Description
Unmolested and almost totally original. The subject of recent “preservation” rather than restoration and considerable detailed recommissioning, this late model Series 3 has just arrived at Shore Classics and it`s quite extraordinary. Presented in factory Light Grey with Cream Hardtop and boasting 85, 900 miles from new, this fabulous Land Rover has evidently lived a sheltered life being supplied new through Dorset based Wadham Stringer to reputedly the BBC in Bournemouth as part of their outside broadcast unit. Benefitting from exemplary MoT history from 1993 to 2021 and almost 20 years of service history, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a superbly original example reflecting the wonderful patina of light use rather than an over-restored show vehicle.
Launched by The Rover Company at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the Land Rover was perceived as a compact four-wheel-drive vehicle designed specifically for farm and industrial use. Featuring a box frame chassis and aluminium body panels, the initial offering (or Series I) was available in just a single variant - 80” wheelbase with 1. 6 litre engine, a 4-speed gearbox from the Rover P3 and 2-speed transfer box. This incorporated an unusual four-wheel-drive set up with typical Rover freewheel unit enabling the front axle to disengage from the manual transmission on overrun. Available with just a simple canvas roof and optional door tops, this was a spartan vehicle and almost immediately demand for something more comfortable persuaded Rover to offer a Station Wagon variant with bodywork by Tickford. Through the 1950`s, the Series I developed further with a more conventional four-wheel-drive system and bigger engines and notably, from 1954, an extended 86” wheelbase and the introduction of a 107” pickup. This longer chassis gave the design team the ability to create the first 5-door variant and the ever-popular 10-seater station wagon was born fitted with the Safari roof keeping the interior cool in hot weather and reducing condensation in colder weather. In mid-1956, the 3-door version grew again to an 88” wheelbase and this remained a constant for the next 25 years of Land Rover production. By early 1958, a revised and more modern-looking model was deemed necessary and Chief Stylist, David Bache, set to work creating a wider vehicle with definite waistline incorporating an all-new 2. 25 litre petrol engine. The Series II had arrived. The very first 1500 or so 88” models retained the earlier 2. 0 litre engines with just 52BHP whilst from late 1958, all petrol variants came with the later and larger unit boasting a heady 72BHP. In addition to the 88” model, an extended chassis of 109” was offered as a 5-door station wagon with the option of a 12-seater, a body style that remained for the next 44 years. Only in production for 3 years, the Series II was replaced with the Series IIA in 1961, offering a wider choice of body styles and engine configurations as well as servo-assisted brakes. It soon became the best seller of the entire Series range with over 60, 000 units a year being manufactured by the late 1960`s and new markets appearing worldwide. With the same body and engine options, the Series III was introduced in 1971 and other than trim and components now featuring moulded plastic, it was effectively the same vehicle. Mechanically, the 2. 25 petrol and diesel engines were modified in 1980 to receive a 5 main bearing crankshaft increasing rigidity whilst transmission, axles and hubs were all strengthened to cope with increasing demands. By the early 1980`s, it was recognised that not just farmers wanted a Series III but the dawn of a burgeoning leisure market saw the introduction of the County model with all-new cloth seats, sound-deadening, tinted glass and other “soft” options designed to appeal to the more urbanised owner/ driver.
Our Series III 88” petrol dates from January 1983 making one of the last Series models, the 90 and subsequent Defender entering production later that year. According to the Heritage Certificate, it was supplied new through Wadham Stringer in Gillingham, Dorset and reputedly was first registered to BBC TV in Bournemouth as part of their outside broadcast unit. The history file suggests that by the early 1990`s, it was residing near Weston Super Mare with it`s third keeper. Mileage at this stage (from MoT Certificates) was 55, 800. Over the next few years, the Land Rover was used regularly covering some 23, 000 miles in 10 years (1993-2003). Residing on a large farm, light duties subsequently became order of the day with annual mileage dropping considerably for the following 10 years. But MoT inspections and regular maintenance remained a priority with notable work undertaken to include very minor welding (rear cross member and OSF outrigger in 2008) and more recently a full braking system overhaul, new headlights and replacement exhaust manifold. Around 2013, the vehicle was sold after some 20 years ownership to an adjoining farmer and after just 4 years, was sold again to a country estate in Sussex. Whilst there, certain cosmetic work was undertaken with a freshen up of the cabin (new seat covers and cubby box) and wheels repainted whilst the Land Rover benefitted from regular servicing and carburettor overhaul (it benefits from the SU carburettor conversion). Around 6 weeks ago, the vehicle was acquired by a Land Rover specialist on the Dorset coast who has taking time to service and if needed, recommission, all moving parts and complete cosmetic tidying where deemed necessary. Such work has included replacement and painting of new door tops, touching-in paint chips on the bulkhead, Lanoguard protection on the underside, overhaul of the cooling system with brand-new radiator and all new hoses, replacement clutch slave and master cylinders, the fitting of an electronic distributor and full service with fresh oils throughout.
The Land Rover presents just as can be seen in the photographs. With a light patina to most panels, it is the originality of this example that really appeals and other than the NSF wing, we believe it to be all factory panels and paintwork. Yes - there are a few lights dings, dents and scratches, but that`s the price of authenticity. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Just 43 years of light use. The recently replaced and body-painted door tops, repainted wheels and touched-in bulkhead just add to the overall look of preservation rather than restoration. The story continues in the cabin where everything other than replaced seat covers and cubby is fantastically original and working just as Land Rover intended. Turn the key and the 2. 25 petrol fires immediately into life settling down off-choke to an almost whisper-quiet tick-over. Quite possibly the quietest Series model I have ever experienced. On the road, the Land Rover pulls well moving up through the gears smoothly and quickly with excellent brakes and surprisingly positive steering. Benefitting from working Fairey Overdrive and free-wheeling hubs, longer distance cruising ability is assured whilst the vehicle is equally suited to everyday errands. Indeed, it has been used and enjoyed as daily transport over the worst of the recent winter months.
Our Land Rover comes with a Heritage Certificate, a comprehensive MoT trail (paper from 1993-2008 and online thereafter to 2021), old V5 Registration Documents from previous owners and almost 20 years of invoices and receipts documenting work undertaken.
A wonderfully original and unmolested Series III ready for it`s next adventure.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
