Picture Perfect

In September the Chairman was struck by this heart-warming photograph of what has arguably become the most famous Land Rover ever made.

OCCASION: Concours of Elegance DATE TAKEN: September 2020 LOCATION: Hampton Court Palace SUBJECT: JUE 477, the first production Land Rover PHOTOGRAPHER: The JUE team

THIS YEAR’S CONCOURS OF

ELEGANCE at Hampton Court Palace was, as usual, a splendid concoction of polished paintwork and gleaming chrome, but amongst the glamour was something completely different. A weathered Land Rover stood incongruously next to a line of shining Le Mans veterans, looking for all the world as if it had been driven straight from a farmer’s field.

JUE 477 did, of course, have every right to take pride of place as the first ever production Land Rover, found rotting in a dilapidated Northumberland barn and brought back to life. Rather than return it to a pristine factory finish, a sympathetic restoration has retained an authentic patina that comes only with the ravages of time. JUE 477 is no stranger to the Club, having been on display in the Rotunda prior to its restoration, so it was a real pleasure to see it returned to its former glory.

If there is an image, picture or painting in which you think the Chairman and readers of Pell-Mell & Woodcote would be particularly interested, please email pellmell@royalautomobileclub.co.uk with your suggestions.