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1956 Land Rover Series 1 LWB Station Wagon
Rover Car Company1956-01-01/1956-12-31
National Motor Museum, Australia
Birdwood, Australia
Front view. The Land Rover is a four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle manufactured by Rover Car Company of Solihull, England. Inspired by the US built Willys Jeep, the Land Rover originally referred to one vehicle, but later became attributed to several models. The vehicle was used by Australian explorers and documentary makers 'The Leyland Brothers'.
Specifications:
Engine: 6 cylinder ‘F’ head
Capacity: 1997 cc
Power: 52 hp
Weight: 1562 kg
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Details
- Title: 1956 Land Rover Series 1 LWB Station Wagon
- Creator: Rover Car Company
- Date Created: 1956-01-01/1956-12-31
- Location: Birdwood, South Australia
- Provenance: Mike and Mal Leyland used this Land Rover to cross Australia from West to East. It was the first vehicle to successfully complete this crossing, travelling from Steep Point in Western Australia to Cape Byron in New South Wales. The expedition and its subsequent media coverage helped to launch the highly acclaimed television program 'The Leyland Brothers'. The vehicle was substantially modified by Newcastle mechanic and expedition member Ted Hayes. He extended the chassis and body to accomodate a three-litre six-cylinder Rover motor car engine. The vehicle has several additional modifications, including long-range fuel tanks, additional fuel pump, a bonnet-mounted oil-cooler and reservoir, additional rear springs and bull-bar. The exterior was also hand-painted by Mike Leyland utilising his original training as a sign writer. Following the West-East crossing expedition the vehicle toured the country with the promotional movie. It was retired into storage in 1969 and donated to the Museum by Mike Leyland in 2003.
- Rights: History Trust of South Australia, CC-0, photographer: Epsom Rd Studios
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