Highlights

Full ground-up rebuild in 2010 with less than 1,000 miles since
Rebuilt on a new galvanised Richards chassis
Equipped with a Rover 3.5 V8 engine and (stronger) Series IIA gearbox
Dry stored at all times
Retains original military look with discreet modern enhancements

The Appeal

While land Rover dabbled with putting the alloy Rover V8 in its Series models, the vast majority left the factory with the dependable yet rather pedestrian 2.25-litre petrol and diesel inline fours. There is however plenty of room under the bonnet, so enthusiasts have since found ways to neatly fit more powerful engines, including the venerable 3.5-litre Rover V8 into leaf-sprung Land Rovers, and the results are mightily impressive, greatly enhancing their usability. And who can resist that V8 burble?!

That's exactly what's been done to this Series III Lightweight - very expertly, we might add...

It has been rebuilt from the ground-up using a brand-new galvanised chassis, retaining its original military looks while hiding several notable enhancements under the skin. Features like inertia reel seatbelts, hazard warning lights, roll-over protection and more modern lighting with a higher output and lower current draw.

The vendor comments:

"It has been extremely reliable since its rebuild. With its original look and feel it is a real head turner, the purr of the V8 adds to the experience."

If you're looking for a great example of the air-portable ex-military Lightweight, this one is surely the most usable and well-specified you'll find.

The History and Paperwork

Acquired by the vendor in May 2009
Full ground-up rebuild completed in 2010
Less than 1,000 miles driven since the rebuild
34,380 miles indicated
Serviced by the owner since the rebuild
V5C present

The Condition

New galvanised chassis by Richards
New canvas tilt by Undercover Covers
Higher power, lower current lights fitted
New doors and door surround seals
New tyres fitted during restoration
Bulkhead rebuilt with new footwells
Maintains its original military look, remaining exceedingly close to factory appearance
Great care has been taken to retain the original look and feel of the interior, with original switches and dashboard retained
Fitted with inertia reel seat belts and a hazard warning feature has been built into the electrics
Additional driver protection is provided by a roll bar and head rests. The design being based on an a genuine military modification of another vehicle
Speedometer may not be accurate due to engine and running gear changes
We understand the other cabin electrics to be in good working order
Minimal wear to the upholstery and controls in line with low mileage since restoration

The Mechanics

Rover 3.5-litre petrol V8
Series IIA gearbox, noted for its strength and suitability for the V8 engine; no synchromesh between gears 1 and 2
Rebuilt axles and running gear
Range Rover differentials, better suited to the V8's extra power and torque
New leaf springs front and rear and shock absorbers
Steve Parker galvanised exhaust, developed especially for a V8 Lightweight
New brakes, drums, shoes, and all brake lines installed during the rebuild
New fuel tank, fuel lines and fuel pump
Complete new wiring loom
New coolant hoses
Rear half shafts replaced
New ignition system: plugs, leads, alternator and coil
New water pump
Refurbished radiator
SU carburettors set up professionally
The vendor notes that the engine starts well and runs very smoothly
The Land Rover has reportedly proved very reliable since the rebuild

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