1949 Land Rover Series I 4x4 Utility Project Chassis no. R862521

1949 Land Rover Series I 4x4 Utility Project Registration no. not registered Chassis no. R862521 Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. Ruggedly built and simple in construction, the Land Rover proved capable of surviving in countries where conditions were primitive to say the least, a virtue that helped contribute to its worldwide acceptance. Purchased by the vendor 'as is' on 15th October 2011 in the UK, this Series I Land Rover is presented in 'barn find' condition requiring full restoration and is sold as seen. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com