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GALLERY
Customer Land Rovers
Customers
Nelli G: Series 1, 1956, 88" model
Nelli G is a 1956 model 88" Series 1, came in for a recommission.
A new bulkhead was fitted, but the original look of the vehicle was retained.
A new bulkhead was fitted, but the original look of the vehicle was retained.
NJO8: 1948 model
NJO8, is a 1948 model registered in Oxford in January 1949. It spent life around Oxford and had been stored for years until it was bought by the current owner.
They asked me to get it road worthy again. We managed to get the majority of the flaky dark green paint off, to bring back the original light green paint.
Soon after the vehicle was back on the road it went on a Commemoration Road Run to Barcelona, Spain to celebrate the 70th year of Land Rover, L03 (GWD431, also pictured) went in 1948.
NJO8 is now used regularly, on and off the road!
They asked me to get it road worthy again. We managed to get the majority of the flaky dark green paint off, to bring back the original light green paint.
Soon after the vehicle was back on the road it went on a Commemoration Road Run to Barcelona, Spain to celebrate the 70th year of Land Rover, L03 (GWD431, also pictured) went in 1948.
NJO8 is now used regularly, on and off the road!
SLL485: 1956, 86" model
SLL485 is a 1956, 86" model, an exceptionally straight vehicle, that was bought from a celebrity salvage hunter. We then recommissioned it for reliable road and green road use.
UMP544: 1949, 80" model
UMP544 is a 1949, 80" model.
One of the first dark green models. This came to us in a pile of pieces and it really was a restoration project!
All the parts needed to be reconditioned or needed to be replaced.
This vehicle represents the way that it would have looked when it was built in 1949, albeit with better quality finishes
One of the first dark green models. This came to us in a pile of pieces and it really was a restoration project!
All the parts needed to be reconditioned or needed to be replaced.
This vehicle represents the way that it would have looked when it was built in 1949, albeit with better quality finishes
VKR381: 1955, 86" model
VKR381, is a very nice 1955, 86" model.
Over the last few years it has been recommissioned. We have had to go over some of the previous work carried out, as it wasn't done in a way that represents the originality of the car. For example: a new wiring loom was installed, instead of a "home made one"
Over the last few years it has been recommissioned. We have had to go over some of the previous work carried out, as it wasn't done in a way that represents the originality of the car. For example: a new wiring loom was installed, instead of a "home made one"
NDM934: 1956, 88" model
Left an Oxfordshire barn after an unfortunate accident in the early 70s. Having had a prang, the people who had borrowed it thought they would do the owner a favour and brush paint the car!
Bought by the current owner, the Land Rover had only covered 20,000 miles, so you can imagine it was in its very original state. The owner wanted it back as a reliable tidy car. We did a wraparound respray and recommissioned it. This car drives very nicely with such low miles!
Bought by the current owner, the Land Rover had only covered 20,000 miles, so you can imagine it was in its very original state. The owner wanted it back as a reliable tidy car. We did a wraparound respray and recommissioned it. This car drives very nicely with such low miles!
A trio of 1950 and 1951 models
A trio of 1950 and 1951 model cars.
Headlights through the grill came out in late 1950 061 model year, and we think they are really the prettiest grill model made!
These are all customers' cars that we have been a privilege to work on.
Headlights through the grill came out in late 1950 061 model year, and we think they are really the prettiest grill model made!
These are all customers' cars that we have been a privilege to work on.
1951, Headlights through, model
Another 1951, Headlights through, model was bought to us to prepare to be sold. Fitted with T28 tyres and a few jobs done. This is a really delightful ex Australian Land Rover, very original and not had too much of a hard life, like many Australian Land Rovers have had. This car had most of it's correct dated parts and correct original major components.
Vehicles like this are a real pleasure to work on.
Vehicles like this are a real pleasure to work on.
KBG638: 1950 model, ex RAF Land Rover
KBG638, a 1950 model, ex RAF Land Rover and one of the 1st batch of RAF vehicles that was commissioned to Rover. 100 vehicles were in this order.
They are quiet an interesting batch of vehicles, for quite a number of reasons:
The spec of these cars was lights behind the grill, despite the chassis number being quoted as changing at 06111547, this chassis number is 06111972.
Factory painted RAF Blue.
T29 Tyres on split rims. Blue trim.
Rear bench seats.
Spare wheel fittings on bonnet.
Semaphore indicators on windscreen
The car was sold off in 1961 and registered KBG638, a Birkenhead number.
Stored in North Wales from the late 1960s until 2014 when it was bought by the current owner,
This car was pretty original, and in the restoration, the original chassis and bulkhead were used, along with most of the body work!
They are quiet an interesting batch of vehicles, for quite a number of reasons:
The spec of these cars was lights behind the grill, despite the chassis number being quoted as changing at 06111547, this chassis number is 06111972.
Factory painted RAF Blue.
T29 Tyres on split rims. Blue trim.
Rear bench seats.
Spare wheel fittings on bonnet.
Semaphore indicators on windscreen
The car was sold off in 1961 and registered KBG638, a Birkenhead number.
Stored in North Wales from the late 1960s until 2014 when it was bought by the current owner,
This car was pretty original, and in the restoration, the original chassis and bulkhead were used, along with most of the body work!
VNG49: 1951 export model
In 2013 Tom was asked to help with the restoration of VNG49; a 1951 export model.
A restoration the was in fact showcased on Channel 4's: For the Love of Cars, with Ant Anstead.
They decided that the car was to be restored; and so it was!
Tom helped with the putting together of the 1951 model Land Rover and at the end of the series the Land Rover was sold.
This episode of For the Love of Cars took the Series 1 world to the masses; over 3 million people were watching that one evening in 2014!
A restoration the was in fact showcased on Channel 4's: For the Love of Cars, with Ant Anstead.
They decided that the car was to be restored; and so it was!
Tom helped with the putting together of the 1951 model Land Rover and at the end of the series the Land Rover was sold.
This episode of For the Love of Cars took the Series 1 world to the masses; over 3 million people were watching that one evening in 2014!
SO 9290: 1950 Land Rover
This delightful, 1950 model, Land Rover was bought to us in a dilapidated state.
The customer wanted to keep the character that the Land Rover had earnt.
The customer wanted to keep the character that the Land Rover had earnt.
EST 52: 1950 Model
EST 52 is a 1950 model, an early example of the lights through the grill. Registered in Inverness in 1950.
Restored to original spec, using the original 1600cc engine. Although we kept some of the signs of its previous life!
Restored to original spec, using the original 1600cc engine. Although we kept some of the signs of its previous life!
Ours
Our Land Rovers
NBL 595: 1957, Tray back conversion
Imported in to Grenville motors Sydney, NSW in 1957, it was Assembled in August 1957 and sold to a property near Canberra, the capital of Australia.
I bought it in 2007.
I believe the man wanted to buy a new bathroom suite!!
I was told where it was by great friend of mine.
Then it was showing 24,000 miles, I have covered 12,000 miles on the original engine that we have done minimal work to!
It was converted to the tray back very early in its life; It is a very useful conversion.
I bought it in 2007.
I believe the man wanted to buy a new bathroom suite!!
I was told where it was by great friend of mine.
Then it was showing 24,000 miles, I have covered 12,000 miles on the original engine that we have done minimal work to!
It was converted to the tray back very early in its life; It is a very useful conversion.
1948, Pre Production Land Rover R23
One of only 48 made back in 1948. These Land Rovers were commissioned by the Rover board on the request of the Wilks brothers. The rest they say is history.
Only 21 of these vehicles currently exist today. A few are in museums, a few scattered around the world in respected collections and some in very long-term ownership.
A brief history of this vehicle:
Made in June 1948 this vehicle is number 23 of 48 pre production prototypes made before and during the start of a standard production line.
Originally built as a right hand drive, this car was loaned to the British gliding team, along with 3 other left hand drive vehicles. They set off from Red Hill Aerodrome in Surrey to Samedan, Switzerland, 20th – 30th July 1948 for the word gliding championship. (Reference Union Jack on wing)
Following this, the same four vehicles went out on loan to various distributors in Europe. R23 went to Brussels in Belgium. (Reference sign writing on doors)
Later the same year, R23 went to Sweden, before being sold off through Atherstone garage. The last time R23 was on the road was in the early 60s, around Ashton-under-Lyne.
In the mid-70s Tony Hutchings decided to find out about early Land Rovers. He had already rebuilt a pre production vehicle and wanted to find out more. In the late 70s and early 80s the remains of R23 were found dismantled in Matlock, Derbyshire.
I first saw R23 in 1998; it took 5 years to persuade the owner to part with the car.
I then started my quest to restore the vehicle to its original 1948 spec.
From 2003 to 2016 I sourced, either the correct 1948 parts, or engineered parts where necessary, resulting in an authentic ground up restoration of a pre-production Land Rover retaining all its key features.
The correct spec engine, with early casting features and side plates has been fully reconditioned, using all original new old stock items.
An extremely early gearbox featuring pre-production experimental castings has been fully reconditioned.
The original front axle number 27, with differential, again fully reconditioned, as has the rear axle. Both featuring diff ratios 4.88, which were a key feature for 1948 vehicles.
The body work had been largely lost, so an exact replica made from 14gauge half hard aluminium has be faithfully built, finished in a 2 pack polyurethane paint, in the original shade of light green.
The original UK registration number which was issued to the rover company back in June1948 GWD447
- Restored by Tom Pickford -
Only 21 of these vehicles currently exist today. A few are in museums, a few scattered around the world in respected collections and some in very long-term ownership.
A brief history of this vehicle:
Made in June 1948 this vehicle is number 23 of 48 pre production prototypes made before and during the start of a standard production line.
Originally built as a right hand drive, this car was loaned to the British gliding team, along with 3 other left hand drive vehicles. They set off from Red Hill Aerodrome in Surrey to Samedan, Switzerland, 20th – 30th July 1948 for the word gliding championship. (Reference Union Jack on wing)
Following this, the same four vehicles went out on loan to various distributors in Europe. R23 went to Brussels in Belgium. (Reference sign writing on doors)
Later the same year, R23 went to Sweden, before being sold off through Atherstone garage. The last time R23 was on the road was in the early 60s, around Ashton-under-Lyne.
In the mid-70s Tony Hutchings decided to find out about early Land Rovers. He had already rebuilt a pre production vehicle and wanted to find out more. In the late 70s and early 80s the remains of R23 were found dismantled in Matlock, Derbyshire.
I first saw R23 in 1998; it took 5 years to persuade the owner to part with the car.
I then started my quest to restore the vehicle to its original 1948 spec.
From 2003 to 2016 I sourced, either the correct 1948 parts, or engineered parts where necessary, resulting in an authentic ground up restoration of a pre-production Land Rover retaining all its key features.
The correct spec engine, with early casting features and side plates has been fully reconditioned, using all original new old stock items.
An extremely early gearbox featuring pre-production experimental castings has been fully reconditioned.
The original front axle number 27, with differential, again fully reconditioned, as has the rear axle. Both featuring diff ratios 4.88, which were a key feature for 1948 vehicles.
The body work had been largely lost, so an exact replica made from 14gauge half hard aluminium has be faithfully built, finished in a 2 pack polyurethane paint, in the original shade of light green.
The original UK registration number which was issued to the rover company back in June1948 GWD447
- Restored by Tom Pickford -
502 EFC: Series 2. 1959, 88" model
502 EFC is our 1959 model, 88" Series 2 diesel. Bought new in Oxford from City Motors by Alan Pickford, Toms grandfather.
Sold on in the 70s, 502 EFC stayed local to Oxford. We were lucky to buy it back Christmas 2019, 60 years after it was initially bought by Alan. This was the first Land Rover that Guy drove on the road, when he was learning to drive.
Still it pretty original condition it has been turned back to full canvas as it was supplied in 1959.
Sold on in the 70s, 502 EFC stayed local to Oxford. We were lucky to buy it back Christmas 2019, 60 years after it was initially bought by Alan. This was the first Land Rover that Guy drove on the road, when he was learning to drive.
Still it pretty original condition it has been turned back to full canvas as it was supplied in 1959.
LAC 295: 1951 export model
LAC 295 is a 1951 export model, chassis number 16135845.
Originally fitted with 2 litre prototype engine numbered 2/6
Registered by Rover on the 4th June 1951.
Used by the export division, taken by Arthur Goddard to Belgium for testing by the Belgium Army.
These tests then led to the production of Land Rovers under licence, in Mortsel near Antwerp, by the Minerva Motor Company.
After its trip abroad it had a second hand engine fitted, and the prototype 2 litre numbered 2/6 was taken out. The engine that replaced this was a 1600cc unit. This was numbered 38 and came out of pre production Land Rover number 38, registered HAC 674.
This Land Rover was used by the gas turbine department of Rover, so it likely that it towed JET 1 around.
Pre production numbered R38 is lost, and engine 38 is now in L29, (JRW67)
When LAC 295 was sold off, it was slightly updated; losing the winch, and having later door tops fitted (not the wire hinged) but interestingly it stayed left hand drive.
It went to the Jones Brothers of Bala, in North Wales.
Then on to its first owner, in Bryncrug, near Towyn.
From here it had one more owner, before it went to J H Roberts.
He owned a working garage and used LAC 295 as his break down tow truck.
It stayed there till about 2005, it then had a few more owners; one put it on eBay; the other bought it.
I then bought it in 2006.
Restoration was started in 2009. Since then it has been a the Cover Vehicle for Octane Magazine.
More recently LAC went on a European tour leaving for Malta in 2015. It went back through Italy, the French Riviera to Barcelona, over the Pyrenees to Pau... then Covid hit!
LAC 295 is now back in the UK, having done 8000 miles.
The next trip is to be planned!...
Originally fitted with 2 litre prototype engine numbered 2/6
Registered by Rover on the 4th June 1951.
Used by the export division, taken by Arthur Goddard to Belgium for testing by the Belgium Army.
These tests then led to the production of Land Rovers under licence, in Mortsel near Antwerp, by the Minerva Motor Company.
After its trip abroad it had a second hand engine fitted, and the prototype 2 litre numbered 2/6 was taken out. The engine that replaced this was a 1600cc unit. This was numbered 38 and came out of pre production Land Rover number 38, registered HAC 674.
This Land Rover was used by the gas turbine department of Rover, so it likely that it towed JET 1 around.
Pre production numbered R38 is lost, and engine 38 is now in L29, (JRW67)
When LAC 295 was sold off, it was slightly updated; losing the winch, and having later door tops fitted (not the wire hinged) but interestingly it stayed left hand drive.
It went to the Jones Brothers of Bala, in North Wales.
Then on to its first owner, in Bryncrug, near Towyn.
From here it had one more owner, before it went to J H Roberts.
He owned a working garage and used LAC 295 as his break down tow truck.
It stayed there till about 2005, it then had a few more owners; one put it on eBay; the other bought it.
I then bought it in 2006.
Restoration was started in 2009. Since then it has been a the Cover Vehicle for Octane Magazine.
More recently LAC went on a European tour leaving for Malta in 2015. It went back through Italy, the French Riviera to Barcelona, over the Pyrenees to Pau... then Covid hit!
LAC 295 is now back in the UK, having done 8000 miles.
The next trip is to be planned!...
KYH 628 - Pollyanna: 1950 model
KYH 628 or Pollyanna to many, is a 1950 model that was bought as a used second hand demonstrator by Barbara Toy in December 1950.
Miss Toy went on to travel the world in her beloved Land Rover. Miss Toy wrote many books about her travels. Visit the link below to read all about Barbara Toy.
Our involvement with Pollyanna goes back to 1989, when Guy Pickford was asked to recommission Pollyanna for Miss Toy, so that she could go travelling with Pollyanna at the age of 83 years!
This also happened to be the first Land Rover that Tom Pickford learned to drive in, on his Grandfathers farm aged 13 years!
Pollyanna still gets used as Miss Toy intended; for travel, tours and celebrating Land Rover, like she did for Jaguar Land Rover for the 70th Anniversary.
Miss Toy went on to travel the world in her beloved Land Rover. Miss Toy wrote many books about her travels. Visit the link below to read all about Barbara Toy.
Our involvement with Pollyanna goes back to 1989, when Guy Pickford was asked to recommission Pollyanna for Miss Toy, so that she could go travelling with Pollyanna at the age of 83 years!
This also happened to be the first Land Rover that Tom Pickford learned to drive in, on his Grandfathers farm aged 13 years!
Pollyanna still gets used as Miss Toy intended; for travel, tours and celebrating Land Rover, like she did for Jaguar Land Rover for the 70th Anniversary.
HAC 943 (The Brochure Car ) and LKE 775: 1948 models
HAC 943 is chassis number R860053 and has been called The Brochure Car. This reflects it's early life, when it was used as the working car in the Second Sales Brochure made by Rover to publicise the "New" Rover product: the Land Rover.
We bought this Land Rover in 1976, when Guy was one of the early people to go looking for a 1948 Land Rover, and what luck he had.
We got this Land Rover back on the road in the early 2000s.
We tried to keep the characteristics that it had earned through its working life.
Over the years we have batted off many offers to buy this Land Rover, where it probably would have gone to be restored. But we love the way it is and want to keep all its knocks and bruises. We have even noted that one of its many knocks was recorded in the Second Sales Brochure, and is still there today!
LKE 775 as bought in 1979 by Guy and is a very original 1948 model, chassis R860606, with all its major components still in suit.
We recently recommissioned this vehicle and rebuilt the original side plate engine. We like patina and we realised before many that it's worth saving!
We bought this Land Rover in 1976, when Guy was one of the early people to go looking for a 1948 Land Rover, and what luck he had.
We got this Land Rover back on the road in the early 2000s.
We tried to keep the characteristics that it had earned through its working life.
Over the years we have batted off many offers to buy this Land Rover, where it probably would have gone to be restored. But we love the way it is and want to keep all its knocks and bruises. We have even noted that one of its many knocks was recorded in the Second Sales Brochure, and is still there today!
LKE 775 as bought in 1979 by Guy and is a very original 1948 model, chassis R860606, with all its major components still in suit.
We recently recommissioned this vehicle and rebuilt the original side plate engine. We like patina and we realised before many that it's worth saving!
KYH 628 - Pollyanna: 1950 model
KYH 628 or Pollyanna to many, is a 1950 model that was bought as a used second hand demonstrator by Barbara Toy in December 1950.
Miss Toy went on to travel the world in her beloved Land Rover. Miss Toy wrote many books about her travels. Visit the link below to read all about Barbara Toy.
Our involvement with Pollyanna goes back to 1989, when Guy Pickford was asked to recommission Pollyanna for Miss Toy, so that she could go travelling with Pollyanna at the age of 83 years!
This also happened to be the first Land Rover that Tom Pickford learned to drive in, on his Grandfathers farm aged 13 years!
Pollyanna still gets used as Miss Toy intended; for travel, tours and celebrating Land Rover, like she did for Jaguar Land Rover for the 70th Anniversary.
Brochures
Old Sales Brochures
First Land Rover Sales Brochure: 1948
This First Sales Brochure features an air brushed center steer mule Land Rover.
This advert was issued in not only English but French, German and Finnish to list a few.
This advert was issued in not only English but French, German and Finnish to list a few.
First Price list from Land Rover Sales Brochure
This is the original 1948 Price List for the First Sales Brochure.
Prices started at £450 but with quite a few items listed as an added extra.
Prices started at £450 but with quite a few items listed as an added extra.
Second Land Rover Sales Brochure: Feb 1950
The Second Sales Brochure came out in 1949 featuring:
1948 pre production L18 HWD 676, Early production car R860053 HAC 943, and
R860116 KYB 889.
Click below to read more about HAC 943
If you want to see inside please click on the link below.
1948 pre production L18 HWD 676, Early production car R860053 HAC 943, and
R860116 KYB 889.
Click below to read more about HAC 943
If you want to see inside please click on the link below.
Third Sales Brochure
Regent Motor were the distributors in Victoria, Australia.
This is probably the first Brochure featuring an early 1949 model NO 234, chassis number is unknown.
This is probably the first Brochure featuring an early 1949 model NO 234, chassis number is unknown.
Price List for Fourth Sales Brochure: Jan 1952
......
As you can see by 1952 the price of a Land Rover had risen by £ 148, to £598.
However, you can see that now many essentials; such as two doors and a starting handle are included as standard, and not classified as added extras!
As you can see by 1952 the price of a Land Rover had risen by £ 148, to £598.
However, you can see that now many essentials; such as two doors and a starting handle are included as standard, and not classified as added extras!
The Station Wagon Sales Brochure
The Station Wagon Sales Brochure features an air brushed 1948 pre production L20. This was registered HAC 381, but they used GWD 252.
This was also the case on the Welder Brochure.
This was also the case on the Welder Brochure.
The Welding Sales Brochure
The Welding Sales Brochure features an air brushed 1948 pre production L05 registered HNX 128. But again it was air brushed to GWD 252.
It also features an 868 series 1949 production welder.
It also features an 868 series 1949 production welder.
The Dorman Sprayer Brochure
The Dorman Sprayer, not a Rover produced conversion, but supported by Rover.
This Brochure features 1948 pre production Land Rover L17 GWD 501.
This Brochure features 1948 pre production Land Rover L17 GWD 501.
Commercial Motor Article
The COmmercial Motor Article July 1, 1948 features 1948 early production Land Rover R860162 HNX 206.
This Land Rover was used for a long testing period following it's dispatch in September 1948.
This Land Rover was used for a long testing period following it's dispatch in September 1948.
Rear Power Take-Off Brochure
The Rear PTO Brochure, probably the most common optional extra, featuring an early 6 spline rear pto with the later guard.
Rear Pulley Advert on back of Rear PTO Brochure
On the back of the Rear Power Take-Off Brochure is the Rear Pully Advert
Rear Winch Brochure
The Rear Winch Brochure offered as an extra from very early in the Land Rover Story, circa 1949.
Capstan Front Winch
The Capstan front Winch was offered as well, this is from circa 1950.
All weather equipment Advert
This all weather equipment is for the 7 seater or full length hood. The first production style hood for a light green silver chassis model
Allman and Co
Allman and Co were another company that offered conversions for the new Land Rover.
Here is an early production with implements that fit to the power take off
Here is an early production with implements that fit to the power take off
Historic Photos
Historic Photos
Coming soon...
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