1951 Land Rover Series I 4x4 Utility, Registration no. SFF 429 Chassis no. 16102684

Odometer reading: tbc
MOT: Exempt

*Present ownership since 1996
*Restored to driveable condition in the late 1990s
*Used sparingly for local runs in summertime
*In dry storage since 2013

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance. Indeed, it is estimated that two-thirds of all Land Rovers ever produced are still in existence today. Progressively developed since its launch in 1948 and modified to serve countless specialist requirements, the ubiquitous Land Rover had been around for a staggering 68 years by the time Defender production ceased in 2016.
The vendor purchased this Series I in 1996 and had it restored to driveable condition. Kept garaged, the vehicle was used sparingly for local runs in summertime and has been in dry storage since 2013. Re-commissioning will be required before further use.

Vendor Score Total: 22 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 5 /25
Body Work: 1
Paint: 1
Glass: 1
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 1
Wheels/Tyres: 1

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 4 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 1
Axles: 1
Suspension: 1
Brakes: 1

INTERIOR TOTAL: 4 /20
Seats: 1
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 1
Headlining: 1
Trim: 1

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 2 /10
Main components: 1
Ancillary components: 1

ENGINE TOTAL: 4 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 1
Mechanical components: 1

Car History File: 3