1957 Land Rover Series 1 107" Station Wagon
Here we have a very rare and original 1957 107" Station Wagon with an interesting history. These don't come up for sale very often and there are not that many here in the US. It is an original left hand drive vehicle and it was imported from France a few months ago. It has the original 2.0L gasoline engine and it runs quite nicely. The vehicle runs and drives really well and could be used as a daily driver as-is. Everything works on it except the choke light. Odometer shows 22,196 km's.
History: This 107" was built on June 20, 957 and was originally destined for military service in Algeria. It spent roughly the first 10 years of its life in the Algerian Army. Not much is known about these Algerian 107's and very few exist today. I have only found a handful and most are in a very decrepit state. This one is one of the best unrestored examples that I have seen. All of the Algerian 107's I have come across seem to have the sunroof cut out; one can only imagine its purpose.
From Algeria, t ended up in France and was purchased by some French hippies; hence the jungle paint job. It spent a few years traveling around Europe and it eventually ended up in a barn in Southern France. In the late 1990's it was found by a Land Rover enthusiast and was brought back to life. This owner went through it mechanically and used it occasionally for the 15 +/- years that he owned it. I purchased it from this French owner just a few months ago and imported it to the US.
Condition: Mechanically: This 107" is a driver. It starts right up and drives very nice but like any Series Rover, t is a tractor. Top speed is about 50-55 mph. The transmission shifts nicely with no grinding or noise. Brakes work fine. Steering is tight. It has a few leaks here and there but only a drop or two; nothing major and quite normal for a Series Rover.
Cosmetically: This 107" is in pretty decent condition overall. Some like the paint job while others think it is hideous; I'll let you decide. It was originally gray and you can see this original paint in the interior and inside the engine compartment. On the left front fender, here is a painted section with a previous registration. I believe this to be the original Algerian registration on it from 1957. I have seen vintage pictures of other Algerian 107's with painted registration.
Most 107's that you come across have the rear bed area completely hammered from use. This one is in excellent shape with no serious dents or dings.
It does have the aforementioned sunroof done by the Algerian Army. It is fully functional and due to its design, t does not leak. It's actually kind of cool and you do not notice it whatsoever unless you get above the vehicle. My kids loved the open air experience.
The frame is in great shape with surface rust only. I have not found any perforation on the frame. The rear cross member has been replaced at some point.
The bulkhead has some corrosion in it but it is structurally sound. It should last for a good while but it might need to be repaired or replaced at some future point down the road. The right hand side floor board area has had a patch.
The seats, indow trim, oor seals, tc all seem to be original.
Overall: This Rover is in really good condition for an unrestored 50+ year old vehicle. It could easily be used as a daily driver as it really doesn't need much except tires.
I purchased and imported it from France just a few months ago with the intention of keeping it for a long time. I always wanted a 107" SW and they are extremely hard to find; especially in left hand drive. I also own a 1958 Series 1 88" which I was planning to sell once the 107" arrived. Unfortunately, have to sell one of the Series 1's due to financial reasons and it makes the most sense to sell the 107" as I have the most invested in it.
The reserve is set at what I have into the vehicle and nothing more. I am really hoping that this Rover goes to an enthusiast that appreciates its colorful history and where it can be used.
Please ask questions. I have tried my best to disclose any and all portions of this car but I am sure I have forgotten something. I have 40+ photos of it on a Flickr account for people to review. I'll be happy to send the Flickr link if requested. Again, lease ask questions.
I have this vehicle listed elsewhere and as such reserve the right to cancel the auction if it sells. A $500 deposit is required within 48 hours after the auction closes. Full payment via wire transfer, ash, r cleared check is required before vehicle will be released. The car is located in Carbondale, O and comes with a clear Colorado title.
Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding.