This is a Land Rover Series I, 1948 model. It is the oldest known military Land Rover still in existence. This is a special "pre-1500" vehicle with 80-inch chassis. It was one of the first 20 vehicles sent to the Ministry of Supply in 1948. It costs around £50,000 to £75,000 GBP or $70,000 to $100,000 USD. It is based in Taplow, Berkshire, United Kingdom and has the chassis number R-860756.
This Land Rover left the Solihull factory on 16 December 1948 for the Ministry of Supply. It was the sixth of 20 vehicles in the first batch of Land Rover vehicles delivered to the British Army. It is believed to be the oldest surviving example from this early order, as many were destroyed during service. The exact function of the vehicle is not known. However, it once had two red wings on the side of its Bronze Green bodywork.
This suggests that it was probably used for bomb disposal or to carry ammunition. It first received the War Department registration "M627876," then in 1949 the service registration "90 YJ 00." It remained in service until 1961. It was sent to the War Department Storage Depot at Ruddington in April 1962 and sold at auction in July. It was 1962.
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On 16 November 1962, this Land Rover received the civil registration 2350 PK. In 1977 it sold only once more, then in August 1985 the seller bought it. It is believed that it was kept in a dry place for the last 40 years. Photos show that at this time an early restoration began. It got a very original chassis, which reportedly did not require any welded repairs and was not done.
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It was later decided that Land Rover would be fully restored during 2014 and 2015. This work was done by the owner with the advice of a well-known expert from Dunsfold Land Rover. The aim was to make the vehicle as historically accurate as possible. It is said that only the structure in the footwell of the passenger needed repair. This was followed by a new livery of Bronze Green, while retaining the factory-corrected colour scheme of the silver chassis and black axle.
Its original side-plate engine was replaced with a corrected 1949 core plug unit during service. This is evidenced by the Ministry of Supply's brass "overhaul" plate on the engine block. This "upgrade" is common in early surviving vehicles. Its original, early "ring pull" -type gearbox/transfer box still exists. There are also true, military-style split-rim wheels, which are now fitted with period-correct 6.00 x 16-inch Avon Traction Mileage tyres.
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Since its recent restoration, this Land Rover has received many awards. Its factory-corrected features have been praised by many prominent restorers and brand executives. It is a very rare chance that someone gets such a high-demand "pre-1500" Series I. It's not just a vehicle, but a vehicle with a very special history that helped kickstart the Army's long-standing relationship with Land Rover. This is Cliveden House Offered Without Reserve in 2025.
Source: RM Sotheby's
