1953 Land Rover – Project Profile

There’s a common misconception that classic cars are delicate, glass-like things that will explode if they’re asked to do too much. This is, of course, a silly outlook. Classic cars are just as hardy, if not hardier than their modern counterparts. For starters, they’ve survived for decades, and new cars can’t boast that. Because, you know, they’re new. Then, there’s the fact that some of them are just built tough. An old Volvo, for example, will go on forever (as we proved by driving one to Sweden last year). A Mercedes-Benz W123 is another tough classic. You could throw a grenade at it and it would dust it off like it was nothing. In fact, we secretly think they’re built from granite. And then, of course, there is the Land Rover, or in this case, the Land Rover Series 1.

The original Land Rover was the car that rebuilt post-war Great Britain. Its versatility meant it could go anywhere and do anything. Add in the fact it was available with a power take-off and you had a vehicle that could be a pump, a digger, a generator or… well, anything you needed it to be. It was and still is, the Swiss Army knife of vehicles. And it’s the first, the Series 1 Land Rover, that is perhaps the most pure. It might not be fast, or refined, or even remotely comfortable, but we can forgive it because it’s not built for those things. It’s built to be a tool, a utility, a lifeline in fact. Its rugged simplicity has afforded it favour around the globe, even today. Yes, get yourself a Series 1 and you’ll have the original, the daddy, Land Rover genesis. 

What is it? 

What we have here is an extremely early 86-inch wheelbase, as ‘53 and ‘54 were the first years for this new, slightly longer wheelbase (prior to this, it was 80-inch). It appears to have a van style body on the back, which again is quite rare, as most have windows. Or of course, no roof at all. It looks a bit tired, but ultimately, it also seems to be all there. In fact, more than that, it comes with a whole host of spares. 

Yes, if you buy this Series 1 Land Rover for the £6,750 being asked, you’ll get a load of spares with it. However, there is a caveat, in that the spares don’t seem to be for a Series 1. Certainly, the spare front and rear wings are from a Series 2 or 3. Also, there’s a spare engine in the form of a 2.25 petrol unit of MOD origins – we would be inclined to fit this, as it’s been converted to run on unleaded. Furthermore, there is a zero mileage MOD gearbox to go on the back of said engine. Plus, a further two spare gearboxes, and a spare diesel engine for good measure (though the vendor states the block is cracked). There is loads of other stuff, too. Wheels, radiators, windscreen, steering wheel, fuel tank, the list goes on. And while not all of it is for a Series 1, there is no denying that there is some money to be made back by selling those bits on. Making this more of a bargain. 

Why is it a project? 

It’s not been on the road for some eighteen years, so it’s in need of significant recommissioning. As mentioned above, the vendor states it comes with a diesel engine with a cracked block, however, we’re unsure if that’s a spares engine, or the engine currently fitted – it is registered as a diesel. Either way, you’d want to put the 2.25 MOD engine in there, so it doesn’t matter if the fitted engine is goosed. 

The Land Rover looks a bit tired, but as the panels are all aluminum, there is no significant corrosion to worry about. The area that rots on these is the chassis, of which the vendor says only needs minor repairs. The bulkhead is also a known weak area, but the advert says that it’s in decent condition. 

It appears to have been stored inside, which is key. These old Land Rovers don’t respond well to being left outside in the elements, untouched. It strikes us as being a Landy that’s a bit down at heel, but that’s also brimming with potential. Plus, it’s exceptionally cheap. This, combined with the fact labour costs would be low (you can do most of the work yourself), makes for a financially sound project – which is rare! Values are always on the rise for the Series 1. 

Five things to look for: 

1) Chassis

The vendor states it needs some minor repairs, but one man’s minor could be your major. As such, you need to get under there and have a good look. It’s a simple box construction though, so repairs shouldn’t be too technically challenging. 

2) Engine

Or should that be engines, seeing as it comes with about thirteen? Check them all, specifically the one in it, which should be a diesel, and the MOD engine, as that will carry some value, either in terms of currency or as an option to fit into the vehicle. 

3) Spares

This old Landy comes with a raft of spares, but what’s what? Have a sort through them and see what you have. A lot of it looks to be for different series vehicles, so you have to ask if you want them, or if you can be bothered to try and sell them. 

4) Electrics

It’s common for old Land Rovers to get hacked about a bit over the years, and honestly, the wiring is so simple that we would encourage you to replace it all. However, still check it for any breaks, faults or bad earths, as they can be a fire risk. 

5) Axles 

The Land Rover’s off-road ability comes from its axles, but only if they’re in good condition. Over the last 66 years, the underside may have been battered into all kinds of immovable objects. Check for damage, leaks or bodged repairs. 

What should you do with it? 

This one is dead easy. We’d drop that 2.25 MOD engine and ‘box in, we’d clean it up, splash on a new coat of paint (with a roller, obviously), fit some comfier/more supportive seats and call it done. The trick here is to not over restore it. If you do that, you’ll end up with a vehicle that’s too nice to properly use, and that’s a crime because the Land Rover – any Land Rover – is built to be used. Keep it rough and ready, fit a winch, fit some decent rubber and then explore off the beaten track. Find the path less travelled and take joy in plodding up hill and over dale in your so say ‘delicate’ classic car.