Land Rover Monthly

MODEL GUIDE

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Featuring our star ratings, expert opinions and buyer's tips

EARLY SERIES I

80in, 1948 to 1953

RATINGS:

Servicing:

Reliability:

Economy:

Towing:

Off-road:

On-road:

PRICE GUIDE

Poor: £3500 – £6000

Average: £6000 – £7500

Good: £7500 – £18,000

Excellent: £18,000 – £50,000+

SPECIFICATIONS

1948-1951: 1.6-litre fourcylinder petrol, 55 bhp, 83 lb-ft torque. Four-speed manual, two-speed transfer box with permanent fourwheel 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:

Servicing:

Reliability:

Economy:

Towing:

Off-road:

On-road:

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 fourwheel 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:

Servicing:

Reliability:

Economy:

Towing:

Off-road:

On-road:

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.

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