1953 Land Rover Series 1 80” SWB

The Land Rover was the brainchild of Rover’s chief designer Maurice Wilks, inspired by the Willys Jeep in 1947 he wanted to improve on the concept by developing an even tougher adventuring vehicle.

Legend has it that the first rudimentary outline of the vehicle was drawn in the sand on a beach in Northern Wales.
Fast forward over 70 years and the Land Rover has spawned extreme versions created for war, for Hollywood and for extreme off-road events becoming arguable the most globally recognized product of the British automotive industry.

Early Land Rovers all shared an 80-inch wheelbase steel box-section chassis with lightweight and easily detachable aluminum panels, including doors, bonnet and windscreen, making them a versatile go-anywhere machine, whether it be tackling the Daintree or roaming the Simpson Desert.

For 1952 and 1953, powering the off-roader was a larger 2.0 litre Inline 4-Cylinder petrol engine than the previous model’s 1.6L and it was driven through a four-speed manual transmission.

We are so excited to bring to market this concours restored example of a Land Rover Series 1 80” SWB presented in stunning Pastil Green over correct Green vinyl trimmed seats and correct body coloured 16” steel wheels only freshly restored by marque specialists in Queensland.

Built on the 16th of December 1952 and delivered to Australia in component form as a CKD Export for the 1953 model year, this vehicle was part of the Snowy Hydro Scheme in Cooma where it remained until it was rescued a few years ago in remarkable survivor condition with zero corrosion.

Affectionately known as “Katie” (Build Number 06), this Land Rover has undergone a comprehensive and very detailed 650-hour restoration using almost entirely original parts. Engine, gearbox and axles are original to the vehicle as are the carburetor and distributor.

Every component has been stripped and meticulously overhauled using NOS parts where possible. All body bolts and screws were sourced from a Birmingham UK company specialising in BSF products with correct “sheradised” plating and original size threads.

It's all in the details from its Khaki colour canvas hood with door top flaps, original Lucas headlights, Lucas wiper motor, all original and fully restored dash instruments and switchgear.

A future concours competitor, this Land Rover would suit the fastidious collector looking for a complete perfect early example of a Series 1 SWB.
Contact our team to arrange an appointment today.