Lot number | 69 |
---|---|
Hammer value | N/S (est. £4,000 - £5,000) |
Description | Land Rover Series III 109-inch Safari |
Registration | XUD 941X |
Year | 1982 |
Colour | Red |
Engine size | 2,286 cc |
Chassis No. | SAH1AA162670 |
Engine No. | 366116892 |
Documents | V5C; MOT June 2016; 16 old MOTs; bills and invoices |
The Series III Land Rover arrived in 1971, although the new model was really only a mild facelift of the long-running Series II.
The headlights, which had migrated to the outside of the front wings in the very late Series IIA, stayed put, the centre grill being made of plastic rather than steel mesh much to the chagrin of the bush-barbeque brigade! The instruments had moved in front of the driver in a tough plastic facia and that was about your lot.
Still available with a bewildering range of options, one of the more popular models, particularly in the export market, was the long-wheelbase Safari. Supplied with 10 or 12 seats, basic door trims and of course the twin-skin Safari roof after which the model was named, no self-respecting African animal sanctuary was complete without one.
With most headed for export, it is unusual to see a factory 109” Safari on the UK roads these days, this 1982 model being one of few to survive the ravages of time. The V5C shows that it has had four previous keepers, the last fitting a reconditioned gearbox in 1994, shortly before selling it for £2,300 to the current owner.
There are 16 old MOTs on file along with a number of bills, the most recent showing that £820 was spent on its last MOT in June of this year which included some minor welding, attention to the lights and heater, and removal and refitting of the gearbox to attend to the clutch. It then sailed through with no advisories.
The accumulated mileage of 104,450 miles is believed to be genuine, this fine workhorse retaining many of its original features including the correct folding rear seats and factory interior. Strong and rugged, this example sports the full 12 seat option, making it especially useful for the school run.
These handy vehicles found favour in London for a period as they were exempt from the congestion charge and could use the bus lanes, although we would advise any potential purchasers to check on the latest regulations before trying this for themselves.