1948 Land Rover Series 1.6L Petrol · LAF 811
1948 Land Rover Series (1.6L, petrol). First registered 03 Nov 1948. Recorded mileage 105 miles. MOT status: Failed. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1948 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 105 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LAF 811 Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 01/02/2023
- 105 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LAF 811 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1948 Land Rover Series (LAF 811) between February 2023 and February 2023.
The record contains 0 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 February 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Headlamp not working on dipped beam both fronts (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”; “Central Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1948 Land Rover Series is a fascinating piece of British motoring history, but its classic nature requires careful scrutiny. With a very low recorded mileage of just 105 miles and a historic MOT failure, prospective buyers must verify its mechanical condition and restoration status thoroughly.
When evaluating a 1948 Series One Land Rover, standard car-buying rules take a back seat to classic vehicle assessment. Inspect the chassis thoroughly for rust, structural repairs, or rot, particularly around the spring hangers and bulkhead, which are notorious weak points.
Examine the service history and any documentation related to its restoration or preservation. Because the recorded mileage stands at just 105 miles, you should verify whether this reflects a rebuilt engine, a speedometer replacement, or genuine low usage. Negotiate based on the completeness of parts and originality, as sourcing rare 1948-specific components can be challenging and costly.
Running a 1948 Land Rover is entirely different from operating a modern vehicle. As a historic vehicle registered in 1948, it benefits from exemption from annual MOT testing (though regular safety checks are strongly advised) and zero Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Fuel economy from the 1600cc petrol engine will be modest by modern standards, and insurance should be arranged via a specialist classic car policy on a limited-mileage basis.
Maintenance costs will depend entirely on self-spanner capability or access to a dedicated vintage specialist. While parts are widely available through enthusiast clubs and specialist suppliers, labor rates for classic 4x4 restoration can accumulate quickly. An estimated annual running cost, excluding major restoration work, is difficult to generalize but budget around £800-£1,200 for basic upkeep, fluids, and specialist insurance.
Pay close attention to the items highlighted by the vehicle's history, noting the 2023 MOT failure recorded at 105 miles. While specific defect details are sparse in the test record, you should inspect the braking system, steering box play, suspension bushes, and lighting electrics thoroughly.
Check the aluminum body panels (Alloyed with 'Birmabright' post-war) for galvanic corrosion where steel fasteners meet aluminum. Inspect the transmission, four-wheel-drive engagement, and high/low range transfer box for leaks and excessive whining, and ensure the 1600cc petrol engine starts cleanly from cold without excessive smoke or oil leaks.
First registered in November 1948, this green Land Rover Series features a 1600cc petrol engine and represents the absolute dawn of the legendary 4x4 dynasty. Its recorded MOT history shows a test on 1st February 2023 resulting in a failure at 105 miles. Given its age and vintage classification, its upkeep will demand specialized knowledge rather than standard garage servicing.
As a pioneering 1948 utility vehicle, reliability is mechanical and basic rather than electronic, relying heavily on regular grease-gun maintenance and preventative upkeep.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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