Description
1976 Land Rover Series III SWB Station Wagon 7-Seater – Original Classic Project
Location: Orpington, Kent
V5C Present – Historic Vehicle (ULEZ, MOT & Tax Exempt)
Cherished for 16 years, this 1976 Land Rover Series III Short Wheelbase Station Wagon is a rare find for classic car enthusiasts. With its 7-seater layout and side windows, this unmolested survivor boasts original paint and panels, exuding the iconic patina that defines Series III character. Perfect for light recommissioning to hit the road or a full restoration to create a showpiece, this Land Rover is a true piece of British motoring history. Health reasons force this reluctant sale, and it’s ready for a new owner to carry forward its legacy in style.
Why Choose This Land Rover?
Rare Station Wagon: Spacious 7-seater configuration with side windows, ideal for family outings, classic car rallies, or collector showcases.
Authentic Charm: Original paint and straight panels with age-related marks, preserving its 1970s heritage.
Historic Vehicle Status: ULEZ, MOT, and road tax exempt, making it a cost-effective classic for UK roads, especially in cities like London.
Proven Ownership: Loved and maintained for 16 years, with a history that reflects care and dedication.
Versatile Project: Ready for a quick service to get back on the road or a blank canvas for a bespoke restoration.
Condition & Mechanical Details
Engine: Reliable 2. 25-litre petrol engine, starts with fresh fuel and jump leads, ready for a tune-up to roar back to life.
Drivetrain: Drives with a functional 4WD system (last tested), offering classic Land Rover off-road capability. Clutch is solid, though the gearbox occasionally pops out of 3rd, a common fix for Series IIIs.
Chassis: Structurally sound but requires minor welding at the rear spring mount and one other area – a straightforward job for a skilled restorer.
Bodywork: Original panels in good shape with authentic patina; passenger footwell is worn but comes with a replacement panel for easy repair.
Windows: Side windows enhance the station wagon’s practicality; door window channels need replacing to restore full functionality.
Tyres: Chunky off-road tyres, aged but serviceable, fitted with locking wheel nuts for added security.
Recent Upgrades
Brakes: Fully overhauled by a mobile mechanic, with new master cylinder, slave cylinders, brake pipes, and hoses, ensuring a solid foundation for safe driving.
Interior: Fitted with new OE front seats for comfort; rear bench seats in excellent condition, ready to accommodate seven passengers.
Electrics: Lights and gauges were fully functional when last run, paired with a recently fitted steering lock for added security.
Battery: 3-year-old battery, currently flat but can be charged for testing during viewings.
Valuable Extras Included
Spare windscreen with frame, perfect for restoration or replacement.
Roof rails for added utility and classic styling.
Heated rear door glass, a rare feature for comfort in all seasons.
Pair of spare rear shocks for future maintenance.
Assorted spares, including oil seals and bearings, to ease repairs or upgrades.
Paperwork & History
Full V5C logbook included, confirming its historic vehicle status.
Accompanied by past MOTs and partial service history, documenting its 16-year tenure with the current owner.
Sold as a project vehicle – viewings in Orpington, Kent, are highly recommended to appreciate its potential.
Why This Project?
This Series III SWB Station Wagon combines rarity, practicality, and authenticity. Its 7-seater layout makes it a standout for family-oriented enthusiasts, while its original condition appeals to purists seeking an unmolested classic. With recent brake work, new seats, and a trove of spares, much of the groundwork is done. A few hours of welding, a gearbox tweak, and a thorough service could see it cruising green lanes again, or it could be transformed into a concours-worthy masterpiece.
Summary & Next Steps
Don’t let this rare 1976 Land Rover Series III Station Wagon pass you by. Whether you’re a seasoned restorer or a classic car enthusiast looking for a rewarding project, this vehicle offers endless potential. Trailer collection only due to its current condition. Contact [Your Contact Details] to arrange a viewing in Orpington, Kent, or discuss further. Act now to own a piece of Land Rover legacy and make it your own!Tell Buyers Why They’re Going to Love It
This 1976 Land Rover Series III SWB Station Wagon is a timeless classic that captures the heart of any enthusiast. After 16 years of cherished ownership, I’m reluctantly selling this rare 7-seater due to health reasons, but its rugged charm, practical layout, and authentic spirit make it a dream project. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it, just as I did.
Why I Bought It: In 2009, I was drawn to the Series III’s iconic boxy design and legendary off-road prowess. This station wagon stood out with its rare 7-seater configuration and side windows, perfect for family adventures or trips with friends. Its unmolested state, with original paint and panels, offered an authentic patina that told a story of decades exploring Britain’s roads and trails. I wanted a classic Land Rover that could be both a practical workhorse and a rewarding restoration project, and this one ticked every box. Back then, it wasn’t yet tax-exempt, but its potential for future historic status added to its long-term appeal.
Why It Stands Out: This Series III is a gem for its rarity and versatility. The 7-seater station wagon layout with side windows is uncommon among SWBs, blending rugged capability with family-friendly space. It’s ideal for green laning, classic car rallies, or countryside outings. The 2. 25-litre petrol engine starts with fresh fuel and jump leads, and the 4WD system (last tested) delivers classic Land Rover performance. Recent upgrades—like a fully overhauled brake system (new master/ slave cylinders, pipes, hoses) and new OE front seats—make it a solid foundation for recommissioning. A trove of spares (spare windscreen with frame, roof rails, heated rear door glass, rear shocks, oil seals, bearings) adds value, saving you time and money.
What Makes It Unique: Its untouched authenticity sets this Land Rover apart. Unaltered over my 16 years of ownership, it boasts original paint with age-related marks that exude character. The 7-seater interior with side windows offers rare practicality, perfect for collectors or those wanting a classic with room for all. As a historic vehicle in 2025, it’s exempt from ULEZ, MOT, and road tax, making it cost-effective, especially in cities like London. Despite needing minor chassis welding (rear spring mount and one other area), a gearbox tweak (occasionally pops out of 3rd), and a passenger footwell repair (replacement panel included), its solid bones and included spares make it a turnkey project. The V5C logbook, past MOTs, and partial service history provide clear provenance, rare for project vehicles.
My Favourite Thing: My favorite aspect is the station wagon’s versatility. Driving it through Kent’s winding lanes, with family or friends filling the seven seats and sunlight streaming through the side windows, felt like a step back to a simpler era. The growl of the 2. 25 petrol engine and the rugged feel of the 4WD system made every journey—whether over muddy tracks or to local car meets—unforgettable. Its timeless design always sparked conversations and admiring glances.
Why You’ll Love It: You’ll adore this Series III for its raw character and boundless potential. It’s a rare chance to own a 7-seater station wagon that’s ready for your vision—whether a quick service to cruise the roads or a full restoration to create a showpiece. The recent brake work, new seats, and spares give you a head start. Imagine restoring its glory, taking it to classic car events, or enjoying family adventures in a true British icon. It’s more than a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle and a legacy. Trailer collection only due to its project status. View in Orpington, Kent, and make this Land Rover yours!
