MODEL GUIDE
Featuring our star ratings, expert opinions and buyer’s tips
EARLY SERIES I
80in, 1948 to 1953
RATINGS:
PRICE GUIDE
Poor: £3500 – £6000
Average: £6000 – £7500
Good: £7500 – £18,000
Excellent: £18,000 – £50,000
SPECIFICATIONS
1948-1951: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, 55 bhp, 83 lb-ft torque. Four-speed manual, two-speed transfer box with permanent four-wheel drive (to 1950), later selectable. 1951-1953: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 52 bhp, 101 lb-ft.
EXPERT OPINION:
THIS is the ultimate classic Land Rover – 73 years old and more desirable than ever. The early 80in models fetch the highest prices. The earlier and more original, the better. Pre-production and historic examples are the most sought-after, and 1948-50 models the most expensive. Even barn-find derelicts are in demand for restoration projects. The Holy Grail of all Land Rovers is the missing Centre Steer prototype from 1947 – if it still exists.
BUYER’S TIP
Join the Series One Club for parts and advice.
LATER SERIES I
86in/107in/88in/109in, 1953 to 1958
RATINGS:
PRICE GUIDE
Poor: £2500 – £4000
Average: £4000 – £6000
Good: £6000 – £9000
Excellent: £9000 – £30,000
SPECIFICATIONS
1953-1957: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 52 bhp, 101 lb-ft torque. Also, from 1957, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, 52 bhp, 87 lb-ft torque. Four-speed manual, two-speed transfer box with selectable four-wheel drive.
EXPERT OPINION:
NOT all Series Is come with stratospheric price tags. Later models are better value than their early counterparts, as well as being more user-friendly and easier to drive. The distinctive 107in station wagons are extremely sought-after, and fetch the highest prices, while the long wheelbase pick-ups represent the best value. Check any prospective purchase for serious corrosion issues – an inherent problem with all early (and many later) Land Rovers.
BUYER’S TIP
Better everyday drivers than the 80in.
SERIES II/IIA
88in and 109in, 1958 to 1971
RATINGS:
PRICE GUIDE
Poor: £1800 – £2500
Average: £2500 – £4500
Good: £4500 – £6500
Excellent: £6500 – £12,500
SPECIFICATIONS
88s, diesels to 1961 and all transmissions same as Series I. 2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol, 77 bhp, 124 lb-ft torque; 2.25-litre four-cylinder diesel, 62 bhp, 103 lb-ft torque. (109 only): 2.6-litre
