One of the First Twenty: The Oldest Surviving Military Land Rover Series I Heads to Auction

Although Land Rover SUVs were introduced only after World War II, they quickly earned a reputation much like that of the military Jeep CJ and its successor, the Wrangler. 

Part of the reason may be that they were similarly simple and durable vehicles with military roots, even though Land Rover's relationship with the British military began only in late 1948, shortly after production of the Series I started. The vehicle shown here is believed to be the oldest surviving military Land Rover Series I. It is now being offered for sale by RM Sotheby's.

A Well-Preserved Veteran

This Land Rover was part of the very first batch of Series I models delivered to the British military. Specifically, it was the sixth of the first twenty vehicles.

The SUV remained in military service until 1962. At some point during its service, the original engine was replaced with another 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine built in 1949. Aside from that change, the vehicle remains true to its original specification, including its two-speed four-wheel-drive system. Even the engine bay still carries the original plate documenting the engine replacement.

After being retired from military service, the Land Rover was sold at auction and has had three private owners since then. The current owner purchased it in 1985 and carried out a full restoration between 2014 and 2015.

During the restoration, it was discovered that the vehicle had been used by military engineers for mine-clearing operations and transporting ammunition. Today, it is finished in its authentic military green paint and retains all of the distinctive features of the military version. It even includes its original tool kit and semaphore turn signals.

Priced Like a New Defender

Given the vehicle's age and provenance, RM Sotheby's considers it attractively priced. It is expected to sell for between approximately $67,000 and $101,000, placing it roughly in the middle of the price range for a new Land Rover Defender.

A modern Defender is undoubtedly more comfortable, safer, and quicker than a Series I. But it is hard to match the character and historical significance of this classic Land Rover.