Land Rover Series I 1963

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , When Maurice Wilks, Rover's chief designer, came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural utility vehicle in 1947 he would have no idea that his design would become an icon and launch a whole new industry sector. The original Land Rover was presented in Sage Green with a canvas roof and revolutionised rural transport. As an engineering marvel it can still outstrip its modern counterparts, and the Series I rightly belongs in the Motoring Hall of Fame. Hugely successful globally, improvements were made throughout the long lifespan of the Landy. In 1950, the lights were moved from a position behind the grille to protrude through the mesh, in 1952 a larger 2-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre and the wheelbase was extended to 86" in 1955 to offer more stability and greater load capacity. The strong, reliable 2-litre petrol engine was standard until 1957 when, with the introduction of the Series II, a diesel engine was offered as an alternative.This right-hand drive home-market example was built first registered on 4th May 1956 in Hampshire. Purchased by our vendor in May 2012, the Land Rover was entrusted to Harwoods Land Rover to complete a full restoration. Beautifully finished in Tuscan Blue, it’s currently fitted with a full canvas tilt and is also accompanied by a hardtop cab for winter motoring. The interior features black vinyl seating, a large heater and chequer plate flooring. Despite the restoration being over a decade ago, 959 HYH still presents rather well, starts on the button and is ready to enjoy.The Series I Land Rover is a remarkable British classic with a back to basics charm, easy to work on, frugal to maintain and good fun to drive on or off-road.