Description
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover® Series 3 109 Stage 1 V8 County Station Wagon in Masai Red (1982).
3. 5v8. RHD. Will be supplied with 12 months MOT. 4 Speed Gearbox with Overdrive. Constant 4 Wheel Drive. Diff Lock. 12 Seater. USA Exportable. Imminent Tax & MOT Exemption. Original Colour. Excellent driving order.
We are excited to present for sale this rare and super cool 1982 Genuine Stage 1 V8 Land Rover®, presented in full station wagon configuration. Those of you who are familiar with the Stage 1 and why it was produced will be equally excited to study this vehicle and read the advert. These vehicles were produced in small numbers, mostly for export markets in LHD and so finding any example in RHD Station Wagon configuration is exceptionally rare – finding one in a fully useable condition is rarer still. To give you an idea, we have been in business now for 17 years, and this is the first example of a Series 3 Stage 1 that we have managed to bring to market.
The Stage 1 V8, as its title suggests, was factory fitted with a 3. 5l V8 engine for increased power and torque over the 2286cc engine. Many enhancements were added to bridge the gap between the outgoing Series 3 and the incoming 90/ 110 coil sprung era. The drivetrain was modified to give constant 4WD, higher axle ratios and diff lock. The Stage 1 V8 was the only Series Land Rover® ever made with constant 4WD. Our vehicle also benefits from an overdrive, which means that this Series Land Rover®, which is almost MOT & Tax Exempt, can really cruise comfortably and quietly at 70mph….. a claim we would be unable to make in most other circumstances.
As the photos show, this rare vehicle has survived in its original colour in good, straight order. It has the original factory appearance as it should with flush front grill which, almost 40 years on is still replicated on modern 90s today. There is a bonnet mounted spare, front lifting eyes, black headlamp surrounds, side steps for front and middle doors both sides, towbar and electrics, rear grabhandles and the period series mirrors, rather than the later defender type. The vehicle sits on a set of 750 Grabber TR tyres.
The interior of a period Series Station Wagon is normally so tired at this age, that the vehicle becomes difficult to use and enjoy – this is not the case with this rare truck. The seats are a matching set of the period techno type seats, with front high backs, and are all in good condition. Much of the deluxe trim survives, including the headliner in good condition throughout, the front sun-visors, tunnel cover, second floor matting and side trims above the doors and into the alpine lights. The centre cubby box in the front is actually an additional plumbed heater with fan as it was widely known that the outgoing heating system was largely inadequate for a vehicle of this size – thus meaning that you could actually use the constant 4WD in freezing winter conditions with the family in tow!
Perhaps the defining feature of these rare Stage 1 V8 Series 3s, is their ability to mile-munch at modern speeds in relative comfort. We were simply astounded by the test drive this vehicle offered. We have never experienced a Series vehicle of this age feel and sound so comfortable at higher speeds on the motorway. We were staggered at how quiet this 109 is at the legal limit – you do not even have to raise your voice to have a conversation. The engine is silent when rev’d, save for the rush of the air intake and the grunt of the exhaust. The gearbox selects beautifully and the overdrive does not suffer with any whining or irritating noises. In short, if you are hell-bent on conveying your family on a long-journey in an old Land Rover® because you want to avoid paying road fund and jumping through the hoops of the erratic MOT inspector, then this is simply the best vehicle we have had for this job – adding to this, you have the fact that you are owning a rare piece of Land Rover® history and will be the talk of the town at any Land Rover® show!
Pricing these vehicles is not easy, as examples rarely ever come to market, particularly in CSW configuration. We do know what these vehicles sell for in standard Series Guise, but we expect that this vehicle will be much more prized due to its rarity, modernity and desirability. This vehicle is exportable and we can assist with shipping if required.
SOLD
Visit our website for comprehensive photos and a varied stock list of Series 1s, 2s and 3s. We Export Worldwide. John Brown 4x4 are the Market Leaders in Vintage Land Rover® Sales.
