Estimated Price: £10,000 - £15,000

Background:

The Land Rover Stage I is a notable model in the history of the Land Rover brand produced between 1979 and 1984. It was designed to bridge the gap between the classic Series III 'one ton' and the more modern Defender. Named 'Stage I' by Land Rover to signify that it was the first stage in the company’s recovery when it sought to compete with rugged and reliable six-cylinder machines from Japan.

Essentially, the Stage I was fitted with parts from both the Forward Control and the Range Rover, chief amongst them Rover’s potent 3.5 V8. The chassis was strengthened, brakes upgraded and for the first time, the car had a full length bonnet — something that became commonplace in the later 90/110.

Built in very small numbers and mainly exported, these trucks remain incredibly rare in the UK and are highly sought after by Land Rover collectors.

The Car:

This truck was registered in March 1983, a very late model in the production run. Initially, it was bought and used by Warwickshire Police, presumably as part of their rural team. At some stage, the vehicle was dry stored for nearly 20 years prior to our vendor purchasing the car.

Once home, the present owner tackled a mechanical restoration with an emphasis on long term reliability, while also trying to maintain originality. The chassis had any bad parts cut out and replaced with the correct gauge steel, along with being treated to a galvanized rear crossmember. The paint remains original, as does the bulkhead. Body outriggers and spring hangers were also replaced, with later mounting uprated to parabolic springs.

The heart of the car — the big V8 — was compression tested, then given a new set of SU carburetors, a stainless exhaust and specialist tubing for balancing the carbs. A new starter was fitted along with an entirely new ignition system and fuel pump.

The truck is on the button and has been used regularly on dry days. The present elderly vendor is offering the car reluctantly but accepts that he now needs a Defender with power steering.

Functional and squared - away, rather than a show winner, this extremely rare truck is a perfect collector’s item, workhorse, or fun weekend toy.

Location: Worcestershire

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional