The 1948 Land Rover Series I, New Zealand’s oldest Land Rover, hit the road this morning on a 1,800-kilometre journey from Dunedin to Auckland.
The iconic vehicle is part of Drive 4 Hearts, a mission to fund heart valve research at the University of Auckland’s Manaaki Manawa – Centre for Heart Research.
Prof Julian Paton, the research scientist and Land Rover enthusiast behind the wheel, hopes to raise $300,000 to fund the development of a heart valve to help children with rheumatic fever.
A Historic Vehicle with a Purpose
New Zealand’s automotive history has just gained a rare treasure in the form of a 1948 Land Rover Series I, one of the oldest in the world. Following 30 years in storage, the vehicle underwent a thorough restoration by Peter Marr, ensuring its impressive condition. “That vehicle sailed through compliance because it’s in such good condition,” noted Prof Paton.
Although there were overseas bids, Marr made the decision to sell it locally, ensuring the Land Rover will contribute to medical research funding in New Zealand.
The Drive 4 Hearts Mission
Prof Julian Paton, also the director of Manaaki Manawa – Centre for Heart Research, is using his 1,800-kilometre journey to highlight the ongoing challenge of rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand. He called the situation “an embarrassment that New Zealand, as a developed country, still has rheumatic heart disease.”
The funds raised through the journey will support the development of a new heart valve specifically for children suffering from the condition. Unlike the current metal, pig, or cow tissue valves, which don’t grow with the child, this new valve aims to be made from a child’s own stem cells, grown on a 3D model of their heart,
“Once we’ve got the heart valve grown, we’ll implant it into the child and because those cells originated from the patient, it will not be rejected,” Prof Paton explained.
Overcoming Challenges on the Road
The 77-year-old Land Rover is in pristine condition, yet the reality of its age presents a constant mechanical risk. “It’s 77 years old and any vehicle that’s that age can throw up problems,” said Prof Julian Paton.
A modern Land Rover Defender is accompanying the journey to ensure they’re prepared for any issues, carrying spare parts and tools for potential roadside fixes. Prof Paton sees this adventure as a chance to explore New Zealand at a leisurely pace, all while supporting a vital cause,
“We have a modern [Land Rover] Defender with it that’s full of parts and a lot of my tools such that we can do roadside repairs,” he said.
Restoring a Vehicle for a Greater Cause
Peter Marr never expected his restoration of the 1948 Land Rover Series I to become part of something as meaningful as the Drive 4 Hearts campaign,
“The fact that an old vehicle can help promote something like that is just amazing,” he said.