1949' Land Rover Series 1

This Series 1, 80" left the factory in June 1949. It is in exceptional and original condition throughout with factory original gaps and no major flaws visible. No filler is evident and the panels are remarkable for a Land Rover of this age. Inner wings, engine compartment etc., are all in good order and the rear floor is exceptionally straight suggesting the Land Rover had only ever had light use in it's 72 years.
Lights are of the correct original early Lucas type and in good order. Vintage Cibie dipping spotlights were fitted at a later date. The wire hinged door tops are in exceptional condition as are the hood and framework. Lightly used Avon Traction tyres fitted.
It is incredibly rare to find original seats in an early Series 1. This example retains the now obsolete, original pattern vinyl with Dunlopillo foam bases. The instruments are correct and in exceptional original order. The dash retains lovely early features such as the illuminated "oil" light, red tipped 20/ 20 ammeter and correct and rare panel light switch. Steering wheel, bakelite horn push and dip switch assembly are complete, original and very well presented. A working Smiths heater and windscreen demister vents are non original but sympathetically fitted. A correct early single wiper is fitted.
The Land Rover is also highly desirable in that it retains its original "matching numbers" engine and running gear. The 1595cc engine runs beautifully suggesting that the low recorded mileage of 37680 is pretty much correct.
I am the fourth owner and have owned the vehicle for nine years. I have researched the history of this Series 1 with the two previous owners. The original owner who had it for 26 years in Sussex did an estimated 32000 miles. The second owner, an enthusiast, resprayed the Land Rover probably around 1978. That owner, lived for many years on the Isle of Mull and used the vehicle rarely on an Isle where big road trips don't happen! The only existing MOT shows mileage at 36990 on 17. 12. 2003. Useage with this second owner plus the third owner in Suffolk and myself are estimated at only 5000-6000 miles. We, the last three owners ensured the vehicle was stored under cover. My conclusion is that the current mileage is likely to be correct underlining the uniqueness of this rather special Series 1.
The chassis number R8666588 places this as one of the first ever deep bronze green Land Rovers and the lights behind the grille and ring-pull gearbox highlight this as an early vehicle.
Finally, she starts on first button, drives well and even conveyed a bride to her local wedding!