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Saying Goodbye to His Beloved 1950 Series I Land Rover: Chris Rea’s Farewell

One wonders if Chris Rea had this vehicle in mind when singing ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, but he is now saying farewell to his beloved Land Rover Mk I at the Classic Car Auctions sale at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show.

Everyone loves a Series I, the most sought-after Land Rover. This vehicle was previously in long term ownership of some 35 years, July 1986 until December 2021 before being acquired by Chris Rea, the musician and singer song writer. Estimated to fetch a price of £10,000 – £12,000.

The Land Rover is believed to have been rebuilt sometime in the 1970s and is fitted with a Rover 2000 SC (P6) engine, smooth running and suited to the car.

It has a new Exmoor trim Canvas Tilt fitted two or three years ago and a replacement tailgate fitted more recently. Only lightly used latterly and kept in dry storage.

But if Chris Rea’s Land Rover is the ‘lead 4×4 singer’ in this sale there is a chorus of other Land Rovers to choose from.

If you like the unusual here is a 4×4 that will certainly fit the bill! A 1985 Range Rover 3.5-Litre V8 Convertible, estimated price £30,000 – £35,000.

This glorious soft top Classic Range Rover, originally converted in Italy, would look seriously cool anywhere. Incredibly stylish in a distinctive shade of metallic red with a beautiful cream leather interior it was converted and restored to a high standard in Italy by Motor Service Officiana Mechanica of Northern Italy.

Purchased by a collector in Monaco, recommissioned there and bought by the vendor in 2016. In a private collection ever since and has done no more than 250 miles in its current ownership. Perfect for Goodwood, Ascot, Henley or Harrogate and equally at home down the Dog and Duck on a summer Sunday.

Another Land Rover for sale with CCA is this superbly presented, immaculate Defender. It has covered less than 1,000 miles from new. Finished in Corris Grey Metallic with full black Winchester leather. Fitted from new with ABS, traction control, premium seats, Alcantara headliner, air-conditioning, Alpine CD stereo system with factory-fitted subwoofer, electric windows, central locking, heated front and rear windows, mud flaps and sidesteps. Garaged and used lightly by the vendor and only 935 miles from new.

It’s not a Land Rover but these days every rural car show in the country now has a section for Military Vehicles, and with WWII re-enactments and the prestigious classic car meetings all clamouring for 1940s Jeeps, this lovely example could keep you busy for the rest of the Summer. This is a rare Deep Mudder (Factory Cross Country modifications) designed to be able to run in mud and flood water, that’s been meticulously and accurately restored over the vendor’s 13 years ownership. Starts on the button and drives well. Paperwork and photographs to document the restoration. Guide price £20,000 -£25,000.

This Chris Rea Land Rover and other 4x4s are just some of the 230 vehicles coming to Auction at CCA’s first sale of 2023 at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show 25th – 26th March at the NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. All lots can be viewed in person at the show prior to the Auction from 10am to 5.30pm on Friday 24th and from 9am on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th before the auctions start at 11am. All Lots can also be viewed online where you can register to bid in person, on the phone, online or via commission www.classiccarauctions.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information contact the team on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk.

Find more info:
Classic Car Auctions

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