American icon’s 1961 Land Rover kept in exactly the same condition as day it was bought heads to auction for huge sum
AN AMERICAN icon’s 1961 Land Rover, kept in exactly the same condition as the day it was bought, is heading to auction for a huge sum.
Pictures show the classic 4×4 finished in a Sand colour with a hard white top.
This car has all the essentials, including a heater, private locks, and side-facing jump seats in the back.
Plus, it has a 2.3-litre engine and a top speed of 70mph.
The car was inspired by the Willys Jeep used by the U.S. military during World War II and was the first civilian vehicle sold with all-wheel drive.
The Land-Rover’s previous owner bought it in 1961, and that same year, he wrote one of his most famous screenplays, Misfits.
You may also know some of his other well-known plays, such as All My Sons (1947), Death of a Salesman (1949), and A View from a Bridge (1955).
Arthur Miller was undoubtedly one of America’s greatest playwrights of the 20th Century.
He purchased the vehicle directly from the factory in Solihull, England, enjoying it 44 years.
That includes the period when he was married to Marilyn Monroe.
The car is set to be auctioned by Bonhams without reserve on January 24, next year.
But the estimated price has not yet been announced.
The listing reads: “This car was a constant presence on Arthur’s country estate in Roxbury.
“He would hold onto the vehicle until he died in 2005, and it has remained in his family’s possession since.
“This model is an 88-inch, left-hand-drive Basic model finished in Sand and has a white hardtop with side windows.
“The playwright went in on the options, equipping his vehicle with private locks, rubber pedal pads, a hand throttle, heater, and side-facing jump seats in the back.
“It is powered by a 2.3-litre inline-four engine connected to a four-speed manual and two-speed transfer case.
“It generates 76 hp and has a top speed of 70 mph.
“It also features front and rear live axle suspension.
“The vehicle is unrestored, meaning it’s in much the same condition as when Arthur last drove it, which we imagine is part of the charm.”