Description
For sale, through JOHN BROWN 4X4 LTD, Land Rover Series 3 in Russet Brown (1971).
Diesel 2286cc. MOT & Tax Exempt. Galvanised Chassis. Towbar and Electrics. 750 Chevron Tyres. Matching Bonnet Mounted Spare. Recent Battery. Original Galvanised Cappings. Rear Mud Flaps. Rear Work Lights. 6 Former Keepers. Owned locally since 2008. 7 Seater including 4 rear individual “Tip Up” Seats. Station Wagon Configuration.
We are delighted to present for sale this early Land Rover Series 3, which has been a local car for many years – owned by a gent in Northallerton since 2008, and a gentleman in Pickering, just some 20 miles from HQ, for years before that. This particular example has been rebuilt onto a galvanised chassis in the past, with a raft of new parts at that time.
Externally, as the photos show, this Series 3 is finished in Russet Brown with Limestone Wheels and Roof – an optional colour which was both expensive to specify when new and (therefore) rare to see today…. in fact many of the original British Leyland brochures specifically show this scheme on the front cover! As the previous keeper used this Series as a working vehicle, there are helpful touches wherever you look – the rear tow bar with modern electrics to allow towing, the 750 chevron tyres to fill the arches and increase gearing with a matching bonnet mounted spare, the rear individually switched work lights which will be handy for the upcoming darker weather for reversing, using the vehicle to chop logs or move loads, improving visibility when lining up the tow ball, etc etc. Rear mud flaps keep the rear from kicking up stones and some nice period features remain… such as the original galvanised cappings and black and silver period number plates.
On the inside, there are three front techno trim seats with seat belts – a central lap and two inertia reel outers – along with deluxe matting to the footwells. The rear houses 4 individual station wagon style tip up techno seats, bringing seating for seven people including the driver – and with the side windows in the roof piece, the interior is a light and airy place to sit, being easier to drive thanks to the ability to check blindspots and larger defender style mirrors to improve visibility, which is a welcome touch. A pair of sun visors, which aren’t usually fitted, are a welcome touch, especially during the current “low sun” Autumnal daylight hours. The benefit of the tip ups in the rear is that they can be folded away to reveal the entire load space if required – either for carrying the dog so they don’t damage the seats, or if you need to carry a bike/ rubbish to the tip etc.
It is normally at this point in the advert we talk about the on road performance of this old truck – usually based on a test drive taken just before the writer sits down to pen this advert. However, we actually collected and drove this vehicle back from Northallerton to HQ, and this is an ideal test route – it factors in every type of road – town driving, British B & A Roads, alongside dual carriageway for the final stretch. We are pleased to note it performed without fault – especially impressive as during the drive we encountered extremely heavy rain, as well as blinding sunshine – all without any dramas to report – even all the gauges work as they should! The Diesel engine fires up with minimal glow and smoke, and thanks to a recent brake service, it stops as it should too – it is quite happy sat at 50mph, aided by the larger tyres to give a more relaxed final gear, which is ideal for normal road conditions. It is clear from the previous keepers testimony and the file of old MOTs (and some receipts) she has been well cared for…. we often find when vehicles have been rebuilt onto a galvanised chassis they feel well sorted behind the wheel, and this is no exception to that.
In summary then, if you are looking for a Series 3 Land Rover which has been rebuilt onto a galvanised chassis to ward against corrosion, can carry the whole family and continue being a faithful companion no matter the task levied at it – this must be worth considering. At HQ, we feel this falls into the perfect category – it is not so concourse one would feel bad about using it, thanks to its pleasing patina, but not abused or battered so one would feel embarrassed to drive her – she would look good parked in the village square, down the local pub, on the local shoot or even in the city – and this versatility and freedom is exactly the appeal here. As usual, this Series benefits from MOT and Tax Exemption alongside Classic Insurance, which means it should prove to be an asset for the future which doesn’t cost the earth to run in the interim.
Priced at £20, 995
