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1953' Land Rover Series 1

£19,995

Published 16 December 2025ID: 02ZCOW

Sussex
+44Show phone

Information from the owner

Age: 72 years

Mileage: 80190 km

Displacement: 1997 cc

Fuel: Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Exterior color: Blue

Seller's comments about 1953' Land Rover Series 1

Just five years after Land Rover launched its pioneering 80-inch version the company prepared for the 1954 model year by extending their short wheelbase to 86 inches with a long wheelbase version of 107 inches. Utilising their trusted 2. 0 litre engine introduced in 52 the factory looked to quickly improve the rather ‘bare-bones’ aspects of the first Series 1. The redesign (rearwards from the bulkhead) would encourage a wider fanbase whilst maintaining the company’s number one status with farmers, a total of nine prototypes built at 86 inches plus a further three for the 107 inch; these carried chassis numbers P107/ 1 to P107/ 3. The interim models were only available for two years prior to both SWB & LWB being extended again by a further two inches in 1956, the 86 and 107 inch have become a desirable addition for any Land Rover collector.PPO 397 was registered 18th December 1953, one of the first from the line, chassis 47200031 and it would remain in West Sussex for more than 70 years. The current owners father Bill Frankham purchased her from a Bury Gate site near Arundel later in the 50s and may well have been sold via Graham Rousel who was supplying ex-military / Land Rovers at the time from a location in Bury. It was put to work in and around the family’s nursery, often seen at local shoots with his son Danny and generally carrying out its duties for many years prior during which a first restoration was carried out in the 1970s prior to being (literally) put out to pasture. Fast forward to the early 2000s and Danny’s son Eddie looked to carry out a further restoration but their first issue came with a rotten chassis. A solid replacement was found (number 57201151) that the V5 dates to 25 June 1955. Enlisting the help of Trotton Gate Garage of Midhurst a total tip to tail rebuild was carried out over several years.Country Classic Cars are pleased to offer this Series 1 Land Rover on behalf of the current owner, a commission sale of a rare 107 inch wheelbase with an interesting history and heavy investment carried out over the decades. Most recent work has been carried out in our workshops with some £6k outlaid in the early months of 2022. The work included replacement brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, shoes and braided lines, half shaft bearing, petrol tank, steering box, UJ’s, distributor plus service items, switches and much more … a fresh MOT was carried out @ 80829 after which it went back into storage and has travelled just 90 miles since.Exterior finished in Airforce Blue, with just two points to consider for those chasing perfection with certain bonnet rivets paint finish cracking. The n/ s front wing top edge carries a small patch of missing paint, no doubt initially caused by a chip and moisture channel resulting in oxidising under the finish but obviously no rust. Overall, appearance does reflect a vehicle that has spent some time in storage, the underside offers light areas of surface corrosion but is solid and surprisingly short of oil leaks. The refurbished rims are clothed in Marix Puma all-terrain tyres that show minimal wear.The cabin enjoys three single seats, re-covered in blue vinyl whilst the dash panel, floor and door interiors are all matched to exterior colour whilst the instrument binnacle is basic, just amps, fuel and speedo with a new ignition switch and push start button. The original slide windows enjoy fresh glass and the new individual wiper motors help to tie together that 1950s appearance 70 years on.For those intimate with driving earlier Land Rovers this example will feel familiar yet tighter than most, whilst the steering is certainly heavy compared to any modern steed the play is minimal. Gear selection is precise and can’t be rushed especially first into second, the clutch is firm but not unyielding whilst the 11-inch brakes would benefit from more miles to bed in having been completely rebuilt under 100 miles ago. The two-litre petrol motor was completely rebuilt by Sussex Engines and whilst it only offers 52 bhp it was known as robust and reliable and will get you wherever you need to be from a local run to the shops or an expedition across Dartmoor. We noted low revs/ tickover can be a little ‘fluffy’ in nature and suspect a positive move would be to replace the old style mechanical fuel pump for a modern electric option.For additional information or images please message with your email address if required we will forward a file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.