Early Land Rover from 1950s to join line-up at Motor Show and Classic Car Rally

The Land Rover Series One 1951 began its working life in the region before being used in trials in the 1980s.

Organisers of this year’s show hope the vehicle will be joined by many more produced by the iconic brand as the event pays tribute to the Land Rover Defender, which is due to go out of production in its current form at the end of this year.

Enthusiast and owner Russ Bland will be showing the 1951 vehicle alongside a Land Rover 90 from 1985 at the motor show at Harewood House in West Yorkshire on Father’s Day (June 21).

Mr Bland, a civil servant from Harrogate, said: “Land Rover only started making them in 1948. I bought it in Carlisle but then I started researching its history and it was originally registered to a farm near Pately Bridge which is not too far away from where we are now. It has kind of come home. It fell into the hands of triallers in the 1980s and it was modified for off-road use. Originally it was a farm vehicle.”

Hundreds of classic and vintage cars will adorn the spectacular grounds of the family seat of the Earl and Countess of Harewood on June 21.

This year’s headline act for the event’s arena will be Nigel Morris with BIGFOOT® #17 Monster truck. For the first time in the show’s history classic car exhibitors will be able to camp at Harewood.

An events arena will offer family entertainment at the show as well as showcasing classic and vintage car clubs throughout the day. To book tickets call Harewood House Box Office on 0113 218 1000 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) or visit: http://harewood.org/whats-on/event/fathers-day-classic-car-motor-show/. Ticket prices are: adults: £12, children £6, seniors £9, family ticket (two adults and two children) £30. People can save 10 per cent by booking in advance.

Organisers are welcoming entries from individuals who own a classic, vintage or commercial vehicle or from classic car clubs. For a booking form contact Karen Cross on 0113 238 8201 or email [email protected].