Current Owner: Stephen Matthews, Hampshire
Previous Owner(s): Christopher Day, Gloucester; Bryan Parsons, Gloucestershire; David Ernest, Warwickshire

A previous owner, Bryan Parsons, wrote:

1956 86inch ex-Civil Defence Land Rover, very clean and tidy with a couple of very light dents. This has original engine and gearbox (matching number), 3-spoke steering wheel, heater, free wheeling hubs, new tyres, exhaust. Recently had replacement diff and rear prop shaft fitted by Land Rover dealer. Seats have been recovered and top rail professionally replaced. Canvas and metal tilts. 79000 miles.

This car starts every time, runs very well and does not use oil. MOT and Tax exempt, appreciating in value and very practical.

Not entirely sure how the "couple of very light dents" square up with the obviously stove-in rear offside quarter — the little lad is successfully hiding it in the left-hand picture, but it's pretty clear in the right- hand one. Bryan told me that it "was the result of a misjudged attempt to reverse into a gateway" — it's been rectified, but not yet resprayed.

Advertised May 2015 on Preloved. Text said:
This is a very tidy LR with original engine and gear box. New canvas roof (original still available), also full metal roof. Re-sprayed about 5 years ago, new diff, tyres, exhaust. All seats professionally recovered, Smiths heater, original steering wheel, free-wheeling hubs. This car starts every time and drives well. Insurance company have provided a valuation certificate for £9k replacement. Perfect for using, shows or investment. 74500 miles. c£9000 ono.

The rear wing has obviously been repaired! The advert also included a photo of the original log book:

In July 2015 David Ernest, from Warwickshire, bought 596, joined LRSOC and posted:
Always wanted a S1 and am thrilled to bits........ It seems to have been at least partially rebuilt with new upper bulkhead (no surprise there) and a respray, but there are lots of original clues... from the military [sic] identification numbers under the bonnet to some fixings.

I plan to use it to toddle around in and have a plan to gently improve it. Luckily a very experienced LRSOC member and former neighbour has just assessed it, and so I have bit of a programme for works... ranging from a new wiring harness to replacing the drag link and an end-to-end total service.

David says that the paperwork shows that it saw CD service with Middlesex CC, and spent its post-service life in the Oxford, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire area... "so its obviously a home-loving Landie". 'The Green Machine' gives the added note "Stored at Chilton Airfield. Sold via Stradishall 28/10/70".

In August 2018 David wrote: It is with great regret that I have decided to sell my ex-Civil Defence S1 — the only reason is that I am running out of space (another 2 restorations). She is in beautiful condition, carefully maintained and gradually improved, whilst keeping as original as possible. Recent work included fitting a Fairey overdrive, new correct period spec wiring loom, correct period heating pipes etc and full service, with many new parts over the years. She has her original green logbook. She drives beautifully, is very sound and is in very good condition. 74,000 miles. She is really lovely and is regretfully for sale at £24,995. I would prefer her to go to another [LRSOC] member/enthusiast.

Update, October 2020

Advertised on the Car & Classic website offered for sale via South Western Vehicle Auctions of Poole in Hampshire for auction on October 30th 2020. The description said:
Land Rover Series 1 (1957) 88, Rare ex Civil Defence. SXF 596.
It is with much regret that I have decided to sell my lovely Series 1 Land Rover, as I have to make space for another ongoing restoration. It is with heavy heart that I sell her, she is in very good condition and just the correct level of patina for a Series 1.

This is a rare and unique Series 1, having documented service in the Civil Defence from 15th May 1957 to 1970. It has its original MOD service number stencilled under the bonnet and has a comprehensive summary of its service and civilian history. It shows 75,000 miles on the clock, which I believe is genuine, due to its extensive history and general condition. The relatively low mileage may be explained by the fact that aside from the occasional Civil Defence exercise it would have been kept in 'ready to run' storage for the first 13 years of its life.

During my ownership I have continued the gentle and sympathetic maintenance and improvement programme that this lovely LR deserves. Its condition when I purchased it shows that it has been well cared for during its life. It has had a couple of recent comprehensive services, rebuilt the distributor and top end (exhaust valve sticking, during which cylinder head was re-machined and pistons and block checked). The wiring harness has been renewed with an authentic period cloth finish. I have reinstalled the original style copper heater pipes and engine temperature/oil pressure gauges. An authentic rebuilt Fairey overdrive unit and new coil and starter solenoid has been fitted.

This is a lovely Series 1, that has a lovely patina and is in good condition. During the years it has been the subject of ongoing gentle refurbishment that retains its originality but ensure that reliable and relaxed driving vehicle.

Here's a selection of pics from the auction site:

The winning bidder was Stephen Matthews from North Hampshire, a newcomer to Series 1s, but eager for the learning curve ahead! I don't know what his bid was, but we wish him lots of enjoyment with his new purchase.

[To add (or alter) information on this page, please contact me on sxf@teeafit.co.uk.]