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- 1948 Series I
Land Rover1948 Land Rover Series I Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1948 |
| Production Years: | 1948 - 1956 discontinued in 1956 |
The Land Rover Series I represents the pioneering off-road vehicle first introduced in 1948 and produced until 1956. Designed as a robust utility vehicle, the Series I became an icon for its durability and versatility in difficult terrains. Although exact factory dimensions varied slightly depending on configuration, the vehicle typically measured approximately 3.66 meters (12.0 feet) in length, 1.68 meters (5.5 feet) in width, and stood about 1.83 meters (6.0 feet) tall. This relatively compact but sturdy size contributed to its excellent maneuverability on off-road trails and rural landscapes. With a steel box-section frame and lightweight aluminum body panels to reduce weight and combat corrosion, it had a curb weight of around 1,270 kilograms (2,800 pounds). The Land Rover Series I’s size and rugged build made it ideal for farm use, expeditions, and military applications alike. Its simple and functional design catered to an era when versatility and ease of repair were critical for off-road reliability. The Series I set the foundation for the globally recognized Land Rover brand, capturing the spirit of adventure and capability that continues in Land Rover vehicles today.
Discover the standout features that make the 1948 Land Rover Series I a leader in its class
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The Land Rover Series I, produced from 1948 to 1956, typically measures approximately 3,556 mm (140 inches) in length, 1,829 mm (72 inches) in width, and 1,828 mm (72 inches) in height. These compact yet rugged dimensions contributed to the vehicle's exceptional off-road capabilities and portability. The sturdy boxy shape and relatively light weight enabled it to maneuver rough terrains efficiently, making it a favorite among agriculturalists and explorers.
The Land Rover Series I has a curb weight of approximately 1,140 kg (2,513 lbs), depending on the specific body style and configuration. This relatively light weight for an off-road vehicle, combined with its sturdy ladder frame and robust suspension, enabled excellent off-road agility. The weight balance helped it navigate challenging terrain such as mud, sand, and rocky paths without sacrificing stability or traction.
The Series I Land Rover offers a ground clearance of about 254 mm (10 inches), which is essential for avoiding obstacles like rocks, logs, and uneven surfaces encountered during off-road driving. This height ensures the vehicle's undercarriage, including vital components such as the transmission and differentials, is protected while enabling the wheels to maintain contact with challenging terrain for optimal traction.
With a width of roughly 1,829 mm (72 inches), the Land Rover Series I was designed to be narrow enough to navigate tight trails, farm gates, and urban streets with relative ease. This width strikes a balance between off-road stability and the practical need to pass through narrow obstacles, allowing for versatile usage in both rural and more developed environments.
The wheelbase of the Land Rover Series I measures approximately 2,286 mm (90 inches). A shorter wheelbase improves maneuverability and the vehicle's ability to tackle steep inclines and tight turns off-road. However, it may lead to a stiffer ride on rough surfaces due to less chassis length for absorbing bumps, a trade-off common in robust off-road vehicles.
A standard residential garage typically measures around 2,438 mm (8 feet) wide by 4,877 mm (16 feet) deep with a door height of about 2,134 mm (7 feet). Given the Land Rover Series I's dimensions — approximately 3,556 mm (140 inches) long, 1,829 mm (72 inches) wide, and 1,828 mm (72 inches) high — it can comfortably fit into a standard garage in terms of width and height. The length is also well within most garage depths, making it feasible to store the vehicle indoors without requiring special accommodations.
The Land Rover Series I was the first production model from Land Rover, introduced in 1948, so it did not have a direct predecessor. Compared to contemporaneous off-road vehicles like the Willys Jeep, the Series I was slightly longer and wider, offering greater load capacity and a more robust chassis for heavier-duty work. It also introduced a versatility that combined agricultural utility with moderate comfort and ability to cross rough terrain, which set it apart from military-centric or more basic utilitarian vehicles of the era.
Compared to other off-road vehicles of the late 1940s and early 1950s, such as the Willys Jeep and early Toyota Land Cruiser models, the Land Rover Series I was notably versatile. It offered a slightly larger cabin and cargo space, wider track for added stability, and a higher ground clearance of around 254 mm (10 inches). While the Willys Jeep was renowned for its minimalistic, military-grade design, the Series I combined ruggedness with practical civilian use, making it popular in both agricultural and exploration settings globally.
The Land Rover Series I typically accommodated up to two to three passengers in the earlier hardtop and soft-top versions, with seating arrangements varying depending on body style. Cargo capacity was flexible, with utilitarian flatbed or pickup configurations providing ample space for equipment and supplies. While not large by modern standards, the vehicle was designed for maximizing load utility while maintaining off-road robustness, often carrying heavy and bulky loads over challenging terrain.
The external height of the Land Rover Series I was approximately 1,828 mm (72 inches). This moderate height provided a commanding driving position that enhanced visibility over rough and uneven terrain, crucial for off-road navigation. Additionally, the height combined with a robust suspension system delivered good ground clearance, which allowed drivers to clear obstacles safely without risking chassis damage.
