Land Rover (Series/Defender)

The Series I, II, and III and Defender are 4x4 models from Land Rover (except for a few 2x4 variants built for the Royal Air Force and British Army). The Defender is these early model's descendant, following over 50 years of 'evolution' along the same basic design, and still remaining very similar in looks.

Series models and Defenders are confused due to their similar styling (many body parts are interchangeable between brand-new models and vehicles nearly 30 years old), although the differences are large. The principal differences between Defenders and Series models are that the Series models are leaf-sprung with optional two or four wheel drive whereas the Defenders are coil-sprung with permanent four wheel drive and locking central differential.

Series I

Land Rover entered production in 1948, with a single model, later termed the Series I. This was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show. It was originally designed for farm and light industrial use, and had a steel box-section chassis, and an aluminium body.

From 1948 until 1951, the only model used an 80in (2032mm) wheelbase and a 1.6L petrol engine. This was a basic vehicle, so tops for the doors and a roof (canvas or metal) were optional extras. In 1950, the lights moved from a position behind the grille to protruding through the grille.

In 1952 and 1953 the engine was replaced with a larger 2.0L unit. This engine was "siamese bore", meaning that there are no water passages between the pistons.

1954 saw a big change: the 80in (2032mm) was replaced by an 86in (2184mm), and a 107in (2718mm) pick up version was introduced.

1956 saw the introduction of the first 5 door model known as the Station Wagon with seating for up to 10. The 86" model had 7 seats and only 3 doors. The Station Wagons were intended to be used both as commercial vehicles as people-carriers for transporting workmen to remote locations, as well as by private users who wanted the vehicle's abilities without the spartan interior and lack of equipment. They were well-equipped by Land Rover standards, with basic interior trim and equipment such as heaters and interior lights. The Station Wagons saw the first expansion of the Land Rover range. Station Wagons were fitted with what was called the 'Safari Roof'. This consisted of a second roof skin fitted on top of the vehicle (see Series I 86 photograph). This kept the interior cool in hot weather and reduced condensation in cold weather. Vents fitted in the roof allowed added ventilation to the interior. While they were based on the same chassis and drivetrains as the standard vehicles, Station Wagons carried different chassis numbers, special badging and were advertised in seperate brochures.