The Museum of English Rural Life’s latest acquisition – a Series 1 Land-Rover – has been unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester.
A classic that bridged the gap between the traditional farm wagon, tractor and car, the Land-Rover is a perfect addition to the museum’s collection of iconic rural artefacts.
A two-owner vehicle, MAE 397 was delivered new to dairy farmer Ivor Norris in 1949 and features its logbook, manual and original tyres.
His Royal Highness said: “It's very important for people to be reminded, now everyone has forklifts and lots of horse power, that in the not so distant past it [working the land] was extremely hard work.
“This is actually the first time I've been asked to unveil a car! I'm delighted that it should be an icon of rural life and it's absolutely right for the museum to have it.”
Run by the University of Reading, MERL is home to a comprehensive collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and agriculture.
