As an engineering marvel, the Land Rover can still outstrip its modern counterparts and the Series I rightly belongs in the Motoring Hall of Fame.

Hugely successful globally, improvements were made throughout its long lifespan.

In 1950, the lights were moved from a position behind the grille to protrude through the mesh and in 1952 a larger 2-litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6-litre.

The wheelbase was extended to 86" in 1955 to give the vehicle more stability and greater load capacity and the stronger, more reliable 2-litre petrol engine was standard until 1957.

Whilst on paper at least, the later Series I’s offered significant improvements, it's the early models that are the most sought after.

Over the years, here at Iconic Auctioneers we have been pleased to offer over 150 Land Rovers, including a good number of early vehicles, but it's a long time since we have seen such an impressively restored example as the 1951 Series I on offer today.

Built on 14th August 1951...