In May 2015 I had an email from Chris Wilderspin, Secretary of the Land Rover Series One Club. He wrote:
I had a phone call last week from a chap who lives in Sheepscombe in the Cotswolds. Short story is that he has an 88” that has been lying idle for a number of years, had planned to do it up but realises he will never get round to it. He mentioned that it was ‘ex military’ (sic)and had an SXF registration (lightbulb moment!) so I went round yesterday and took some pictures.
Reg is SXF481, chassis number 111801005. 88” hardtop. It’s been idle for 8 or 9 years, chassis and bulkhead are shot, he reckons engine was running when parked up. Seems most of it is there (even some tools and the tyre pump).
He has some history. After Civil Defence he reckons it was the first National Trust Land Rover and then went to Gloucester County Council. [but see below] He has original buff log book and other documentation. It also has a number stencilled under the bonnet which means nothing to me but will do to you I am sure.
 |
 | |
 |
 |  |
 |
I like the 'double grille' on the front — most unusual! Almost certainly a 'Reconnaisance' vehicle, with the Export (Windowed) Hard Top' that could be used for Home Office vehicles. I'm afraid the numbers stencilled under the bonnet are a mystery to me. I can't comment on the National Trust ownership, but by a very wierd coincidence as I was compiling this page I had a computer glitch that 'lost' all the SXF files from view. Whilst searching for them I found a picture labelled 'SXF481' in a different directory. I have no idea where I got it from, but it confirms the Gloustershire County Council ownership.
If anyone can shed further light on this, I'd be very pleased to hear at the address below. I understand that the vehicle may be for sale — definitely a challenging 'restoration project', but how nice it would be to see it restored to its Warden Service guise.
[To add (or alter) information on this page, please contact me on sxf@teeafit.co.uk.]