Series IIA: 80" Canvas back pick-up (1952)
Not all early Land Rovers were Green!
Our vehicle, 'OYC 244', is one of the early models to leave Solihull in a livery other than green. This mid series 80" was manufactured in October 1952. In December of that year it was despatched to Somerset County Council who purchased the vehicle for use by the Somerset Fire Brigade to whom it was handed over at its headquarters in Taunton. It is a fine exhibit of the straightforward Series I offered by Land Rover to Local Authorities (and businesses generally) in the early years. So much part of what made the Land Rover the 'go to' workhorse and therefore very much part of the opening chapter our Land Rover Story.
More InfoThe first Landy to leave Solihull in a livery other than Green was a canvass backed Pick up registered NNU 582. Built as a batch of four destined for the Derbyshire Fire Service, they were amongst the last of the R8 (1948) chassis numbers and were delivered in February the following year. They were standard vehicles used to transport men and equipment where off-road capability was beneficial. The irony is that at the end of service (in the mid 60's) they were painted green in readiness for sale.
Our vehicles is exactly of the same nature save that this was destined for Somerset Fire Service and it too went through change of colour prior to its release from service. Once we had sight of its documented provenance, the temptation to bring this vehicle home to its roots was irresistible. 'OYC' once again resides in its home County, just 6 miles from where it first entered service.
A full 'nut and bolt' restoration, which took place in 2018/19, has brought 'OYC' back into a near new condition. Its brilliant red livery pays homage to its original place of work. We have a comprehensive history file for the vehicle with contributions from Somerset Heritage Archives and Taunton Fire Brigade. One matter that we have yet to unravel, however, is to understand when it acquired its current engine. It is bang on as it should be, however by our reckoning its serial number places it on an earlier manufactured 80". It also acquired a later version fuel gauge sometime along the way. Our dilemma is therefore should we remove it or does this simply reflect the layers of history that attach to any vehicle of this age?
Sometime during its later life OYC went through a further colour change to an unflattering brown and gained a hard top. But we are very content to exhibit this vehicle as it you now see it, reflecting the condition in which it first left the factory, Poppy Red, canvass tilt, ready and eager to play its part as an emergency service vehicle serving the rural districts in mid Somerset.
Part of:
Series I
Working Rovers
The Collection
Vehicle Owner: Land Rover Heritage Collection
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