Lot 125 - 1981 Land Rover Stage I, V8
| Lot Number | 125 |
| Registration | LUD 723W |
| Chassis Number | LBCAVIAA117608 |
| Engine Number | 11G01184 |
| Odometer reading | 32,000 miles |
| Estimate | £32,000 - £36,000 |
- Very well restored throughout by experts
- Hugely powerful model
- Part of private collection for over 20 years
There is little doubt that the Land Rover occupies not only a significant place in the nation's automotive history but also an important place in the hearts of many classic car enthusiasts. From the early ‘Series’ examples up through the Defenders and even as the chosen mode of transport for Britain's most famous spy, Mr. James Bond himself. Aside from all the dozens of stylistic variants, there are numerous power plants to match.
This model, for example, with a long wheelbase, two-door, cab-truck pick-up unit has been fully restored in the original Inca Yellow. But this is not what makes this unique; the ‘Stage I-V8 was developed and funded by the UK government to the tune of over £200m to produce a new and important export vehicle suitable to compete against its Japanese rivals and features permanent four-wheel drive mated to a Range Rover gearbox
The engine is a strong and enormously powerful petrol unit completely new to the Land Rover range and to accommodate this, the front end had to be restyled with a unique flat grille and wings. It was very well-received and sales were good although production numbers were small making this historically significant model rare as a result. The ‘Stage I-V8’ then developed into the first 90” and 110” model range and, ultimately, the Defender as we know it. LED 723W was originally delivered to a buyer in the UK through a main agent in Oxfordshire in June 1980 and registered the following year. This is all recorded in the Heritage Certificate that accompanies the vehicle which can be found within the extensive history folder. It was acquired by the vendor in 2014 after it had been dry stored in a private collection for over 20 years, it is therefore almost certain that the recorded mileage of 32,000 is accurate. Since 2014, it has been completely restored by professional Land Rover experts including a new and galvanised wax-oiled chassis to the extent that the entire vehicle is in is in near perfect condition in every way.
The legend that is the ‘Stage I-V8’ has the sheer grunt to tow a building and, wrapped up in a range of eye-popping colours, took Land Rover in a new direction that set about re-defining the company for the next twenty years. To quote the original brochure, “only Land Rover has the pedigree”.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.