Series I

HUE 166 - The first production Land Rover

The Series I was originally only called the 'Land Rover'. Only when the Series II arrived in 1958 was it then referred to as the Series I. For many enthusiasts, the Series I is the ultimate Land Rover, with it‘s rugged good looks and go-anywhere mechanicals.

The model was designated the "80 inch" - 80 inches being the wheelbase of the vehicle. This way of designating Land Rovers has stuck ever since. In 1948, only the 80" model was available, but by 1953, it had been replaced by an 86", and a 107" long wheelbase variant was made available. By the time production ended in 1958, these had been replaced by an 88" and a 109".

No more than a utilitarian alloy box on wheels, it was - and still is undeniably pretty and uncomplicated.