Rover chief engineer Maurice Wilks was inspired by his army-surplus
Willys-Overland Jeep to create a workhorse vehicle for military and
agricultural use - and for export abroad to kick-start both Rover's
fortunes and the national economy after World War II. Prototypes were up
and running by late 1947, and production of the Series I began at
Solihull in summer 1948. It had permanent four-wheel-drive with
low-ratio gearing and a locking freewheel mechanism, and a 50bhp,
1.6-litre engine from the Rover P3 saloon. It was fitted with
lightweight body panels made from surplus aircraft-grade aluminium -
steel was in short supply post-war - and came with army-surplus green
paint. The Land Rover price started from just £450. Supply to the
British forces started in 1949, the Land Rover replacing the Austin
Champ and later, the rust-prone Austin Gipsy. Deliveries to
organisations such as the Red Cross and recovery firms lie the AA soon
followed.
The AA was formed in 1905 famously meeting in the Trocadero
Restaurant in London. Memberhip of the organisation grew rapidly and
five years later they had patrols across the country. Intially the cycle
scouts were employed at weekends to advise members of police traps
ahead, but this soon changed as they began helping stranded motorists.
In the late 1940's the introduction of two-way radio transformed the
organisation as they were able to be contacted centrally to attend a
members vehicle.
Registered PYU 15 and featuring the original AA logo
style on the sides and on the front wings, the model carries a lot of
decorative refinements. Note particularly the authentic Land Rover
Series 1 88” grille with the silver and black Land Rover marque. The
chrome work extends to the window surrounds, window bars, rear flanges
and lower door surround. Inside, the seating is black with AA yellow
dashboard, rounding off a great little model to add to your 1:76 scale
roadside rescue fleet.