Highlights
- Approximately 48 years in the same town with only three former registered keepers
- Original 1972 purchase invoice, dealer brochures, and original manuals included
- Over £16,000 invested in maintenance by the current owner since December 2020
- Original 2,286cc diesel engine fully rebuilt in January 2023 for £10,993
- Beautiful working patina
The Appeal
No classic wears patina more gracefully than a Series Land Rover. These venerable old workhorses are arguably at their best when left to display the battle scars accrued through a lifetime of faithful service. They're also enormous fun to live with, perfect for bumbling about the countryside and still eminently capable of some serious off-roading or load-lugging if required.
The long-wheelbase 109 variant was the Landy of choice for many farmers, foresters and adventurers, and genuine working examples with documented provenance are becoming increasingly scarce as more are restored or modified beyond recognition.
The long-wheelbase 109 variant was the Landy of choice for many farmers, foresters and adventurers, and genuine working examples with documented provenance are becoming increasingly scarce as more are restored or modified beyond recognition.
'Henry' is precisely the sort of Land Rover that collectors and enthusiasts are now actively seeking: an honest, un-restored example with genuine working farm heritage and comprehensive documentation. Spending approximately 48 years in the same town with just three keepers before the current owner acquired it in December 2020, this Series III comes with remarkable provenance, including the original 1972 purchase invoice, dealer brochures, owner's instruction manual and maintenance manual—items that are rare to find together.
The current owner has invested over £16,000 in sympathetic maintenance to keep the vehicle roadworthy and usable, most notably having the original 2,286cc diesel engine comprehensively rebuilt in January 2023 at a cost of nearly £11,000. This work was undertaken specifically to retain the original engine for the sake of authenticity, demonstrating a proper understanding of what makes vehicles like this special.
The current owner has invested over £16,000 in sympathetic maintenance to keep the vehicle roadworthy and usable, most notably having the original 2,286cc diesel engine comprehensively rebuilt in January 2023 at a cost of nearly £11,000. This work was undertaken specifically to retain the original engine for the sake of authenticity, demonstrating a proper understanding of what makes vehicles like this special.
With its marine Blue and Limestone paintwork showing honest wear, this Series III 109 offers something increasingly difficult to find: authenticity. For those who appreciate Land Rovers that have genuinely worked for a living and carry the charm, smells and quirks that come with that history, this represents an opportunity to acquire an example that hasn't been over-restored or sanitised.
The vendor says:
"Henry is a nearly 54-year-old Land Rover with a genuine working farm background. He is a little worn in places, unhurried in his performance, and carries the familiar noises, smells, and quirks you would expect — but that is exactly where his appeal lies.
The vendor says:
"Henry is a nearly 54-year-old Land Rover with a genuine working farm background. He is a little worn in places, unhurried in his performance, and carries the familiar noises, smells, and quirks you would expect — but that is exactly where his appeal lies.
"He is very handsome, full of originality, and has a level of charm and authenticity that is increasingly hard to find. With outstanding period documentation, a remarkably consistent ownership story, and evidence of significant recent mechanical investment, Henry represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proper, honest Series III 109 that has not been over-restored or sanitised."
Key Information
- Mileage: 16,880 miles indicated
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT and tax exempt; most recent MOT on 12 August 2024 with one advisory only (now expired)
- Technical specs: 2.25-litre (2,286cc) four-cylinder diesel, four-speed manual with selectable low-range and four-wheel drive
- Paperwork: Original 1972 purchase invoice, dealer brochures, owner's instruction manual, maintenance manual, and copy of V5C
The Detail
- UK home market car first registered 8 December 1972
- Three former registered keepers
- Approximately 48 years in same town with first three keepers
- Current keeper since 21 December 2020
- 18 January 2021 (15,599 miles): major service including oil service, Avon tyres with inner tubes, rear shock absorber, halogen headlamp upgrade, rear brake components and handbrake shoe set - £2,560
- 6 August 2021 (16,189 miles): further brake work including replacement parts and fluids - £1,384
- 8 September 2021 (16,378 miles): brakes checked and adjusted - £155
- 17 January 2023: original 2,286cc diesel engine fully stripped to bare block and head, comprehensively rebuilt with any unusable components replaced - £10,993
- 26 March 2023 (16,672 miles): clutch replacement - £1,109
- Honest, unrestored example with well-earned patina consistent with genuine working farm life
- "Birmabright" body panels appear straight overall, and the vehicle appears to sit correctly
- Retains original period number plates with raised, built-up lettering typical of the era
- Original and honest interior showing wear consistent with age and use rather than neglect
- Nothing over-trimmed or modernised, cabin retains period utilitarian charm
- Sits on original-style steel wheels with appropriate tyres
- Reportedly starts, drives and stops as expected
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