first ever land rover

The first ever Land Rover was the Series I, unveiled in 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show, born from a farmer’s “what if we just copy the Jeep and make it British?” moment.

Early prototypes even had a central steering wheel, but production cars stuck to a normal layout on an 80‑inch wheelbase with tough ladder chassis and permanent 4x4.

Aluminium body panels (wartime surplus and no rust, thank you very much) kept it light and honest, like a farm dog that also tows the trailer.

That humble Series I kicked off a dynasty that would later morph into the Defender and a whole family of posh 4x4s with leather, Wi‑Fi and opinions.