A theme is emerging this week in our busy Land Rover independent specialist workshop in Louth Lincolnshire!

Firstly we investigated a P38 2.5 diesel which would only engage first and reverse gears; diagnosis – gearbox replacement. This is on ramp #1 having a reconditioned automatic gearbox fitted with new drive plate.

Next came a Td5 Land Rover 90 hardtop with a worn out clutch, which we removed only to discover that the main-shaft on the gearbox was excessively worn. Replacement gearbox on its way. At the same time we will fit new OEM parts; clutch plate, cover, spigot bush and dual-mass flywheel.

We are collecting a Land Rover Discovery Td5 from Immingham docks later this week which has come into the UK from Norway for us to supply and fit a reconditioned automatic gearbox. We hope to be able to turn it around with a smart new gearbox in time for the next ferry sailing back to Gothenburg.

Today’s pictures show one of our technicians hard at work under a Land Rover Defender 90, and a line of Td5 Discovery IIs in our main workshop awaiting fitment of new Land Rover parts and accessories.

Back in October 2012 we were fortunate to be able to acquire one of the very earliest Range Rovers in existence – chassis number 10 – from the private collection at Dunsfold Land Rovers.

YVB 158H has been well documented since it was built in late 1969 and early 1970 as one of the 28 pre-production Range Rovers which were code-named VELAR; this one was registered 9^th February 1970.

The factory build records suggest that our Velar was originally painted in Lincoln Green, but during the course of our nut and bolt rebuild we have conclusively determined that it was indeed originally painted in Land Rover Bronze Green, making it unique amongst the 28 as the only one painted in this colour.

Land Rover’s Special Projects Department used YVB 158H as a test mule for front-mounted winches before it was sent to specialist vehicle converters Wadham Stringer in Hampshire who converted it to an Ambulance. It was in this guise that the vehicle was used, firstly by Rover Cars’ Transport Department as the works ambulance at the Solihull factory, and later sold (in 1977) to the British Red Cross in Worcester. In 1991 it was rescued by early Range Rover enthusiast and founding member of the Range Rover Register Chris Elliott, who passed it on to the Dunsfold Collection in 2001, from whom we purchased it.

We will be updating you with the progress of our thorough restoration over the coming months and years, as we return it to its original incarnation as one of the most historically important Velars still in existence, and as such a hugely important vehicle in the long and successful history of the Range Rover marque.

Recently arrived is this remarkable find; a Range Rover which we purchased from the original owner who bought it brand new in September 1972.

This early Suffix A vehicle is complete with the original “Passport to Service” booklet, Owner’s Manual, all previous MOTs and, as a sign of times gone by, a letter from the supplying dealer to the purchaser thanking him for his purchase and welcoming him to the Land Rover fold.

Many original features remain intact; a real feast for early Classic aficionados – a ‘matching numbers’ car.

She has been standing forlorn for the last 14 years, and now, although looking rather sad, is ready for her new owner to breathe fresh life into her.

Rebuilt and resplendent in Davos White, MJD 588L will, we are certain, be treasured by her next owner, hopefully for the next 43 years!

This position has now been filled, thank you for your interest.