Land Rover Series III 88" Diesel

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The Series III Land Rover was introduced in 1971, running through until 1985 when it was finally replaced by the coil sprung 90. Over 440,000 left the Solihull plant, the miilionth Land Rover, a Series III, rolling off the production line in 1976.

Little altered from the old Series IIa, the headlights were mounted on the outside of the wings which were carried over from the late series IIa models and the dashboard was moved in front of the driver and made of a tough plastic material. When Land Rover decided that they needed a diesel engine in their range, they decided to develop one for themselves rather than use one from the myriad of manufacturers supplying off-the-peg solutions.

They initially developed a 2.0-litre high speed diesel, a solution which enabled them to keep the gearing from the petrol version, thus containing production costs. When the much-improved Series IIa arrived, so did a vastly superior 2,286cc diesel engine, a unit which was to remain on offer until 1980 when it was upgraded with a 5-bearing crankshaft.

This Series III 88” diesel has been in single family ownership since new in February 1974. We are told that it was in light regular use until about 25 years ago when it was driven into an open-fronted out building where it was to remain until we dragged it out a few weeks ago. Said to have been in good running order when parked up, it is now in need of full restoration.

Documentation includes an old style V5, sundry invoices showing upkeep over the years and two old MOTs from 1995 and 1996 when the mileage was recorded as 16,992, the clock now showing 17,162 miles which we are told may well be correct as it was only ever used for the school run and for light duties around the farm but you will have to make your own minds up on that score…