This is where `The Best 4x4 by Far' started – a utility vehicle devised in 1947 by the Wilks brothers inspired by the wartime Jeep.

Aluminium panels, due to a steel shortage, meant the bodies did not rust and thanks to an ingenious high-and-low ratio four-wheel drive system, the model was possessed of incredible climbing ability in all conditions including glutinous mud.

Initially powered by a 1,595cc Rover engine, a 2-litre unit was adopted from 1952.

More than 75 years after launch, Land Rovers of all ages continue to give faithful service worldwide.

A home market example originally fitted with a 2-litre petrol engine which can be seen by decoding the chassis number, SFO 547 is understood to have been fitted with a 3.5-litre Rover V8 and roll cage for heavy duty off-roading at some point in its life.

More recently, it has been uprated with a '200Tdi' engine from a Discovery 1 which was fitted by the previous owner, an experienced maritime engineer.

Noticeably more powerful when...