Oxford Diecast 76SET64

2 Piece Set First Overland

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge came together for this expedition and we have recreated this elaborately decorated 2-piece set, comprising two Land Rover 88 inches Hard Top models

The Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition was organised by Land Rover as part of their publicity campaign promoting the launch of their new Land Rover Series 1 Station Wagon in 1956. Five of the six participating Oxbridge students had just finished their degrees, each charged with a specific role on the expedition. They set off from London on 1st September 1955 and flew to France where they continued their expedition in the two Land Rovers - one pale blue (Cambridge) and the second dark blue (Oxford). They arrived in Singapore on 6th March 1956, the journey having taken six months and six days over 18,000 miles. A book on their exploits - First Overland from London to Singapore - was written in 1957 following the expedition by Tim Slessor, one of the Cambridge participants. Upon their return, the two Land Rovers which had been officially named 'Oxford' and 'Cambridge', went their separate ways. Cambridge was sold to the Land Rover Factory in Solihull but was sadly lost on a later expedition when it ran off the road in the Middle East. However, Oxford still survives under the ownership of Adam Bennett who restored it to its original livery, even down to the registration plate. It passed its MOT first time around and continues as an active roadworthy motor!

This fantastic story is marked by these two 1:76 scale models which feature so much detail of the expedition. The names of the places en route are printed on the sides; the sponsors are also colourfully displayed from Brooke Bond Tea to Dunlop tyres and even Mobil's Pegasus logo features on the doors! On the Cambridge model, you will notice Whisky and Soda printed in red on the front wings whilst on the Oxford version, the chosen tipple is Gin and Tonic! Cambridge was registered SNX 761 and Oxford SNX 891. Additional components on our models include fuel cans and canister holders, a roof rack with 'canvas' cover, a winch on the front bumper and a spotlight on the front of the roof.

The team's adventures along the way are well worth a read - must get the book!

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast 2 Piece Set First Overland is a 1:76 scale replica of two Land Rover 88‑inch hard‑top models. The set is supplied under manufacturer part number 76SET64 and depicts the British Railways Early Crest period.

The models commemorate the Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition organised by Land Rover as part of a publicity campaign for the Series 1 Station Wagon in 1956. The six Oxbridge students set off from London on 1 September 1955, flew to France and then continued the journey in the two Land Rovers – a pale‑blue Cambridge and a dark‑blue Oxford. They reached Singapore on 6 March 1956 after six months and six days and 18 000 miles. A book of the expedition, First Overland from London to Singapore, was written by Cambridge participant Tim Slessor and published in 1957.

Both 1:76 scale models are highly detailed. The sides carry printed place‑names from the route and sponsor logos such as Brooke Bond Tea, Dunlop tyres and Mobil’s Pegasus. The Cambridge model displays “Whisky and Soda” on the front wings, while the Oxford model shows “Gin and Tonic”. Registration plates are SNX 761 (Cambridge) and SNX 891 (Oxford). Included accessories are fuel cans, canister holders, a roof rack with a canvas cover, a front‑bumper winch and a roof‑mounted spotlight.

The set captures a notable piece of motoring history; the original Oxford vehicle survives today as a road‑worthy example, having passed its MOT at first test. The models are intended for collectors who wish to display the story of the first overland journey from London to Singapore.