Series 1’s at the Station
The Series 1 club holds an annual gathering at Bolton Abbey Train station, and what a pleasant event it is indeed.
Words and pictures by Ian Garner
In case you didn’t know, April the 27th 2025 was Drive it Day. A day where owners of classic vehicles are encouraged to dust off the cobwebs and enjoy their vehicles in the British countryside. And what better way to take part than to get into Minty, my 1967 Series 2a, and head to Bolton Abbey train station for the annual Series 1 gathering.
There have been shows held at the Bolton Abbey and connecting Embsay station since the 1980’s. Indeed, this was the first ever Land Rover event I managed to persuade my parents to take me to, way back in the day when I was just a lad.
Above – The famous DEL boys on one of their first outings after being restored by the late Ken Wheelwright. Both are now owned by Land Rover and is a testament to Ken’s quality rebuilds.
Run by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust, the line runs steam trains and vintage rolling stock. If you wish to find out more visit their website www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/ The station itself was opened in 1888 by Midland Railway, and served local royal the Duke of Devonshire as he lived at Bolton Hall. Since closing in 1965, the station fell into disrepair, however it was purchased by the Railway trust in 1995 and was restored to its former glory opening in 1998.
The Series 1 club hold a gathering here every year, and whenever they can, align it to National Drive it day. When I arrived, I turned left into the car park to be met by a wonderful array of Series Land Rovers. All lined up in a reserved for Series 1’s spot along the fence next to the track. However, it wasn’t just Series 1 Land Rovers there. Many Land Roverists had turned up just to see the vehicles, show off their own vehicles and to chat with like minded people.
Above – A rare Grip Cab was among the many Series 1 Land Rover on display.
As soon as I pulled into my parking spot, I was opposite a lovely Grip Cab, rare indeed for the UK. The Grip Cab was a Swedish conversion, to make the Series 1 more comfortable for the inclement Swedish weather. Over the years a few have made their way back to the UK imported back by enthusiasts.
As I walked along the many Series 1 Land Rovers, I bumped into a host of people I knew and spent ages chatting and catching up. Its always great to met old friends and wax lyrical about Land Rovers. I didn’t actually count the amount of Land Rovers there but can say without a shadow of a doubt it was a well-attended event.
Above – This Ex-Belgium Minerva 80″ was a recent purchase by its owner who was keen to show it off!
The weather was perfect for the day, there is nothing like a bit of sunshine to put people in a good mood. The Station has a nice café, so I took the opportunity to grab a fresh coffee and a bite to eat before a second walk around.
Above – This Ex-Military lights behind the grill 80″ was one of my favourites on show. I particularly like the spade attached to the side.
Above – I have always had a soft spot for a LWB Series 1, and this show back in the late 1980’s was the first time I ever saw one!
The Series 1 range was well covered. From very patinaed 80” examples to gleaming restored 107” Station wagons there was plenty to see. An ex-Belgium Minerva, recently purchased by a new owner was one of my favourites along with a very early 80” lights behind the grill ex-military Land Rover.
All in all, it was a splendid way to spend drive it day. A pleasant hour-long drive in great weather, to see fantastic vehicles and met up with old friends. I recommend you put this in your calendar for next year, it is certainly in mine.