In 1953 – the year of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II – this Land Rover 80 was built and registered to its first owner, a certain Captain Bethell in Aberlour, northern Scotland. He left the car in his will to Joanna McGregor, in whose ownership it remained until 1996. By this time, the Land Rover is said to have been in very poor condition. The third owner subjected it to a restoration in Aberlour, during which it was completely stripped and a new chassis frame fitted. All original body parts were refurbished, treated and repainted in their original colour. A new canvas hood, as well as a new set of tyres were fitted. The brake system was completely overhauled, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, steel pipes and flexible hoses. Wheel bearings were replaced where necessary. In order to conform with current MOT regulations, front and rear indicators were fitted and a dash panel switch added.
In this condition, the car was purchased by its current owner, who imported the Land Rover into Germany and drove it sparingly but regularly. The Land Rover comes with German registration documents, valid technical approval until 02/2018 as well as historic plates. A set of old MOT certificates as well as repair receipts are also included. At 63 years of age, this Series I Landy couldn’t be further away from retirement.