Hidden treasure on charity tour

The dusty corner of an automotive shop might not seem the typical spot for hidden treasure.

But Taihape Automotive Specialists has proved to be an unlikely home for a piece of national motoring history for one Kiwi collector.

The vehicle, uncovered for the first time in 30 years in 2014, is one of New Zealand’s most unique – a 1948 Land Rover, pictured above, with chassis number R860020.

It’s the 20th production the marque made, was the first Land Rover in this country and is regarded as one of the most original production Land Rovers in the world.

The car has just changed hands. Its new owner, Julian Paton, recently bought the car from Peter Marr, who in turn had purchased it partially dismantled at the Taihape auto shop in Manawatū-Whanganui some 10 years ago.

“I was astonished at Peter’s renovation,” says Paton. “He has done a magnificent job repairing the car yet maintaining her originality, including the chassis, parts and paint.

“The vehicle sailed through compliance in November last year, so I’ve decided to demonstrate the reliability and enduring quality of the original Land Rovers. 

“There was really only one way to get her to my home in Auckland, so we’re going to drive her and brave the 1,800km from Dunedin.”

Paton is a lifelong Land Rover enthusiast and collector. He has been restoring Series One models since he was 12 years old. In total, he has renovated seven, with five from their first year of Land Rover production in 1948.

The journey, which started from Dunedin on January 31, will raise vital funds for Manaaki Manawa – The Centre for Heart Research. Paton is a research scientist at the University of Auckland and the director of Manaaki Manawa.

He has spent the past 15 years developing a natural pacemaker for heart failure and is hoping to raise $300,000 to support the development of a new heart valve for children with rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

“Heart disease is New Zealand’s biggest killer,” says Paton. “Most of us know of someone suffering from cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack. 

“New Zealand also has one of the worst incidences of RHD in developed countries globally. It’s a national embarrassment.

“About 1,400 children develop RHD here each year, and they are faced with multiple risky and painful operations throughout their lives. The issue is that the artificial valves do not grow as the heart develops causing them to leak.

“Drive 4 Hearts hopes to raise vital funds to develop a valve that grows with the hearts of children, reducing the need for multiple life-threatening surgeries.”

Drive 4 Hearts will traverse key locations across the South and North Islands. At each stop, Land Rover clubs, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) retailers and members of the public will be welcomed to see the vehicle in action and connect with the cause.

In a bond between past and present, the drive will be supported by a new Defender 110 vehicle, supplied by JLR New Zealand.

Steve Kenchington, chief executive officer of JLR NZ says: “Julian’s Land Rover is a special vehicle. We’re more than happy to support him and his important cause by providing a Defender 110 that will accompany the drive.

“We’re sure Land Rover fans and Defender drivers new and old will follow along with the journey online, and possibly even catch a glimpse of the entourage if it passes by their town or city.”

The fundraising page can be accessed at justgiving.com/page/drive4hearts – it’s an easy way for individuals and businesses to make donations, and track the adventure.

The Land Rover is pictured below as it was discovered partially dismantled at Taihape Automotive Specialists a decade ago.

About NZ’s first Land Rover

The 20th production model built has the chassis number R860020 and it was completed in England on August 31, 1948. At the time, it was known as “The Land Rover”.

The vehicle was shipped from JLR’s factory in Solihull, Birmingham, on September 16, 1948, to Wellington Motors Ltd. It was registered in Wellington on October 28 of the same year. It came to New Zealand on its own as a demonstrator vehicle. 

The Rover company exported the majority of new Land Rovers to gain government subsidies for obtaining steel, which was scarce after World War Two.

The vehicle was driven up the steps of parliament to demonstrate its unique four-wheel-drive capabilities and was subsequently taken on a tour of New Zealand. On November 30, 1948, the Otago Daily Times included a feature headlined “British version of a Jeep”.

On May 3, 1950, the vehicle was sent to Ross, Dysart and McLean car dealership in Hastings, and sold immediately to the Kotu Estate Ltd in Taihape. 

It remained in the Taihape area for its working life. Its ownership transferred in 1954 to the Gordon family and again in 1959 to the Stewarts in the Taihape district.

In 1984, the vehicle – pictured below being enjoyed as a family holiday vehicle in the 1970s – was acquired by Taihape Automotive Specialists. It remained there for 30 years until it was bought in 2014 by previous owner, Peter Marr, and taken to Dunedin.