1949 Land Rover Series 1 SWB Convertible

This very rare, fully-restored and totally correct 1949 Series I 80" Land Rover (lights behind the grill) is an ex-ministry example with both its original chassis and original 1600cc engine.

Initially discovered languishing on a farm in Yorkshire by one of AutoVero's long-standing clients, this December 1949 car was seen to have all parts present but in need of a full restoration. It had however, had the lights moved from behind the grill, to in front of the grill - a popular modification at the time which was done to make the car look like the newer model.

Once acquired, the car was sent to marque expert, Jeanette (Netty) Coates who is famed for her work with John Brown 4x4, for a full nut and bolt restoration. The brief for the restoration was to refurbish all of the mechanical parts, recondition the engine and gear box, and to sympathetically rebuild the car.

Photographed throughout the £30k restoration process, it's safe to say that this has been successfully achieved, with the car only having covered a mere 300 miles since.

This particular car features the ring-pull gearbox, military split-rim wheels and is painted in the original Bronze Green body colour with the interior trimmed in the original Green Vinyl. The sand-coloured all-weather gear is brand new, including the 'sticks'. 

Unlike many of the alternative Series I available, this particular car still carries all of its original feature components.

Looking at the car, it truly is sight to behold and never fails to raise a smile from anyone it passes, creating conversation wherever it goes. On the move, the Land Rover drives exactly as it should.

The car will be supplied with British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, and all associated paperwork.