Introducing 'Burford': Series II a 88" 

1965 build 

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Launched in the wake of the Second World War, Rover knew it wasn't just Britain that needed a simply, hard-working vehicle to aid economic recovery. Indeed, the vast majority of early Land Rovers were exported overseas, many going to Australia where their utilitarian nature was ideally suited to unforgiving terrain of the Outback.

This 1956 Land Rover Series I 88” was repatriated to the UK in 2016 following a life spent 'Down Under'. This was quite a fitting time for it to return, since this was the year production of the original Defender finally ended. Since landing back on British soil, the Land Rover has undergone an extensive professional restoration, and as you can see in the photographs, it now presents superbly. The vendor informs us that it remains matching numbers - quite the feat for a Land Rover of this vintage.

Whether you're a collector or are simply drawn to one of the smartest Series Is to hit the market in recent years, this 1956 example would be a fantastic candidate.

 

Highlights

• Fully restored by a Land Rover specialist

• Matching numbers: original engine, gearbox, and axles

• Benefits from a life in Australia's dry climes from 1956-2016

• Bare metal respray with many replacement panels

• New wheels/tyres, seats, gear knobs, glass and Charles Worth refurbished steering wheel

• Partial mechanical rebuild with all ancillaries renewed: new Autosparks wiring loom, new wheel bearings, brakes, swivel kits, prop shafts, carburettor/fuel pump and recorded radiator

 

History and Paperwork

• Right-hand drive example supplied new to Australia in 1956

• Imported to the UK by a Land Rover specialist in 2016

• Subsequently restored to a high standard

• Photographic record of the restoration included in the gallery below

• Restoration details reportedly available from the specialist who carried out the work

• Limited paperwork accompanies the car due to specialist restoration

• One former registered keeper since import

• 54,772 miles indicated

 

The Condition

• The restored chassis has been refinished in black and presents very well with no signs of advancing corrosion

• New wheels and tyres fitted

• The front bulkhead presents well with no issues apparent in the photographs

• Very straight alloy bodywork, incorporating several replacement panels

• Bare metal respray carried out

• Some patina retained in the load bed, with some dents to the rear bulkhead

• All the galvanised elements look to have been refinished and appear very smart

• New glass installed

• Truck cab-type hard top fitted, complete with sliding rear window

• New seats installed

• Charles Worth refurbished steering wheel and new gear knobs (including for transfer levers)

• Cabin electrics and instrumentation to be in good working order

 

The Mechanics

• 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine

• Four-speed manual gearbox with selectable low range and four-wheel drive

• Original engine, gearbox, and axles with matching numbers

• New Autosparks wiring loom installed

• New prop shafts

• Rear wheel bearings and brakes renewed

• Front axle fitted with new swivel pin kits and brakes

• Re-bushed pedal shaft

• Radiator re-cored, and new carburettor and electric fuel pump fitted

• All presents impeccably under the bonnet

• Land Rover runs and drives very well

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