Illustrationen/Fotos Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

Revealed to the world in 1948, the Land-Rover not only revived the Rover Company’s fortunes in an austerity-riddled post-war period, but galvanized its future, thanks to the model’s almost immediate success.

With the manufacture of an initial 48 &;pre-production&; examples coming to a close, the first official production models were assembled &; starting with chassis 860001. As original factory records prove, this pivotal vehicle was destined for His Royal Highness King George VI, but the decision was made to postpone the presentation and instead, &;number one&; was retained by the factory until 1950, when it was registered JUE 477 before leaving Rover Company ownership. Continue reading →