Registration - 483 RAE

Chassis No. - 26102814

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 50,583

A wonderful example of a highly desirable model, ’483 RAE’ is an 80-inch Land Rover Series I, that has been comprehensively restored. Initially in military use, ’483 RAE’ uses the four-cylinder 2.0 litre engine matched to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Featuring a bench seat up front, with twin benches win the load bed in the rear, flanking the spare wheel, the compact Series I comes with a full canvas roof; this includes ties so that the sides can be rolled up in better weather. Electric wiper motors are fitted, as are the expected levers for low-range and normal (high-range) operation of the four-wheel drive system.

There is a large amount of paperwork offered with ‘483 RAE’, including a certified copy of the Land Rover’s factory record. This shows that it was a home-market example, and built after Christmas in 1951, delivered before the new year to the ‘War Department’. It was registered for civilian use in Bristol in 1962, where it received the registration plate it still wears. Restoration included a completely stripped down chassis, which was shot-blasted, and built back up effectively from scratch. As well as paintwork and mechanicals, this includes a retried cabin, with an authentic vinyl used, and a stainless steel fuel tank fitted. After Government use, there have been just seven owners from 1962, with the current keeper having owned ‘483 RAE’ for more than six years. The odometer displays just 50,583 unwarranted miles, and the Series I Land Rover is regarded to be well maintained and in top condition. The engine, transmission, electrics, and interior are all rated as ‘excellent’ by the vendor, while even the bodywork and paint are considered ‘good’. ‘483 RAE’ is a superb example of an early Land Rover, and one that has clearly been cherished.

Famously designed by Maurice Wilks in the sand of Red Wharf Bay, not even the most optimistic of on-lookers could have expected the runaway success that the Land Rover would become. It all started in 1948 with the Land Rover 80” – though clearly it became known as the Series I; initially it was simply the Land Rover. It came about essentially as a stop-gap for Rover to produce affordable vehicles in post-war Britain, and although inspired by the Willys Jeep, it went on to become hugely successful – not just in terms of sales, but in capabilities too. In 1954, the 80” was replaced by an 86” wheelbase, and with the addition of a long-wheelbase 107” model, the former became the short-wheelbase variant. These only lasted a couple of years however, before a rejig of the design brought about the 88” and 109” models in 1956, with a diesel option arriving a year later. In 1958, Land Rover realised that continued and significant improvements would need to be made, and these were significant enough to create a Series II Land Rover, thereafter ensuring the original versions became known as the Series I.

In summary:

· Beautifully maintained and refurbished example

· Initially used by the services under the War Department

· Immaculate interior, with full canvas roof and sides