Description
This vehicle has been the personal project of a garage owner with nearly 30 years’ experience. This Series 1 Land Rover was chosen as a restoration project from many on the market due to its original condition and previous records of maintenance including a large number of MOT’s and has just sailed through (with no advisories) a new MOT, even though this vehicle has long been MOT exempt. In addition this Series 1 being the very desirable 80” model and early year of manufacturer it has the benefit of being one of the very earliest fitted with the increased capacity 2.0 petrol engine. This is a very early 1952 model.
Above all it was the aim to sympathetically restore this vehicle so its age and patina were not destroyed. This is a careful process when wishing the end result to be a thoroughly restored vehicle but signs of the past life that this Land Rover has enjoyed showing through. The restoration has included all 86 original galvanised parts being removed, shot blasted and re-galvanised, a bare metal respray in the vehicles original cellulose bronze green finish. Complete electrical re-wire. Windscreen and door tops striped down and restored with new seals throughout, complete with new door and tailgate seals. Every component from horns, wiper motor, brackets, air cleaner, shock absorbers, body panels, headlamps, etc etc were removed, cleaned, shot blasted, meticulously restored and re-painted to the highest standards. This Land Rover has had all oil seals, all new gaskets and new bushes fitted and complete new exhaust system.
The chassis has been stripped down, repaired where necessary and finished with 5 coats of semi-gloss bronze green coachbuilders enamel and finally the chassis was Waxoyl injected to ensure its longevity continues.
In the past this Series 1 had been retro fitted with indicators on the front and rear wings which detracted from its originality, therefore during the restoration these were removed, however to retain the convenience of indicators for modern day roads they have been moved to within the side lights making driving this Series 1 easier on today’s roads but ensuring this vehicle looks totally correct.
Complete new seats were made by Exmoor trim to the correct patent & hessian backed as per original manufacturer and in addition this Series 1 comes with a complete new hood & a new galvanised hood frame.
Rear bench seats to correct aftermarket specification with galvanised frames will be supplied with this Series 1, and can be fitted in minutes, but I chose to leave them off as I think they slightly detract from the original look, however if you want to pile a load of friends in to go down the pub they are ideal!
A photographic record of the restoration was made. This Series 1 has had all new oils throughout and comes with a new 12 month MOT and is now raring to go on a new adventure fresh from its restoration.
