1953 Series 1 - Where to go for spare parts?

I live overseas and I'm interested in buying the Land Rover you see in the thumbnails below.

Some kind people on another forum have identified it as; 1953, Series 1 80 in, basic body, RHD export market. This was identified from the chassis number I gave using the Cal VIN website.

I understand that it has been modified (headlights etc.), although I'm not exactly sure how modified it is! My primary concern is the engine (engine number: 36101151). They've mentioned that it is a 2.0l Rover engine and it needs attention. The engine starts ok, but there's a problem with the timing as far as I can make out. This car is used 3 times a week, each trip is approx. an 8 mile round trip. It's driveable.

I'd like to confirm that it is the original engine, not sure if anyone can help there?

Where do you go for manuals and parts for these Land Rovers? A couple of people on another forum mentioned DUNSFOLD, are there others?

Any tips or suggestions on what to look out for would be appreciated!

I'm not too hot on series 1s, but I can tell you from the photos that it looks like it has series 3 wings stuck on it, hence the headlight arrangements, it also has a series 3 grille.

The first photo has brought tears to my eyes. Please do the right thing and put it back how it should be.

jmattley said:

I'm not too hot on series 1s, but I can tell you from the photos that it looks like it has series 3 wings stuck on it, hence the headlight arrangements, it also has a series 3 grille.

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I believe that's pretty much what they told me on the other forum. I'm not too concerned about changing them actually, at least not right now. There's plenty of these about and getting a donor won't be a problem.

I would really like to fish the engine out and re-build it along with the gearbox though. I have every intention of using this car on a daily basis.

Engine number is right for a 53 model.
I reckon the wings are probabaly right, but have been modified to look like a Series III.
Be careful getting s/h parts, many bits, especially body panels, are unique to 80" and are different to later Series Ones.
It seems to have a marked lack of switches, not that it had many to start with!
It also has a late Series IIA steering column & wheel.
I would say membership of the Series One Club is essential, if only for the adverts in their newsletter.

The above is good advice. Apart from a few missing bits and a few none S1 stuff it looks in really great condition. Buy it and get it back to how it should look in your own time. You'll wind up with a nice example that you can use.

It has a series 2 or later rear axle fitted, the 2ltr engine is an overhead inlet, sidevalve exhaust set up, a really nice running engine if in good condition, but can be a real pig to find certain parts these days. Joining the Series One Club would be good for vehicle information, general parts are not to much of a problem. Craddocks list Series 1 Parts

hth

Agreed. Join the Series One club and PLEASE do something about that front end!

thats just fookin wrong ! do something about it