1951 Land Rover Series 1

With its first owner being Lady Raglan (interestingly, we understand it was registered as a ‘private goods’ vehicle at the time to avoid the taxes we mentioned in the introduction; none are as thrifty as the aristocracy…), this charming Series 1 Land Rover has pedigree as well as breeding.

Obviously at least partially restored at some point, as an early example ‘HVJ 640’ features the later two-litre petrol engine that replaced the factory 1.6-litre unit.

Little more is known about its history than it’s had two registered UK keepers prior to the seller. A dark horse indeed then but this merely adds an element of intrigue to what is an already highly desirable vehicle.

Finished in classic Land Rover green with matching steel wheels and a tan canvas roof, this Series 1 is every inch – all eighty of ‘em – the icon we’ve all come to know and love.

Nicely patinated without coming even close to being unacceptably scruffy, it proves the adage that nothing wears a patina better than an old Landie.

Not that it’s bad you understand, because the panel alignment is actually pretty good. But there are a few dents and dinks, plus a rough finish to the paintwork that looks like dust trapped under clearcoat.

We think it adds to the 4x4’s rugged charm and would be happy to call it character and be done with it but if you’re looking for a vehicle to improve then there is certainly scope here.

As you’d expect given its age, there is some corrosion on the bodywork, but it looks to be more cosmetic than problematic and manifests itself most obviously around the mirror mounting points and windscreen frame.

The canvas roof, by way of contrast, still looks nearly new. It fits very well and we can’t see any obvious rips, tears, or other damage to spoil it. It also rolls up to give a degree of protection from the sun while allowing for plenty of ventilation; few cars would be better as beach transport.

As for the 16-inch steel wheels, we’ve already noted that they’ve been painted green to match the bodywork. They’re also fitted with chunky 6.0-16 Security ML914 tyres, a tyre whose depth of tread can be measured in inches rather than millimetres.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

Auxiliary front and rear indicators have been fitted, which seems like a very sensible addition. A rear tow ball is also in place, as are spare wheel brackets on the bonnet. (The actual spare wheel is mounted in the loadbed.)

Oh, and the front grille is the proper metal one, so you could cook your freshly-caught mackerel right there on the beach.

The interior might be spartan but then spartan means easy to use and easy to repair; no need to find a 15-year-old with a laptop to sort out any problems that arise, just break out the adjustable and the WD-40.

Mind you, with nearly three quarters of a century behind it, any weaknesses would have come to light by now, so we don’t expect the new owner to be faced with anything too troublesome.

And, like the original Mini, the Land Rover’s diminutive dimensions disguise a Tardis-like interior with three-abreast seating in the front and more space behind, as long as they don’t mind perching on the wheelarches.

The seats themselves are in a decent condition, with most of the wear and tear being to the backrests. The base of the driver’s seat looks like it’s been replaced only recently, and you could leave the rest as they are for a good while yet until money and motivation coincide – and when they do you have the option of either having them recovered or buying replacement seats from someone like Exmoor Trim.

As for the rear loadspace, it doesn’t look like it’s seen hard work but it does have enough marks on it that you aren’t going to be afraid to throw a few logs in there, or transport muddy dogs and children; something that the current owner frequently does.

The floor looks solid too, so you’ll be able to accomplish all your transport tasks without fear of leaving a trail of detritus in your wake.

The controls are patinated, and instrumentation is more comprehensive than you imagine the rate of battery charge being conveyed in addition to the fuel level, road speed, and distance covered.

The factory information plates regarding the drivetrain are still fitted, and further charm comes by way of a pair of hand-painted warning signs and a period-correct auxiliary heater.

All four brake drums, cylinders and shoes were replaced by Rovertune Ltd, an independent Land Rover specialist, in August 2022. The Land Rover was serviced at the same time and various seals, mounts, and bearings were replaced, as was the steering box. With much extra fettling, the final bill came to £7,373. Our vendor tells us "the brakes feel like they could do with a fresh bleeding to bring them back up to full strength," and “for ease of maintenance, a K&N air filter has been added; however, the original oil bath model and ancillaries accompanies the vehicle if the new owner wishes to reinstall them in the future.”

As you can see, it fires into life with enthusiasm and sends the ammeter into a happy little dance as it is revved – and doesn’t it rev well? After so many years of driving diesel Land Rovers, it never fails to amaze us what free-revving, throaty little engines these early petrol ones are.

As for the cosmetic condition of the engine, there is scope for improvement under the bonnet as it’s a bit scruffy and dirty, but, like the rest of the vehicle, you could enjoy the Land Rover for a while as you formulate a plan of action – if indeed you felt you had to do anything; you could just keep on top of the maintenance and take pleasure in your Land Rover’s hard-won character.

The Land Rover doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes that huge bill from Rovertune, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of a factory record, the original buff logbook showing its previous registration to Lady Raglan, a parts catalogue, a restoration book, a workshop manual, and an instruction manual.

There is also a box of spares; please take a look at the photos to see what’s included.

As far as icons go, they don’t get better than this – and few are as versatile as an old Land Rover either; it’s equally happy shifting people or stuff, is as much at home on the wilds of Scotland as it is the West End, and everyone loves ‘em, which can improve the ownership experience immensely as you’ll be received with nothing but happiness and fond memories wherever you wend.

Which is handy, because while our estimate of between £15,000 and £20,000 might feel like a lot, that affection means there’s always been a ready market for them, especially when they’re as mechanically sorted as this one.

And, if that’s not enough, this one is being offered with no reserve, so it’s going to sell from the very first bid, no matter how derisory that might be – and with the show season and better weather just around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about how you want to spend your summer.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.