HIGHLIGHTS
- Factory County specification
- Good body and paintwork
- Seven seats
- Uber cool
- Galvanised chassis
THE APPEAL
The Land Rover is undeniably the ultimate ‘go anywhere’ rugged utilitarian vehicle and the Series 3 (as we have here) is really the last of the ‘classic’ line of Solihull built off-roaders.
This practical 88” County station wagon is one of the most practical and indeed desirable variants offering a higher degree of ‘deluxe’ comfort and features for the period.
Clearly looked after by the three previous owners, this low mileage example is generally in great shape, and having been given a refresh and some further TLC by the current owner, is ready to take on the world for another 40 years!.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Just three previous owners
- Up to date V5
- Old and current MOT’s
First registered on 16th November 1982, it appears that this Land Rover County lived in the rural county of Somerset before recently venturing east to Dorset.
The current owner then acquired it on the 3rd March 2022.
The current owner then acquired it on the 3rd March 2022.
A host of older MOT’s dating back to 1987 verify the consistent and low mileage. The previous MOT was carried out in February 2013 at 71,185 miles (just 666 miles ago!), and the current owner arranged a fresh new MOT which is valid until the 5th May 2023.
This ‘Landy’ is taxed until the 1st May 2023 and, as the owner highlights, will be MOT and Tax exempt from April 2023.
The V5 is present and up to date, and there are some old tax discs, but no accompanying invoices for parts and servicing.
THE INTERIOR
- Pretty good condition throughout
- Deluxe features
- Passenger seating and load carrying
The functional interior is in good condition and consummate with it’s age and mileage.
Featuring the deluxe trim, the County includes an acoustically dampened cab, door arm rests, dual density foam seats with head restraints, roof vents and Triplex Sundym windows (which are etched with the registration number).
Featuring the deluxe trim, the County includes an acoustically dampened cab, door arm rests, dual density foam seats with head restraints, roof vents and Triplex Sundym windows (which are etched with the registration number).
The original specification Jaeger instrumentation and electrical switchgear is said to operate as it should and the door handles, sliding door windows, etc. all function well. Inertia seat belts are also fitted at the front with a lap belt for the central passenger.
Up top, the original headlining is securely in place and doesn’t have any nasty rips and at floor level, newer rubber mats overlay the slightly worn original ones.
The cab seats and handy rear folding seats do have some holes and damage to the grey fabric and vinyl edging, but nothing major (see photos).
A strut holds the heavy rear door open nicely to provide easy access to the rear space which is tidy and clean, and the door trim and rubber floor covering are in good condition.
THE EXTERIOR
- Great bodywork and chassis
- Original colour scheme
- ‘County’ features
The befitting (and now retro’) factory Russet Brown and Limestone colour scheme looks great.
Although there are some scuffs, chips and minor surface corrosion in places (see photos), the panel fit, bulkhead, doors, fixtures and fittings are good on this very straight body.
Although there are some scuffs, chips and minor surface corrosion in places (see photos), the panel fit, bulkhead, doors, fixtures and fittings are good on this very straight body.
A Safari roof, fog lamps, front towing eyes, reversing lamps and those distinctive side stripes are all County specification exclusives. A spare wheel mount is fitted to the bonnet along with new mud flaps, and a tow bar and electrics at the rear.
The windows, mirrors, lights and rubber trim are all presentable, but the sliding side windows could do with new channels.
The windows, mirrors, lights and rubber trim are all presentable, but the sliding side windows could do with new channels.
Underneath, the galvanised chassis and flooring appears solid, and despite some surface rust, the leaf springs, steering and brake components look fine.
The steel wheels are painted in their original Limestone colour with later AVM front free-wheeling hubs and are shod with tubed older Avon Rangemaster 7.50 R16 tyres, with plenty of tread.
THE MECHANICS
- Healthy sounding 2.25-Litre engine
- Recent service
- MOT until May 2023
At the heart of this ‘Landy’ is the popular and trusted 5-bearing crank, 2,286cc, 4-cylinder engine, and with just 71,510 miles on the clock, should have plenty of ‘get up and go’ left in it yet.
The current owner has recently undertaken a full check over and service and assures us that it starts, runs, drives and stops well. Certainly at the photoshoot, the engine sounded sweet and we didn’t detect any untoward smoke from the exhaust.
The 4-speed gearbox is also said to operate smoothly along with the high and low transfer gears. The original ‘BL Cars Ltd’ vin plate is in-situ on the healthy looking bulkhead.
The owner has recently fitted the following:
- New plugs, leads, points and fan belt
- New coil
- New Weber carburettor
- New front prop shaft (MOT requirement)
- New fuel tank
- New front bumper
SUMMARY
Now 40 years young, this highly capable and original specification County is possibly one of the coolest of the legendary Land Rovers around and will never go out of fashion.
Easy and cheap to look after, it is ready to go and should last forever as a practical and fun adventure vehicle.
Easy and cheap to look after, it is ready to go and should last forever as a practical and fun adventure vehicle.
Notice to bidders
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