The oldest surviving military Land Rover has gone on sale for £75,000.
It was one of the first batch of Land Rovers ever supplied to the British military in 1948.
The car is thought to be the oldest surviving example from this initial order, as many were destroyed during service.
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The exact nature of the vehicle’s duties are unknown but its bronze green bodywork was once flanked by two red painted wings, indicating that it may have been used for bomb disposal duties or as a munitions carrier.
It remained in service until 1961, when it was sent to the War Department Storage Depot at Ruddington, near Nottingham in April 1962.
It changed hands in 1977, before being purchased by the vendor in August 1985.
A preliminary restoration uncovered a remarkably original chassis that had allegedly not required nor received any welded repairs.
It was fully restored again to historical accuracy by the owner in 2014 and 2015.
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It is being sold by Sotheby’s at Clevenden House, Taplow, Berkshire, as reported by Luxury Auto News..
The listing states: “It is said that structural repairs were required only to the passenger footwell before a fresh coat of Bronze Green was applied, while retaining the factory-correct colour scheme of a silver chassis with black axles.
“The original side-plate engine was swapped for a reconditioned 1949 core plug unit while in service, which is work that is verified with the presence of the Ministry of Supply brass ‘overhaul’ plate affixed to the engine block.
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“This ‘upgrade’ is commonplace among early survivors and should not detract from this vehicle’s unique history.
“The original, early ‘ring pull’ type gearbox/transfer box is still present, as are the correct, military-style split-rim wheels, currently fitted with period-correct 6.00 by 16inch Avon Traction Mileage tyres.
“Since its most recent restoration, the Land Rover has received many deserved awards and its factory-correct specification has been remarked upon by several leading restorers and marque authorities.
“This is an extremely rare opportunity to own not just a highly sought after ‘pre-1500’ Series I, but a vehicle with an unprecedented history that helped begin the military’s long-standing relationship with Land Rover.”
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