Description
Patina perfect but mechanically on the button! Honest, original 1979 Land Rover with just 4 owners and 46, 000 miles from new. Marine blue, 2200cc petrol, 88". Original hardtop (with windows added in period) and Fairey free-wheeling hubs.
I like very tidy classics so my first Series Land Rover was fully restored by a marque expert. I quickly realised that a full restoration doesn't really do a Land Rover justice. They're workhorse vehicles and should bear the scars of a hard life. I sold my pristine, better than new example, and set about finding an original, Marine Blue, Series 3, petrol 88". I thought it would be easy but it wasn't.
Most 45 year old Land Rovers have been messed with to some degree. They're either over-restored or scabby and covered with chequerplate. After a long search I bought this one at auction - it was from the estate of a deceased farmer who'd had it for almost 35 years. It hadn't been road-registered for decades, but was clearly put to regular use on the farm. I didn't pay much for it, but over the last 5 years have since spent in excess of £20, 000 on it's 'restoration'.
My plan was to retain all of it's honest and original aesthetic character, but get it mechanically perfect. As a result its had new fuel lines, fuel tank, carb & filter, new shocks and bespoke (Jones) springs, new brake drums, shoes, cylinders & servo. Both front and rear differentials have been rebuilt by experts as has the gearbox, and the clutch was replaced. It's had new door tops and cab windows, new locks and bulbs all round (retaining the original lenses where possible). The heater blower, mirrors and wipers are new. There are three seatbelts in the cab. I have four new lap belts for the rear but haven't fitted them as it involved drilling the original rear tub. The chassis, bulkhead and rear crossmember are all original. They've all been patched and aren't the prettiest, but they're perfectly sound and full of character. I've purposely not replaced the seat pads as they're original. A dog clearly enjoyed the passenger seat when the truck lived on the farm!Whilst the Land Rover is registered Historic and therefore doesn't require an MOT, I've voluntarily MOT'd it for the last four years to ensure that the works brought it up to a fully roadworthy standard, and that it has been maintained as such.
The truck warms up quickly and purrs like a kitten. Everything (with the exception of the radio) works, and I've used it regularly for short journeys in suburban London covering around 400-500 miles each year.
I have the original blue logbook along with a current V5. The current MOT expires 10th Nov 2025.
