27/05/2026
🛞 1952 Series 1 Land Rover 🛞
🛞 Made in England in 1952 and brought over for the NZ Army in March 1953, this Series 1 served as a military vehicle until being put up for auction in 1973. Purchased by local lad Ron Lay in 1973 to use as his everyday farm vehicle.
🛞 With the vehicle straight to work, the easily removable, double-hinged doors proved incredibly handy, making catching sheep and lambs a breeze. However, forgetting to drop that passenger door back onto its hinges was a lesson Ron learnt the hard way the day he came face-to-face with an angry bull. The bull stuck its massive head straight through the open side, nearly reaching Ron in the driver's seat - it’s a memory still not forgotten!
🛞 The Landy wasn't just for work; it went on plenty of hunting adventures in the Rangitata and Rakaia gorges, alongside ski trips in the 1970s. Tired of dealing with skis sticking out the back, Ron had a custom hardtop made to mount a ski rack to, since local "keas" had also "ripped the canvas to pieces."
🛞 In 2005, the Land Rover had a full restoration, detailed with a genuine soft top made in England. Not becoming a polished showpiece just to sit around; Ron took it straight back out to work on a dairy farm, serving as a farm hack and everyday runner.
🛞 After driving it for over half a century, Ron has recently retired both himself and the Land Rover, generously donating it to the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum Club.
Thank you Ron.
Come check it out - the 1952 Series 1 is now on display.
⏰ OPEN DAILY 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Edendale Vintage Machinery Club New Zealand History Federation Fairlie Heritage Museum Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club Vintage Enthusiasts Worldwide Land Rover Monthly Motor Museum of Western Australia We Love Timaru West Otago Vintage Club
