Series I Land Rover fetches $40K at auction

A TIDY 1958 Land Rover Series I that lined up as one of the headline acts at Shannons Sydney Winter Auction has reportedly fetched a staggering $40,000.

Listed as one of the last examples of its type produced in 1958, the short-wheelbase Land Rover was expected to go for between $25,000-$29,000, but exceeded that amount spectacularly, reflecting an impressive rise in values of early Land Rovers.

This particular example, which was originally delivered to its first owner near Hervey Bay, Queensland, is said to be in original condition and has just 8400 miles (13,500km) showing on its odometer.

Other early 4x4s that have shown healthy increases in value over the past couple of years include WWII Jeeps, Toyota 40 Series Land cruisers and Nissan 60 series (60, G60 and K60) Patrols.

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