The original Land Rover was developed by the Rover car company following the second World War. Development of a new model at this time required practical out of the box thinking as the British economy was depressed, rationing was still in use and there was a shortage of steel.
Chief designer at Rover, Maurice Wilks, was inspired by his ex US army Jeep which he used on his farm. The plan was to target the agriculture and mining industry with a similar but improved product. Many existing off the shelf parts were used and aluminium was extensively incorporated as this was in good supply. The success of this model both in the UK and export markets was a huge surprise for the Rover car company and it remains a motoring icon to this day
The Rover commercial vehicles division produced various derivatives Land Rover and the Fire engine (tender) was one. the 88-inch Fire tender built at Solihull. Red paint and red seats. Extras such as an oil cooler
Sold new in 1957 by Robb Motors of Cape Town to the O’Okiep Copper mine in the town of Nababeep near Springbok.
The mine was legally required to have a fire engine (they had three) which were kept in good order. It was started up and driven once a week and therefore has only covered 5065 miles since new. The chassis & body is rust free due to being based in the dry climate.
When the mine closed approximately 20 years ago, an auction was held and the current owner purchased the Land Rover and placed it in storage. Late in 2019 the owner made contact with Crossley & Webb and we carried out a mechanical recommissioning programme and the following was done:
Estimated Price Range:
R 500,000.00 - R 700,000.00
Lot Status
Sold
Total Bids:
8
Time Left:
Closed
Start Date:
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End Date:
An unrestored Land Rover S1
Rare Fire engine derivative
Only 5070 miles since new
A must have for any collection
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