Description
Land Rover Series III 2. 6 Six-Cylinder – Extensively Rebuilt, Rare Variant
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a six‑cylinder Series III that has been rebuilt with care and attention to detail. Mechanically sorted, correctly upgraded where it matters, and structurally sound, it would make an excellent usable classic, collector piece, or long‑term keeper.
This Land Rover is presented following a comprehensive mechanical and structural rebuild using correct parts and sympathetic upgrades throughout.
This example has benefited from significant recent expenditure, with the work focused on mechanical reliability, retention of its patina, originality, and longevity rather than cosmetic shortcuts.
To quote recent comments from Land Rover enthusiasts who have seen the vehicle, "it runs like a sewing machine".
The vehicle is registered as "Historic" tax and MOT exempt. The vehicle is sold freshly serviced, with all fluids and filters replaced, running 20w 50 oil with additive.
The engine has been fully stripped, cleaned, inspected and re-assembled with new gaskets and seals throughout, the crank polished and fitted with new bearings. Strong oil pressure, starts on a button without choke in warm weather. A conversion to SU carburettor was performed (for increased reliability and performance), with the carburettor rebuilt and correctly tuned.
The cooling system has been flushed, including a new heater valve.
The braking system has been completely overhauled for safety and drivability. This includes a new master cylinder, new brake booster, all new hard and soft lines, new slave cylinders, new brake shoes, and a full brake service.
Gearbox, differential, and transfer case oils have all been changed.
Electrics have been addressed properly, with the original wiring loom inspected, repaired where needed using correct connectors, any after market extensions and splicing have been removed, not bodged replacements. All sidelights and indicators have been replaced, and a new fuel sender fitted.
Steering and suspension components have been serviced, including a greased steering box, front swivels.
The vehicle sits on freshly painted wheels finished in traditional Land Rover lime white and come fitted with correct Michelin XZL tyres, and an upgraded Stage One front bumper with towing hooks completes the look.
Throughout the vehicle, new zinc‑plated fasteners have been used for durability and correctness.
Body work retains all patina from it's life and presents as an accurate working Land Rover. Additions include new door tops with fresh felts. Often confused as a British Telecom vehicle, or airport facilities vehicle, however isn't. The Land Rover was originally supplied in Marine Blue, however was re-painted in yellow for a charity run completed by previous owners. The V5 has been updated to reflect the vehicle being yellow so the new owner may wish to return the truck to it's original blue, or keep the charm of the yellow paint. My children named her "Daisy".
The chassis has been carefully repaired where required, retaining originality while addressing known weak points:
• Driver’s side spring hanger outrigger replaced
• Driver’s side bulkhead outrigger replaced
• Front dumb irons repaired
• Small localised repair to near‑side rear chassis
All welding has been carried out properly and neatly, ensuring structural integrity without unnecessary replacement.
Further details, photos, and viewing welcomed for genuine enquiries. I bought this Land Rover because of the engine. The 2. 6‑litre six‑cylinder Series III is one of the most interesting and least common variants Land Rover produced, and it completely changes the character of the vehicle. Having owned multiple Stage One V8's and conventional 2. 25 l Diesel Series III, the 2. 6 is smoother, quieter, and far more relaxed than the four‑cylinder trucks, yet still unmistakably a proper Series Land Rover. You very rarely see them now, and fewer still that haven’t been heavily modified or run into the ground. The performance is also impressive with ample torque.
This one was fundamentally honest and worth saving, so the decision was to rebuild it properly rather than restore it superficially. The goal from the outset was to make it mechanically right, structurally sound, and enjoyable to use, while retaining the feel and originality that makes these trucks special. 
What sets this Land Rover apart is the depth of work carried out and the approach taken. The engine has been carefully re‑assembled rather than simply refreshed, the braking system rebuilt in full, and the original wiring loom repaired correctly instead of replaced with modern shortcuts. Wherever possible, original components were retained, refurbished, and put back as intended.
It hasn’t been over‑restored or turned into something it never was. The upgrades it does have, such as the SU carburettor conversion and Stage One bumper, are period‑correct, functional improvements that enhance drivability without detracting from originality. It’s a Land Rover that feels properly sorted rather than cosmetically dressed up. 
The six‑cylinder Series III is a rare sight in its own right, but examples that have been rebuilt methodically and sympathetically are rarer still. This truck combines a genuine 2. 6‑litre engine, properly overhauled mechanicals, known chassis repairs carried out where needed, and a focus on longevity rather than short‑term presentation. It attracts attention at Land Rover shows.
It’s also unusual to find one where the work has clearly been done by someone who understands these vehicles, not just how they look, but how they should drive and feel. The use of correct fasteners, proper brake plumbing, and attention to small details like door tops, steering, and electrics all make a big difference in real‑world use.
My favourite thing is how it drives compared to a standard Series Land Rover. The six‑cylinder engine gives it a smoothness and willingness that surprises people who don’t know these models. It feels less strained, more refined, and genuinely pleasant on the road while still delivering the character, noise, and mechanical honesty that make classic Land Rovers so appealing.
It’s the sort of vehicle you look forward to using, not just owning, and that’s ultimately why it stands out to me.
