Beschrijving
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover® Stage 1 V8 County Station Wagon in Limestone (1981).
3. 5V8. MOT & Tax Exempt. Galvanised Chassis. Galvanised Bulkhead. . 4 Speed Gearbox with Constant 4 Wheel Drive. Diff Lock. 12 Seater. USA Exportable. Deluxe Interior. Bonnet Mounted Spare. 12 Seater. New La Salle Headliner. Incredibly rare vehicle ? made in very small numbers in the County Station Wagon format, and less than 20 are known to exist today (by all available metrics). Large History File of Receipts.
Here we have for sale the definition of the Holy Grail for a discerning Classic Land Rover® owner or collector ? a genuine Stage 1 V8 County Station Wagon, in Right Hand Drive. These vehicles are exceptionally rare ? the Stage 1 V8 LWB was originally only designed to be sold to the international market ? this was in order for Land Rover® to be able to compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser (and similar) which could cruise at higher speeds on Interstates and Highways. Demand for these in LHD was very high and branded a commercial success ? which led to the creation of the 110 V8 LHD in 1984. However, they were eventually available in RHD for the domestic market, but were made in very small quantities due to a high purchase price as they attracted a higher level of tax, being branded a ?passenger car? instead of a commercial vehicle.
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 any other circumstances.
When one considers the rarity and then factors in the fact this vehicle has been subjected to a full rebuild which has included the fitment of both a Galvanised Chassis and a Galvanised Bulkhead ? one realises what a rare beast this Series 3 really must be ? we have been the leading purveyor of these for many years, and during this time, have only ever seen one other which has been restored in this way ? out of the 6 Station Wagons we?ve managed to find!
There is evidence of a lot of money being spent in the rebuild, and we?ve compiled a little list below ? this is by no means an exhaustive list, and the vehicle comes with a large history file of receipts for work, but to try and illustrate the standard of work carried out:
NEW GALVANISED CHASSIS
NEW GALVANISED BULKHEAD FROM ASHTREE
NEW SECOND ROW DOORS, PAIR BRAND NEW DOOR CARDS THROUGHOUT
COMPREHENSIVE ENGINE REBUILDING WORK
NEW SECOND ROW SEATS LA SALLE HEADLINER ? THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND HIGH QUALITY!
NEW WINDSCREEN
The file of invoices totals to many thousands of pounds ? so the new keeper can be safe in the knowledge all the necessary work has been done.
As the photos show, this vehicle has survived in superb order, in its original factory colour of Limestone, which has been resprayed to a good standard, likely at the point of rebuilding. There are lots of features one would hope to see ? such as the Safari Roof with Alpine Lights, bonnet mounted spare, larger door mirrors for better visibility, rear grab handles, road biased tyres for better road holding, etc etc. 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.
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. There are three front standard seats s & deluxe interior carpeting as the photos show, for sound deadening. All the doors have brand new door cards, and all the floors have brand new mats. We often have to make excuses for Station Wagon trim being missing or past its best ? but that isn?t the case here. It gives the new owner a real flavour of what these must?ve been like to buy new ? and how lucky the original owner really was.
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 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! When one considers this can all be done on a cost-effective classic insurance policy too, it is even more incredible.
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 Classic Land Rover® Sales.
