Ultimate Barn Find - First EVER Land Rover Restored

Published today on Drivetribe, the video tells the remarkable story of the first production Land Rover ever made, known as "Dewey" (JUE 477), and its incredible journey from creation to restoration and adventure.

Dewey was delivered on July 29, 1948, and was initially intended to be given to the king but was eventually sent to a professor at Newcastle University. In the early '70s, it was sold to a farmer and then lost to history for decades. The original Land Rover became a myth, with enthusiasts around the world wondering about its whereabouts.

The vehicle was finally discovered on a farm in Northumberland, in a very deteriorated condition. Despite its state, it was recognised as the first production Land Rover, and a sealed bid auction was conducted. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, an entrepreneur and adventurer, won the auction and decided to restore Dewey.

The restoration process was a painstaking two-year journey, led by a dedicated team that was committed to preserving the original components and the soul of the vehicle. The ethos of the restoration was to save anything that could be saved, retaining the DNA of the car wherever possible. After careful reconstruction, Dewey was returned to perfect working order, still wearing its weather-beaten bodywork as a badge of honor.

But the story didn't end with the restoration. Instead of preserving Dewey in a museum, Sir Jim and his team decided to take it on an adventure. They planned an epic overland trip across the Gobi desert, one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. The convoy included vintage vehicles and INEOS's new 4x4, Grenadier, which supported the journey.

The trip was a bold and challenging adventure, covering thousands of miles across mountains, plains, dunes, and desert. Despite the harsh conditions, Dewey performed impeccably, showing its rugged and practical nature. The journey was a fitting tribute to a true automotive hero and a testament to the original build quality and the successful restoration.

The video concludes with reflections on the significance of Dewey's journey and the legacy it leaves behind. It emphasises the spirit of adventure and the purpose-built nature of both the original Land Rover and the new generation 4x4, Grenadier. The story of Dewey is celebrated as a feel-good tale that epitomises a different approach to business and life, one that is willing to go the extra mile to attempt the seemingly impossible.

In summary, the video narrates the fascinating history of the first production Land Rover, its discovery, restoration, and an extraordinary adventure across the Gobi desert. It's a story that captures the essence of the off-roading spirit and the timeless appeal of a vehicle designed to go anywhere and do anything.