Highlights

Rare early Series 3 Lightweight from 1973 with authentic military history
Recently restored with solid chassis and bulkhead
Served in Northern Ireland with documented military service
Higher tooth count differentials for improved road speed
Comes with original military B-card and box of spare parts
12 volt electrics

The Appeal

Built to commission by the British Army, the Land Rover Lightweight was intended as a replacement for the venerable Austin Champ, and was required to try and fit in the same standards - primarily that it could be carried by helicopter. It was quite the fierce brief for any manufacturer to fit to, and the lads at Land Rover found themselves struggling to fit into the requirements from the off.

Ironically, as it also had to be strengthened for military use, the 'Lightweight' came in heavier than its civilian counterparts. To try and accomodate the requirements, the upper parts of the body, the doors and windscreen - not to mention the roof - were all made removable. The finished product was still too heavy, so the military simply brought in improvements to the chopper instead. After that, it became standard equipment.

This 1973 example represents an early production Series 3 Lightweight, finished in the appropriate NATO Sand colour. Its military provenance is well-documented, having served in Northern Ireland from 1974 to 1978 with the 1st Kings Own Borderers and later the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment. The vehicle has undergone a recent restoration focusing on the critical chassis and bulkhead areas, combining authentic military heritage with practical usability for modern driving, including upgraded differentials that allow comfortable cruising at 50mph.

image.png 4.39 MB

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1973 with registration number EAW780L
Military service from 1974-1978 in Northern Ireland with the 1st Kings Own Borderers and Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
First civilian registration in 1990
Indicates 78,487 miles on a five-figure odometer, believed to be correct given the vehicle's history
The vendor purchased the vehicle in 2021 from the 10th registered keeper who owned it since 2016
Comes with military history documentation and a copy of the original military B-card (validated ERM 19FM79)
Evidence of an IS Pack fitted in 1977
As a classic vehicle, it is exempt from MOT testing and road tax requirements

image.png 3.64 MB

The Condition

Finished in NATO Sand colour with bodywork that appears in smart condition
Chassis, outriggers and bulkhead appear solid with no visible corrosion
Fitted with nearly new Runway Enduro A/T 235 x 85 R16 tyres
Front wheel differential locks installed
Protector plates and large bump-stop pads fitted on the front axle
Some light internal corrosion noted on the near-side bottom door frame
Minor surface rust on approximately a dozen exposed nuts
The vendor regularly maintains protective coatings using Hammerite Body Seal or Tetroseal
New canvas top fitted in 2021
Front bench replaced with adjustable Delux seats (possibly from a Defender)
Features an original 2-piece tailgate with Pioneer tool kit mounted
Small scratch on the heater caused by the current owner

image.png 3.96 MB

The Mechanics

2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Engine fitted between 1985-1990
Gearbox reconditioned in 2021 by JLR Services in Cornwall
Minor issue with selector shafts/forks that can cause first gear to jump out at high revs
Front and rear differentials fitted with higher tooth count (13) pinions for improved road speed
The vendor reports the vehicle sits comfortably at speeds of 45 to 50mph
Engine starts reliably with carburettor set to run slightly rich
Some light weeping from the near-side front swivel pin bearing housing
Occasional drip of oil from the gearbox drain plug
All instruments and lights reported to work correctly
Fuel tank access via filler on the off-side behind driver's door

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..