Land Rover Series 1 SWB hardtop

The Land Rover was conceived by the Rover Motor Company in 1946.

Series I
From 1948 until 1951 Land Rover offered a single model, 80in wheelbase with a 1.6 litre petrol engine producing around 50 bhp. It had a 4-speed gearbox with a new 2-speed transfer box.

In 1949 Land Rover introduced the "Station Wagon", fitted with a body built by Tickford coachbuilders.

In 1952 & 1953 the petrol engine was replaced with a larger 2.0 litre I4 unit.

During 1950 the unusual semi-permanent 4WD system was replaced with a more conventional setup.

In 1954 the 80in wheelbase model was replaced by an 86in wheelbase model, and a 107in "Pick-Up" version was introduced.

1956 saw the introduction of the first five-door model, on the 107in chassis known as the "Station Wagon" with seating for up to ten people. The 86in model was a three-door seven-seater.