Fancy owning Sir Winston Churchill’s Land Rover? Well you’ll soon be getting the chance, as it is due to be auctioned for an estimated £60,000 very soon. This is just a smidgen shy of the £70,000 it will cost to buy a brand new fourth generation Range Rover.
Rover gave the Series 1 vehicle to the great statesman for his 80th birthday, way back in November 1954. But it wasn’t any old Series 1. This one had a number of features that had been installed especially for Winston. His seat had been widened in order to accommodate his not inconsiderable dimensions, and a heater placed in the foot-well to keep his feet toasty. Other additions included a leather-clad grab handle, a fold-down arm rest and even a fitted box in which to store Winston’s trowel; as well as passions such as helping to save western democracy, he also liked a spot of bricklaying.
The Land Rover was inherited by Winston’s son-in-law, the Rt Hon Christopher Soames, who sold it at a farm sale in 1973 for a modest £160. It was purchased by a certain Norman Mills, who, upon asking his friend Mr Quay for help in taking it back to his home in Orpington, Kent, was offered double the price by Mr Quay. £320 lighter, Mr Quay took the vehicle back to his farm and used it for light agricultural duties.
Eventually deciding that the Series 1 had too much historical significance to be used, he stored it in a shed for 35 years. And now, after a previous failed attempt to sell it in 2000, it is up for sale once more.
If you’re interested, but are worried about the Series 1’s condition and reliability, remember that Land Rovers have been traditionally respected for lacking much need for comprehensive breakdown cover. Early versions are particularly well known for this – simply because they are so simple, nothing can go wrong.
Breakdown Cover from 
