Petrol heads are preparing to celebrate 75 years since the birth of the world’s best loved off roader.

The first Series One Land Rover rolled off the production line in 1948 and was initially set to be given to King George VI, but was instead gifted to Professor Ewen McEwen, a professor of agriculture at Durham University.

Registered as JUE 477 and known affectionately as “Jooee”, the first Land Rover was then sold to a family in the 1970s and spent the next 50 years rotting in a Northumberland field before it was lovingly restored in 2020.

The Argus: Various models will be on displayVarious models will be on display (Image: Amberley Museum)

During Jooee’s years rusting in the North East, myriad versions of the Land Rover were developed, including Defenders, Series 1, 2 and 3s, Discoverys and Range Rovers – all of which will be shown at Amberley Museum’s exhibition to celebrate 75 years of the world’s workhorse.

At the event in Arundel on October 8, spectators can see and photograph a variety of Land Rovers dating from 1948 onwards including classics, specials, service, military and modern models.

Joe Meacher, marketing officer at Amberley Museum, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting our annual Land Rover Day celebrating the 75th anniversary of the iconic marque.

The Argus: Dozens of Land Rovers will be on displayDozens of Land Rovers will be on display (Image: Amberley Museum)

“The Land Rover brand is instantly recognisable worldwide and the vehicles that will be on display on October 8 all have a story to tell.

“Visitors can enjoy the Amberley Museum offering as usual with over 40 different exhibit areas to discover as well rides on the narrow-gauge railway and vintage buses.

“We recommend pre-booking your tickets in advance for this popular event.”

The Argus: Owners will be on hand to share storiesOwners will be on hand to share stories (Image: Amberley Museum)

READ MORE: Ukraine refugee in Brighton employed as bus driver

Land Rover owners can apply to Amberley Museum to show their vehicle at the event online.

Production of the Land Rover ended in 2016 but resumed in 2020, and to celebrate the 75th anniversary, the company has launched the Land Rover Defender 75th Limited Edition.

Chief Engineer Stuart Frith said on the Land Rover website: “This new Limited Edition captures the spirit of the past 75 years, with its colour and detailing, and fuses it with innovative new technology such as hybrid electric power, configurable terrain response, software over the air updates and unrivalled all-terrain capability.”