Description
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover® Stage 1 V8 in Masai Red (1982).
3. 5v8. RHD. MOT until 1st December 2022. 4 Speed Gearbox with Constant 4 Wheel Drive. Diff Lock. 12 Seater. USA Exportable. Upcoming Tax & MOT Exemption. Original Colour. Excellent driving order. Restored over a six year period.
We are delighted to present this recently restored Land Rover® Stage 1 V8 Series 3, presented in the original Masai Red colour scheme. Do not let the fact we have two of these in stock make you believe they are commonplace – these are exceptionally rare vehicles both due to the RHD and the 12 seat configurations – we have only seen 5 of these vehicles in our 20+ years of trading, and there are (according to all available metrics) less than 50 left – they were only made in the UK in one model year and less than 200 total produced.
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 restored condition is rarer still.
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. This 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 been subjected to a six year restoration on its original chassis by the previous keeper, with a multitude of new parts – the list below is my no means exhaustive, but is to give you a ‘feel’ of what has been done (this list was sent to us by the previous keeper) :
Vehicle stripped down to chassis, sand blasted, painted in Satin Black
Bulkhead stripped and treated with rust prevention ‘Ziebart’.
Bodywork taken to bare metal, beaten, repainted in Masai Red with Limestone Roof & Wheels (Brand New Avon Range Master Tyres Fitted)
Refurbished V8 Engine with new radiator and alternator
All cappings (the originals) removed and re-galvanised
Original Seats kept in ‘Techno” trim
New Headliner, New Doors & Door Cards, all original factory gauges refurbished & retained.
Carburettors removed, cleaned & repaired, rebalanced
New CV Joints, New Track Rod Ends, New Brakes & Brake Lines
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, black headlamp surrounds, side steps for front and middle doors both sides, rear step, rear grabhandles and the later defender type door mirrors.
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, as the photos show. Much of the deluxe trim survives, including the headliner which has been replaced, the front sun-visors, tunnel cover, second floor matting and side trims above the doors and into the alpine lights – even the rear door has a new door card!
Perhaps the defining feature of these rare Stage 1 V8 Series 3s, is their ability to mile-munch at modern speeds in relative comfort. When we first drove a Stage 1 V8, we were simply astounded by the test drive these vehicles offer. 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 quiet when rev’d, save for the rush of the air intake and the grunt of the exhaust. The gearbox selects all gears beautifully. In short, if you are hell-bent on conveying your family on a long-journey in an old Land Rover® because you want to be able to soon avoid paying road fund, ULEZ and Congestion charges, 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 is not easy, as examples rarely ever come to market, particularly in CSW configuration. We do know what these vehicles sell for in standard guise, but we expect that this vehicle will be much more prized due to its rarity, restoration, modernity and desirability. This vehicle is exportable and we can assist with shipping if required.
RESERVED
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.
