Land Rover Series 3

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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 millionth Land Rover, a Series III, rolling off the production line in 1976.

In truth, little had altered from the old Series IIa except a new plastic grille, full synchromesh gearbox and from 1980, a five-bearing crankshaft. The headlights were mounted on the outside of the wings (which were carried over from the late Series IIa models anyway) and the dashboard was moved in front of the driver and made of a tough plastic material. Go anywhere, simple, rugged and tough, they did what was expected of them and survive in hoards, offering basic and cheap transport.

The vendor of this 1973 example embarked on a full chassis-up rebuild as his winter project. Stripped to the bare essentials, every part was shot blasted, restored or replaced. The original chassis was repaired using a new rear section, the axles stripped and fitted with taller ratio Discovery differentials and all brakes renewed including copper pipes and Aeroquip hoses. The refurbished wheels were then fitted with 750 x 16 tyres.

The vendor decided to further upgrade the vehicle by fitting a later 200Tdi engine (plus new clutch) from a 76,000 mile Discovery. The installation has been beautifully executed, including the fitting of power steering from a P38 Range Rover, Kenlowe fan and the clever mounting of the intercooler next to the radiator. The heater has been carefully rebuilt and the engine glow plugs modified to operate from the ignition switch.

The bodywork was then stripped and repainted and a pair of new old stock front doors fitted. A rare cubby box is fitted between the front seats (with power socket) and the rear tailgate modified to open from the side for convenience. The seats were replaced along with new barrels for the locks which come with spare keys. Every light is new along with the galvanised front bumper and the top quality Exmoor Trim soft top.

Looking as good underneath as it does on top, this beautifully detailed, sensibly modified tax exempt Series III is ready for work. An ideal classic tow vehicle (complete with tow ball), the power steering makes it particularly easy to manoeuver and the more modern Turbo power unit and high gearing make it most effective on the road.