Current Owner: Steve Coates, Oxfordshire
Previous Owner(s): Unknown
Appeared on eBay in July 2019 (and for the first time in this database). The seller wrote:
Very nice example of a Series 1 Land Rover 88 inch. Started life with Bedford Fire Brigade [sic]and has been well cared for over the years. Had an extensive mechanical overhaul in 2016 (fully documented ) with £5000.00 being spent in carrying out repairs. More recently the bodywork and hard top have undergone a professional respray. The vehicle comes with 5 new tyres and new front and rear seats. A good reliable 2 litre engine that always starts on the first push of the button and is fun to drive and brings admiring glances on the road and at classic shows.
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The Classified Ad price was £14,500. By mid-August 2019 the asking price had dropped to £13,000.
In October 2019, Steve Coates emailed me:
I am now the proud owner of SXF780. I had to double take when reading about your Fido SXF870…..870…780. I have only had mine a few weeks and I have photos showing it with the Bedfordshire Fire Service.
It has 80,000 miles on the clock (can't prove it is genuine but I like to think it may be). It has been totally re sprayed by the last owner and he informed me that he found the Bedfordshire Fire Service still painted on the sides. The Chassis number is 111700880 and the Engine number is 111702694…again I am hoping that this is the original engine but not sure.
I would imagine it is — it compares well with others in the high 700-series registrations.
In August 2020 SXF780 was once again advertised on eBay by Steve Coates. In the advert he said:
For sale is "Harry" my 1957 Series 1 Land Rover. Only 80,000 genuine miles. Only 4 owners. Can trace it back to first owner in Civil Defence and then Bedfordshire Fire Service in early 60's. Photos of the vehicle through its history. Past bills and expenditure. Current MOT.
Great runner and used regularly. Matching Original Engine and Chassis/ Gbox numbers. Chassis Bulkhead etc perfect, no rust or repairs. New Brakes, shoes, Cylinders. New Original wiring loom. Only addition is indicators, otherwise as original. Professionally replaced N/S front inner and outer wing due to accident on a roundabout, so total re-sprayed. Immaculate condition, even original door locks work with keys. First to see will buy as it really is a gem and drives perfectly and like new.
The asking price was £18,750, and the sale ended in early September without a buyer. Steve wrote in an email to me I need to sell it but not bothered if it doesn’t go as I also want to keep it, if that makes any sense at all. Yes it certainly does, Steve.
[To add (or alter) information on this page, please contact me on sxf@teeafit.co.uk.]