Arthur Miller’s Unrestored 1961 Land Rover Is Heading to Auction
Arthur Miller had an eye for more than just drama.
A 1961 Land Rover Series II that was owned by one of America’s greatest playwrights will be auctioned off by Bonhams in January. The unrestored 4×4 was owned by Miller for 44 years, including part of his marriage to Marilyn Monroe.
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The Series Land Rovers are the reason why the British marque has the off-roading reputation it does today. The SUV 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. It would also prove to be a hit, with three different iterations—the Series I, II, and III—released during the 37 years the vehicle was in production.
Miller was clearly a fan. The writer, who penned Death of a Salesman and The Crucible among other plays, bought his Landie directly from the factory in Solihull, England. It would later be titled in Connecticut and was a constant presence on Miller’s country estate in Roxbury. He would hold onto the vehicle until his death in 2005, and it has remained in his family’s possession since.
Miller’s Series II is an 88-inch, left-hand-drive Basic model. It’s 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.
The 4×4 is powered by a 2.3-liter inline-four engine connected to a four-speed manual and two-speed transfer case. The mill makes 76 hp and has a top speed of 70 mph. Neither number is anything to brag about, but performance isn’t why anyone is interested in this Land Rover. It also features front and rear live axle suspension. The vehicle is unrestored, meaning it’s in much the same condition as when Miller last drove it, which we imagine is part of the charm.
Interested in buying a 4×4 owned by a titan of American theater? Miller’s Land Rover Series II will go up for bid during Bonham’s Scottsdale auction on Friday, January 24. No estimate has been announced for the vehicle, but it is being sold without reserve.
Click here for more photos of Arthur Miller’s 1961 Land Rover Series II.
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