1955 Land Rover Series 1

With just one previous owner – yes, just the one – this 1955 Land Rover Series One has been judiciously improved by having the chassis galvanized and the old engine removed and replaced with a 2.25-litre petrol engine taken from a Series 2.

As you can imagine, this was not a cheap process, and the seller estimates he’s spent around £30,000 on it in the past fifteen years – and nor is that the end of the story because ‘RXW 231’ has also been fitted with Exmoor Trim seats.

The result is utterly delightful and one of the most usable examples of this iconic 4x4 we’ve seen in a while.

This is the bit where we normally talk about shutlines and panel alignment but given this Land Rover is a working vehicle that was built three-quarters of a century ago, no-one expects Germanic-levels of precision.

Now your expectations have been set we are pleased to report that it presents very well indeed. It sits four-square too, and walking up to it causes the usual involuntary smile; there’s just something about the early models that never fails to cheer you up.

Of course, the colour suits it and the way it all hangs together is impressive; it’s easy to see how the seller racked up such a mighty bill.

Because the galvanized trim and front bumper are all in great shape; straight and free of surface corrosion, they complement the green coachwork nicely.

As does the khaki roof, which might be somewhat rudimentary but it fits decently and, just as importantly, is free of rips, tears, and other damage.

It sits on good sticks too, and the Land Rover can be turned into a full-blown convertible, including folding down the windscreen and removing the doors, very easily.

The 16-inch steel wheels have been painted a contrasting white. These are free of scrapes and scuffs but then they’re fitted with chunky 205R16 Maxxis Worm-Drive A/T all-terrain tyres whose hefty sidewalls prevent the sort of kerbing damage we’ve all grown used to thinking is inevitable.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

There’s also a bracket on the bonnet to hold the spare wheel that’s currently sitting in the loadspace.

The Series One also possesses good lamp lenses, a pair of what looks like new black-and-silver numberplates, and the rear crossmember of the galvanized chassis has been painted black, just like the rest of it.

As for flaws, well, it’s a Landie so what flaws it carries merely add to its character; like Clint Eastwood or Helen Mirren, the world’s best 4x4xfar only gets better with age.

But we should point out that there are areas of flat paint, plus a few scratches and marks here and there. As is usual with old Land Rovers, some of the panels have ripples on them too, and the painted wheels are starting to develop a bit of a rusty patina.

You could sort all of these issues out, but to do so would be to make it worse, not better.

That said, you might like to fit a pair of indicator repeaters in the holes that are in the front wings to tidy them up.

The cabin is wonderfully rudimentary, so you’ll search in vain for door cards, carpets, and even a proper dashboard.

But what you do get is three-abreast seating, three levers sprouting from the floor, pedals you can operate wearing wellies, and the sort of indomitable air you’ll find reassuring when the next storm/zombie apocalypse/catastrophic flood arrives.

There are just the two instruments. One, the speedometer, tells you how fast you’re going and how far you’ve travelled, while the other relays information on battery charge and fuel level.

As we mentioned earlier, the three seats are from Exmoor Trim. Still like new, they might not offer much in the way of lateral support but then the Land Rover isn’t exactly a racing car, is it?

They’re more comfortable than they look though and fulfil their design mission perfectly.

As does the thin-rimmed steering wheel, whose vast diameter makes low-speed manoeuvring easier than it might otherwise have been given the unassisted steering.

But then the interior is a paragon of clever design. The side windows slide fore and aft to preserve hip and shoulder room. Fresh air is available via two wide flaps under the (foldable) windscreen, the somewhat upright driving position adds precious inches your legroom, storage space lurks beneath the passenger seat, and the tailgate is held up via stout chains.

The switches and controls can be operated with gloved hands, the gear levers are colour-coded for easy reference, and the door latches will be familiar to anyone who’s ever opened a gate.

Hell, it’s even got graffiti on it.

Which means the cabin, like the bodywork, needs nothing.

Nor do the mechanicals. The 2.25-litre petrol engine, for example, is an absolute gem. Very nearly as economical as the diesel you think you need, they run like a sewing machine and are incredibly smooth for such an old design.

This one starts well too, and idles and revs as it should. It’s also got a surprisingly fruity exhaust note, which you’ll enjoy as you’re winging your way along a country lane with the roof off.

The seller tells us that while he hasn’t used it much since it was completed last year, he’s not aware of anything that needs doing other than to replace the nearside wiper arm and motor, which inexplicably went astray at some point.

The engine bay is serviceable. It ain’t pretty but then pretty doesn’t count for much when you’re axle-deep in mud with your family inside. Sure, you could prettify it easily enough but better, we think, to spend the money on grass-fed steaks and barbeque them on the beach over driftwood using the metal radiator grille to give you them some nice sear marks.

As for the underside, the galvanized and painted chassis means it’ll probably be your grandchildren rather than you that deals with any rust that might develop.

There’s a good and recent-looking exhaust too, and tyres with the sort of tread that’s measured in inches rather than millimetres.

The Land Rover doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Land Rover comes with a bunch of invoices, and a typewritten summary of the work that’s been carried out since the seller bought it in 2008.

Having been in the same hands for the first half-century, this is a Land Rover that will appeal as much to the romantic as it will the pragmatist.

Beautifully fettled but maintaining its all-important history, whereas many would have been tempted to go all-in on a nut ‘n’ bolt restoration, the seller wisely decided to preserve it instead.

Not that he was against improving it, providing he could keep the Land Rover’s essential nature intact.

But, that later engine and the painted and galvanized chassis do count against it because the rivet-counters won’t appreciate the modifications, no matter how sensible they might be.

Which means the guide price is reasonable. Very reasonable in fact at between £17,000 and £23,000, or around half what he’s ploughed into it.

Not for the first time we’re urging you to invest in a classic you can use rather than display; buy this one and use it to ferry firewood in the autumn, grandkids to the beach in summer, and hot food to vulnerable neighbours in the winter.

All the while basking in your cleverness in buying a genuine British legend for a song.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.