Land Rover Series 1 80" 1953 Outstanding Restoration

SOLD

Now Reserved! Similar required.


A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally restored and very desirable 1953 Land Rover Series 1 80".

When Maurice Wilks, Rover's chief designer, came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural utility vehicle in 1947 he would have no idea that his design would become an icon and launch a whole new industry sector. The original Land Rover was presented in sage green with a canvas roof and revolutionised rural transport. As an engineering marvel it can still outstrip its modern counterparts, and the Series I rightly belongs in the Motoring Hall of Fame. Hugely successful globally, improvements were made throughout the production run. In 1950 the lights moved from a position behind the grill to protrude through the grill and in 1952 a larger 2.0 litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6 litre.

This vehicle has covered less than 500 miles since restoration. Vehicles like this don't often come on the market in fact the most recent vehicles to be of the same quality were sold in the last 12 months at Silverstone Auctions for £38,250 and £39,375 respectively. A very rare opportunity indeed.



BODYWORK

409 YUE comes with a comprehensive collection of photos to show the restoration work that has been carries out over a two year period. It has had new one piece wings from Keith Wadsworth, door tops etc.

The rear tub unlike most Land Rovers is remarkably straight in the back and doesn't show any signs of hard use.

The bulkhead is exceptionally solid and original, despite a few minor dents.

The chassis is immaculate and has been restored to the highest standards having any necessary outriggers and a new rear crossmemember so that you can't see any pitting in the chassis. It has then been finished in the correct bronze green.

YUE has always had a spare wheel fitted in the back and has the more attractive bonnet without the wheel mounting. The underside of the bonnet is unpainted and back to the bare aluminum as it would have left the factory.

Most original components have been reconditioned. When some parts were found to be beyond repair, original Land Rover new-old stock components were used.



INTERIOR

It has a complete set of front seats from Exmoor trim that are the correct square back type for the age of the vehicle. It had also had a new canvas and flaps from Exmoor there has certainly been no expense spared on this Land Rover with thousands of pounds worth of receipts for parts in the history file.

The door tops have had new channels and glass all round.

Under the passenger seat the compartment contains the original jack, wooden handle for the jack, wheel brace.

The load area is exceptionally clean and doesn't show any sights of heavy use.



UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay has been extremely well detailed and finished to the highest of standards. The restoration includes an overhauled later 2-litre unit, dated 1958

The rebuilt 2-litre petrol engine gives huge improvements in reliability, looking very similar in appearance to the original. The later engine block is known as the 'spread bore' engine design, which has a greater gap between the cylinders, thus giving improved reliability and less chance of head gasket failure whilst also reducing the risk of a cracked block.



ON THE ROAD

The engine busts into life on the turn of the key. It always starts first time and is a great runner. The vehicle really does pull very well it will go up most hills in 3rd gear.

It is apparent that the restorer was very meticulous and his attention to detail is excellent and he has greased many non-moving parts underneath in order to preserve them and protect them from corrosion.

With the canvas sides rolled up and the door tops off this vehicle really does draw some attention.

The vehicle has a 12 month MOT with no advisories. Four wheel drive and low range engage as they should.

The gears change up and down as they should the main box was re-built by the previous owner there is a slight whine on the transfer box but lots of Land Rovers do have this.

Almost all Series Land Rovers we have had drip a little oil, some quite a lot, 409 YUE is the exception though no drips of oil to speak of even after standing for days in the same place.

The steering is as it should be and the vehicle doesn't wonder on the road like some series vehicles do.

It has just had a full matching set of 5 Lassa tyres which haven't even covered 50 miles. They are the cross ply style and in our opinion vehicles never look right unless they are on the right tyres.



Over 30 pictures are available of the vehicle at the dropbox link provided below.



https://www.dropbox.com/sh/scge3dxtv3aljhx/AACgtcTnX7P8n4Lp_SYTy1nYa?dl=0





SUMMARY



409 YUE is an outstanding example of a Series 1 restoration. All the numbers match - the chassis numbers on the plates are the same as on the log book registration document and that stamped on the chassis itself. Other than the engine number it is a matching numbers vehicle.

This is one of the best restored 1953 80" we have ever had the opportunity to own. This Land Rover has obviously been cared for and cherished by its previous owners. It is a fantastic example that requires no work and is ready to use and enjoy.

If you are an investor then you will already know how these vehicles have appreciated over the last 5 years some doubling in value.

This a very honest 62 year old Series Land Rover. What you see is what you get it looks and drives exactly as it should. You will have to go a long way to find a better vehicle.



VIEWING



We will, of course, be happy for serious buyers to view the car by appointment with reasonable notice.

If you are unsure of being able to acquire the relevant funds equal to that of the asking price then you should question, for both our sakes, whether you should come to view.

Please be sure that this is the vehicle that you want before you pay a deposit. If you have any doubt come and see it first or at the very least telephone. However, if you require someone else to sanction the purchase, i.e. your wife’s permission, please get it before you come to view.

If you do want to view or ask for any more information please call Miles on 078255 87155. We really are very approachable and welcome any questions about the vehicle.





Contacts, location



The vehicle is in Conwy, North Wales.



Mobile 078255 87155



Please bare the following in mind.



Photographs



All photographs in the listing are taken by a professional using a digital camera. They are recent and are often taken just hours before the listing is posted. Other shots may be available please just ask and let us have an email address. All photographs are copyrighted and may not be used elsewhere without our express written permission.



Test drive



You will be able to take the vehicle on an accompanied test drive before you pay for it but will only be able to not proceed if you find a major mechanical fault that has not been mentioned in the description.



Payment



In all cases the balance after the £500 deposit is paid, must be paid within 7 days of the purchase date.



The total Balance to be paid by Cash U.K pounds on collection or bank transfer prior to collection. We will transfer the money back should we not proceed for misrepresentation reasons as outlined above.



Sorry there can be no exceptions and deposits are not refundable.



Collection



The vehicle must be collected within 7 days of the purchase date unless otherwise agreed. We will assist you with collection where we can and will email full directions on how to find us.



Please give us as much notice of required collection time and date as possible. If you are delayed its not normally a problem please just let us know. We would ask that you ring us when you are an hour or so away from us.



We reserve the right to charge for storage if the vehicle is not collected within 7 days of the purchase date.



A mechanic does a pre-sale levels check our vehicles at ground level. This check is not exhaustive and as we have said though we are not restorers and this is not a vehicle that has been rebuilt.



Please remember that the vehicles we sell often are many years old and some of them have had very little or even no recent use. If you are able we would suggest a policy of easing a car back into service gradually. Despite our best endeavours to ensure they don't, occasionally things can unexpectedly go wrong. Our advice would be to allow plenty of time for your journey, especially if you are catching a ferry and it may be a good idea to have AA or RAC cover, again this is not a reflection on this particular car just good general advice for any older/classic car user.



Delivery, we do have a tow vehicle and are able to hire arrange for the vehicle to be delivered enclosed or open trailer, please enquire for costs before you buy.

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