Meet The Oldest Surviving Military Land Rover Series I

While it didn’t appear until after World War II, the Land Rover Series SUVs and their Defender successors have cultivated a very similar reputation to Jeep CJs and their Wrangler successors. They’re simple, small, rugged off-roaders with military connections. The Land Rover’s connection started almost as soon as they started building the little SUVs, right at the end of 1948, according to RM Sotheby’s. That’s when this Series I was built, and it’s believed to be the oldest surviving military Series I in existence. And, as you might’ve guessed by the mention of RM Sotheby’s, this one could be yours if you have the cash.

A Well-Preserved Piece Of Land Rover History

This Series I, according to the auction house, was part of the very first run of Series I vehicles sent to the British military, and it was apparently the sixth out of 20. The Land Rover remained a part of the military fleet through 1962. At some point, the original engine was swapped by the military for a 1949 example, which would’ve still been a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Otherwise, the powertrain is still accurate to the original, which includes a full-time, two-speed four-wheel-drive system. There’s even a plate under the hood noting the engine change.

The Land Rover was sold at auction following the end of its service. It has had three owners since then, with the third being the one selling. That person has had the car since 1985, and it was fully restored from 2014 to 2015. It was also discovered during either the full restoration or a partial one earlier in its life that it may have been a bomb disposal or munitions-hauling vehicle. It’s currently finished in the correct green paint and retains other military-spec features such as the split-rim wheels. It even has a tool kit and has been fitted with semaphore turn signals.

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You Could Have It For The Price Of A New Defender

Considering the age and provenance of this Series I, you might be surprised that RM Sotheby’s expects it to be relatively affordable. Its price estimate is between £50,000 and £75,000, or about $68,000 to $102,000. That falls in the middle of the new Defender’s price range, which goes from $56,900 for the base 90 to $152,000 for the Octa with the V8. Now, there’s no question that the modern Defender is far more comfortable, safe, and faster than the Series I, but it’s definitely not as cool as this classic. If you’re interested, it will cross the block at the Cliveden House auction on July 8, and it will sell, as it’s being offered with no reserve.

Source: RM Sotheby’s