Original engine, gearbox and bulkhead.

Registration No: LYE 272 Chassis No: 6114931 MOT: Exempt

Desirable "lights through grille" example
Very rare survivor with its original 1,600cc engine, gearbox, axles and bulkhead
Purchased by the vendor in 2015 and fully restored over the following five years
Supplied with a new galvanised chassis from specialist Richards Chassis, a reconditioned Fairey overdrive, and both Exmoor trim and canvas top

This is where "The Best 4x4 by Far" started—a utility vehicle devised in 1947 by the Wilks brothers for use on their farm and inspired by the wartime Jeep.

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

Initially powered by a 1,595cc inlet-over-exhaust Rover engine, a two-litre unit was adopted from 1952.

More than 75 ye...