Owner Neil Haydon, Crediton, Devon
Previous Owners, Martin Jones, Central Scotland; Mark & Beverley Langley, Exeter, Devon.

In July 2015, Dave Hunter of Stirling contacted me regarding another SXF vehicle. He wrote:
You may also be interested in that I restored SXF 694 and fitted an internal roll cage to it, 110 servo brake and clutch pedal, 300TDI engine, Series 3 gearbox and overdrive. I think she already had Series 3 axles. It was green with a canvas roof, and I sold it to a young lad in Bristol.

In January 2017 the vehicle was advertised on eBay, from Clevedon in Somerset.

The description said: 1957 88" series 1 project. Not for the purists amongst you. This vehicle was bought as a project in Scotland some years ago. It has 300 tdi [engine and] LT77 gearbox, and now converted to left hand drive. It has a lovely original body and canvas tilt. The chassis is completely solid and has been repaired under back body. Bulk[head] is non gen item as was constructed using a series 3. Every alteration to the vehicle can be reversed to standard with the correct parts or it can be finished and used as it is. The log book would have to be applied for. It had a Starting Price of £3200 — there were no bids! Not sure why anyone would want to convert it to left-hand-drive, unless they had a weathly sheik in mind!

Shortly after I had an email from Mark Langley (not a wealthy sheik!), saying that he'd bought 694 from 'the young lad in Bristol'. He said:
I plan to put it back together keeping the spirit (or 'soul') of the Series 1. The left hand drive change (only partly completed) was a little odd but non damaging, as the bulkhead that was changed was non-original anyway. I do have what is left of the original bulkhead (I think) but I am not sure it is repairable — but whichever I use I will be putting it back as a RHD. I don't think it will be a fast job but I am looking forward to getting it back on the road, and I hope it may be possible to do that this year though not by April — sixty years after its registration.

In May 2018 the vehicle appeared on eBay, with the following description:
Series 1 Land Rover 88" 1957. Ex Civil Defence SXF for restoration. V5 present. Historic Vehicle TAX & MOT-free.

This project will make a fantastic looking and very useable classic using a Land Rover TDi 300 engine, or it could be restored as original (different engine/gearbox and bulkhead etc would be needed). The chassis is in exceptional condition and bodywork is straight (I would keep the paint as it is but some may wish to put a new coat on it). There are many parts included — I have collected all the difficult to find bits (seats, windscreen stays, light glasses etc) and it has a good condition hood, refurbished LR wheels (not the odd collection in the 1st photo!) There is a full brand new stainless steel exhaust for the TDi engine (some modification required to fit the Series 1). Also there is a loom (ditto) and a spare wheel and tyre to match the refurbed ones. Also brand new shocks (in boxes), new headlights etc.

The bulkhead is non standard (modified series 3) and does require work to suit your engine choice. The aim was to preserve all the soul and looks of a Series 1 but with the useability and extra power to make it safe to use on today's roads. The previous owner had started to change to LHD but this is easily reversible (as indeed I planned to do). The LR itself was originally RHD and was never used in LHD. There is obviously a fair bit of work to be done so don't expect to drive away! It will roll for loading.

This really is a great project and will make a great historic vehicle with bags of character.

The asking price was £4,550, but the listing ended "because the item is no longer available". Not sure how much of a 'great historic vehicle' it is with all those modifications, but it certainly has character. Just so long as the number is retained.

Then, in August 2018, I was contacted by Neil Haydon, who said:
I purchased this Land-Rover from Mark Langley in May this year. I am currently trying to put the vehicle back into a roadworthy condition, using a more original engine and gearbox, and as standard as possible working within my budget constraints.

In June 2019 Neil sent me two further pics:

He said "After a lot of hard work, 694 is coming together and I have something that is driveable. I have fitted a very early 2 1/4 diesel engine and 2A gearbox. Some non standard items but tried to keep the period look. Another SXF back on the road!"

Looking good, Neil!

[But I couldn't help noticing that, although the steering wheel is now back on the right, the front numberplate has remained on the left throughout, which would be appropriate for a LHD Land-Rover, as the plates were always fixed, front and rear, on the driver's side.]

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