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 production run. In 1950 the lights moved from a position behind the grill to protrude through the grill and in 1952 a larger 2.0 litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6 litre.

This delightful 'shabby chic' Series 1 Land Rover, has an aristocratic history having been purchased by the Rothschild family as a gift for Romulus Christie the grandson of Sir George Christie the founder of the 'Glyndebourne Festival' at Glyndebourne Manor where, until very recently, the car resided.

Originally registered on 12/05/1955, this is an 86 inch Series 1 presented in good useable order with an excellent chassis and apparently drives well. It does however have the outward appearance of a faithful servant who has fought valiantly for sixty years to defend the hedgerows of 'England's green and pleasant land'.

Basically sound, this vehicle is an ideal candidate for ether a light restoration or even a full restoration should one be so inclined, however there is a school of thought that ROM 418 might be best left as it is. With its distinctive number plate and Country House background, this 'lived in' Landy would look equally at home 'picking up' on a Yorkshire moor, parked outside the Admiral Codrington in SW3, packed full of Springers down a Cotswold Lane or grabbing 'forty winks' in a corner of the Dog and Duck car park.

The choice is yours.

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