First of the Many

Sir,

Has anyone seen this vehicle in recent years? Yes, it is a Land-Rover—but a model which must now be very rare. It is not, as might be thought, a one-off job, but was actually in production from late 1948 to early 1951, and was the first station wagon version. Rovers say that 651 units were produced.

The “traditional” type of shooting brake body was mounted on the original Series I chassis of 80 in. wheelbase, and the power unit was the normal 1 1/2-litre. petrol engine used in all Land-Rovers until superseded by the 2-litre in 1951. Like the present “short” station wagons, it seated three in front and four on tip-up seats in the rear. Its first public appearance was at the Motor Show of November 1948.

Unfortunately the Rover people are unable to say whether any of these models are still in existence. Can any reader enlighten them —and me?

Painscastle J. M. BRERETON