Cars

1949 Land Rover Series I

The off-roader that launched it all started in 1948 in a post-war era was introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show and simply dubbed Land Rover. Later termed the Series I could be considered war-ready though officially Land Rover Series I was designed to be used on farms and light industrial work sites. It featured an aluminum body wrapped around a steel box section chassis, a drivetrain consisting of nearly 50HP four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed and the earliest predecessor of a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Soon after it’s release the public wanted more than spartan industrial interior’s so for the second model year a coachbuilder familiar with Rolls-Royce and Lagonda’s was contracted with increasing the truck’s popularity among common folk.

Today’s eBay find is a 1949 Land Rover Series I formally belonging to a “war department.” This fine example of British engineering completed a frame-off restoration in the late 90′s near Birmingham, England and has won many awards to attest to the quality of the restoration job. Parts replaced include the seats, canvas parts, fuel tank and pump, the steel frame was galvanized, rebuilt engine and the wiring harness replaced and wrapped in period-correct cloth flek wrapping.

Each body panel was repainted the original color, a beautiful army green that really mimics British racing green. Located in Houston, Texas and listed with an opening bid of $18,500 but considering, based on reported mileage, its completed less than 100 miles a year since it rolled off the factory line this 1949 Land Rover Series I may be your best chance to own a fine piece of post-war Britain.

[wordbay]land rover series[/wordbay]

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A true symbol of 1980′s decadence today’s featured rare car was unofficially known as the “Rambo Lambo.” The Lamborghini LM002 shows exactly how far Lamborghini, one of the most audacious car companies in the world, could stretch the envelope by developing an SUV with a V12, a 76 gallon fuel capacity and a thirst to match. Being an SUV from a performance car company sounds extreme but to be fair it was originally developed as a military vehicle (a predecessor to the Hummer H1) and never considered a performance vehicle. However, after hopes dwindled that Lamborghini could lure the U.S. military into a large-scale contract most of the 301 LM002′s that were produced were outfitted for civilian use.

Located in Washington state with just 2000 miles on the odometer (since 1988!), today’s silver on gray Lamborghini LM002 is probably one of the finest examples remaining of  this Rambo Lambo. Featuring a 5.2L six-times carburretted DOHC 4-valve V12 pushing 450HP and of course, a manual transmission, custom sound system and an upgraded exhaust. So if you don’t mind a $220 fill-up, happen to be a Rockefeller, or just want to show H1 owners how its done click here. Bidding starts at $108,888 or make an offer.

Our first post, a 2005 Superformance Daytona Cobra Coupe, comes from eBay Motors and is located in Asheville, NC. Even though its a “continuation series” (officially licensed replica) car, its is one of my dream cars. Not only is it eye-candy but its also a high performing streetable track-car with pedigree having beat Ferrari 3 years on the trot with only a 289 C.I. Ford V8. The Shelby AC Cobra (the Daytona Coupe’s sister car) is the easily the most reprodcued car on the planet but there were only a 5 Daytona coupes produced (one was destroyed in shipping). At a vintage car race an amazed Carroll Shelby once commented, “There were only 5 of these damn cars produced and all 7 of them are here.”

This particular Dayona Coupe is featured in classic blue with white stripes and a 427 C.I. Roush crate motor pumping out 535 earth-rumbling horsepower. Complete with side pipe exhaust, a trunk mounted spare tire, racing livery, and the aforementioned Roush 427 this is your chance to own a modernized peice of American racing history, starting at $79,000 with 0 bids.