What's the news?
Well, we're having to strap our Editor-At-Large down with some hefty chains and have had to freeze his bank account. Why? Because he has an irrational and immense love for the original Series 1 Land Rover and a production run of 25 'Reborn' Series 1s has just been announced. The project is being launched to the public at the vast Techno Classica Essen classic car show in Germany.
The project is part of the new Land Rover Classic setup. Classic has been established, both for Land Rover and Jaguar, as a parts and accessories supply for original and historic models, and just as Jaguar is setting about rebuilding the classic XKSS sports car for a modern audience, so Land Rover too is delving into its back catalogue for some new-old vehicles.
Some 25 Series 1 chassis have been hand-picked to be turned into 'as-new' cars by the Land Rover Classic team, and will be restored to original 1948 factory specs, including original colours such as RAF Blue, Dove Grey and the iconic Bronze Green.
The 'production line' for these vehicles will be located in the original Defender and Series Land Rover assembly hall in the Solihull factory and customers will of course be able to both experience the rebuild up close, and add any special items or extras that they desire.
Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: "The launch of the Reborn initiative represents a fantastic opportunity for customers to own a valuable and collectable automotive icon. Reborn showcases Land Rover Classic's expertise in restoring and maintaining our loyal customers' prized Land Rovers. It also demonstrates the business' commitment to supporting customers with original and meticulously sourced parts for Land Rover models that have been out for production for longer than 10 years."
Prices have not yet been announced but with well-restored original Series 1s going for more than STG£25,000 you can imagine that these won't be cheap.
Better take the Editor-At-Large's credit cards away too...