1952 Land Rover Series 1 80"

It is time for this beautiful 1952 80” Series 1 Land Rover to find a new home. It’s been a joy to own and I’ll be sad to see it go, but it simply isn’t used to the extent I’d like anymore and like all classic cars, it needs to be used, enjoyed and shown off as much as possible at shows and club events.

Restored back in 2020, since then a regular regime of care and maintenance, has kept it in top condition, including recent service, plus amongst various maintenance items a new battery, brake shoes, points and carburettor clean preparing for sale, ensuring it’s running perfectly so it’s ready to be enjoyed and cherished by a new owner.

Highlights

• A supremely original and delightfully patinated restored example

• Highly desirable early 80” version

• Right-hand drive CKD export model, benefitting from a life spent in Australia’s dry climate

• Mechanically restored in 2020 and ready to drive with no apparent faults

• 2. 0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Selectable low range and four-wheel drive

• Recently had a full check over and service at Windsor Classics, ready to go and be enjoyed to the full

The History and Paperwork

• 600 miles approx. indicated (the odometer is a replacement item)

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust factory record copy confirms that this is a 1952 CKD exported new to Australia

• Assembled and sold by Regent Motors in Melbourne, Victoria

• First UK registered in October 2020

• The restoration commenced in June 2020 (by previous owner), with full photographic record (280+ photos)

• The factory record copy does not display the original engine and gearbox numbers, although the drivetrain in the car (and restored) is understood to be numbers matching

• Large collection of invoices amassed during the restoration and since for general maintenance and upkeep

• An MOT test was voluntarily conducted post-restoration which recorded no advisories, although it has not since been tested due to its age-related exemption

The Restoration

• The original chassis had minor repairs in two places, wax injected and externally treated with ACF-50

• Much of the paintwork remains original and is therefore heavily patinated

• Some of the panels have now been discreetly strengthened to combat age-related wear

• The original bulkhead in excellent condition, cleaned and refitted

• The engine was stripped and rebuilt, the cylinders were previously bored +40 over size, so bigger piston rings were fitted during the rebuild to prevent oil burning

• New hardened exhaust valve seats for unleaded petrol

• Series One Club screw-on oil filter conversion

• Refurbished 1952 carburettor fitted

• New dynamo fitted

• Vehicle polarity changed to negative earth

• New Autosparks wiring loom (including HT leads)

• Newly rebuilt starter motor (from Cox & Turner)

• Period-correct replacement fuel pump

• Radiator recored

• The gearbox bearings were replaced along with the seals

• The transfer box was deemed in good order, cleaned and rebuilt

• A new clutch plate was fitted upon assembly

• Brand new braking system, including orginal specification brake shoes from Andrew Bullas

• New front swivels

• Axles stripped and rebuilt with new seals

• Original differential cleaned and reused

• New front springs

• The door seals and side windows were replaced as both were missing

• The wheels (correctly dated) were stripped, checked and resprayed in Bronze Green, with 6. 0 x 16 tyres fitted

• Original sealed beam headlights

• The rear lights were replaced as the originals were missing

• Discreet indicators now fitted

• The steering wheel is original to the car and still in good condition, with original horn button repaired and refitted

• New canvas tilt and seats sourced from Exmoor Trim

• Period-correct Clayton cabin heater fitted

• Replacement instruments

Other

• An original Shelley jack and starter handle has been added, as has a selection of old Whitworth spanners and tools in a canvas tool roll

• Land Rover instruction manual, workshop manual and parts catalogue

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certified Copy of Factory Record

• 280+ photos and paperwork documenting restoration

Photos

• Multiple photos provided here, along with the remaining record of restoration to be provided with the sale.

• Final photo shows the car with 6. 5” one-ton replica wheels from my Series 3 I experimented with, to give you an idea of how it looks in slightly ‘chunkier’ form if that’s your preference (takeaway coffee, wheels and tyres not included in this sale!)