modern steering wheel (looks to be a Sherpa K2 unit from the early-to-mid Eighties) has been fitted at some point and the cabin is similarly showing its age, with a plethora of usage marks. The vinyl seats too, are of a different vintage (possibly the same decade as the steering wheel) and rip free.

Someone has added a ‘light switch’ sign in gaffer tape to the dash panel and there’s a tape-wrapped bodge located between the speedometer and fuel gauge.

There’s a touch of surface rust on one or two of the controls and pedals, but it looks like it should clean up quite well. There is definitely a bit of wiring tidying up to be done.

It’s all a bit rusty and crusty underneath. There are areas of surface corrosion on the chassis; it does appear solid but it has definitely had welding in places. Any last vestiges of rust proofing are exactly that, the leftovers of long since applied product. To be fair, it’ll probably keep going for a long time yet with the odd patch up when necessary, but the biggest restorative wins will come from time spent under here.

The 3.5-Litre V8 runs OK but may benefit from a tune up and requires adjustments of the choke. There’s a slight water leak, which can cause it to elicit some steam on occasion. Again, having not run for a number of years, it’ll require a thorough going through to ensure everything functions as it should. The starter button has started to play up too. 

Looking at the Land Rover, and judging by its battle scars, there’s no doubt that it’s led one heck of a life, but all that is shrouded in the mists of time as the history file is pretty sparse.

The V5 document is included and you’ll also find three expired MOT certificates (from 2009, 2010 and 2011), as well as its current one. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that.

No depth of provenance, just a funky old Landie ripe for a refresh.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very decent standard.

On the upside, this is a cracking little fixer-upper. There’s a lot of satisfaction to be had from bringing this venerable old beast back from the brink. Autojumbles will become your friend, as you spend lazy summer afternoons on the hunt for original parts to replace the clumsy later interior additions. Would we keep the V8 or source a period unit? Hmm, we’re undecided on that… and it’s a decision for the next owner, anyway.

On the downside there’s very little history but that’ll be the case for many of its ilk, and it’s not in original as-built form, which impacts somewhat on the asking price. The role of rural workhorse was a rough and tumble life, and when they broke they were simply (and sometimes crudely) fixed in order to keep calm and carry on.

Our estimate for this Series 1 is a very even-handed £6,000 to £11,000. There’s no doubt that this will provide good fun for someone who wants to tidy it up a bit or even to embark on a full restoration.

Yet again, in true Landie fashion, they could simply run it as is for the next 70 years.

Inspection is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.