Description
Original Fire Brigade EquipmentMuch of the original specialist equipment remains, including:• PTO (Power Take-Off) driven water pump operated from the cab• 250-litre water tank• Rear engine control lever• Hydrant filling connection• Rear hose reel with original outlet• Roof rack for rigid hoses and ladder• Two-tone oscillating air horn (siren)• Rotating blue beacon• Original auxiliary switch and fuse panel• Dixon-Bate towing plate with 7-pin electrics• Rear tool board with hydrant tools• High-level equipment shelf• Rear suspension buffer pads for increased payload• Fire extinguisher• Driver's duties plate• Mesh guard behind seats• Rear work light• Bonnet security hasp• Original CB radio sockets retained• Original seat box electrical socket (currently disconnected)The original diverter valve was missing when purchased and has been replaced with a simple, functional lever arrangement. The original tailgate and "cat flap" have been replaced with a standard rear door. Factory Options & Period ExtrasIn addition to the fire brigade conversion, the vehicle is fitted with:• Deluxe bonnet• Heater• Rear fog lamp• Front vent fly screens• Rear lamp guards• Trip odometerSympathetic UpgradesDuring restoration a number of discreet improvements were added to improve practicality whilst retaining the vehicle's character:• Rear jump seat• USB and 12V charging sockets• Battery voltage display• Pump operation plate• Vehicle height plate• Timed courtesy light• Audible lights-on warning• Additional relays, fuses and timer circuits• Dash camera wiring• Rear interior light• Relay-operated H4 headlights• Ancillary storage box• Rear jerry can holder• Spare wheel mounted on rear door• Axle breather kit for wadingComes with• 4” and 6” ridged hoses• 5 flat hoses• Hose adapter and gun• Gun for hose reel• Stirrup pump• Fire helmet• Fire brigade trousers• Life jacket• First Aid kit (all expired)• Strainer for use when pumping from lakes• Gloves• Log book for pump use• Hydrant tools• 4 fire beaters• 2Kg foam and 9Kg water fire extinguishers• Restoration WorkThe vehicle was completely stripped to its component parts. Major work includes:• Chassis repaired correctly by cutting out corrosion and welding in new steel (not plating over rust)• Chassis treated with Bilt Hamber Hydrate-80 and finished in Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black• Gearbox and transfer box rebuilt• PTO pump overhauled• Leaf springs disassembled, stripped, cleaned, treated, painted, greased and reassembled• All galvanised components re-galvanised• Body panels repaired or replaced as required• New front doors• New rear door• New rear tub floor• Galvanised rear tub supports• Steering box rebuilt• New heavy-duty shock absorbers• New exhaust• New swivel housings• New seats• New clutch and brake master/ slave cylinders• Complete Autosparks wiring loom• Additional wiring installed to Lucas colour standards (full wiring diagrams included)• New alternator• All consumables, rubber components and fixings replaced• Water tank level indicator modified to a simple visual sight tube• Fully repainted in Paintman Masai Red with Silver Grey interior• Fitted with Avon Rangemaster 750R16 tyresA comprehensive record of replacement parts is included. Engine Rebuild (2021)The engine was completely rebuilt using quality machine work and components, including:• Complete strip and rebuild• Cooling passages professionally cleaned• Reconditioned injector pump• Reconditioned injectors• Crankshaft polished• Cylinders rebored +0. 020"• New valves and recut seats• Balanced crankshaft, connecting rods and flywheel• New cam followers, guides and valve train components• New pistons• New main and big-end bearings• New Pro Flow water pump• New timing chain• New glow plugs• Heavy-duty clutch• All new gaskets, seals, bolts and consumables throughoutInvoices and detailed parts lists are available. ConditionThis is an honest, usable historic Land Rover, not an over-restored showpiece. In the interests of complete transparency:• Minor oil weeps/ wetting from:o Front differentialo Rear differentialo Engine sumpo Gearbox/ transfer boxo Rear nearside hub(None significant enough to receive an MoT advisory.)• Speedometer reads slightly slow.• Heater valve cable retaining pin is missing.• One heater control thumb lever is missing, although replacements are supplied.• Brake failure warning light is currently inoperative.• There are age-related marks, chips and paint blemishes consistent with a working historic vehicle. The underside photographs were taken immediately after its latest MoT and have not been cleaned or dressed to disguise its condition. A rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Land Rover and emergency service history. This 1982 Land Rover Series III Short Wheelbase 2¼ Diesel is an original Merseyside Fire Brigade Fire Support Vehicle, featured in Land Rover Monthly (February 2000 and January 2019). Originally supplied as a recovery vehicle for the Mersey Tunnel, it was later one of three vehicles converted by Merseyside Fire Brigade for moorland firefighting duties based at West Kirby. Now over 40 years old, the vehicle qualifies for Historic Vehicle status, making it road tax exempt and eligible for MoT exemption. I have chosen to continue annual testing for peace of mind, and it has a full, clear MoT until July 2027 (tested 17 July 2026 with no advisories). Purchased by me in December 2017, the vehicle had spent many years stored in a Welsh field. Although the engine ran, the clutch had seized and the brakes were sticking, requiring it to be hand-winched approximately 300 metres before recovery. A comprehensive restoration was carried out between 2017 and 2019, followed by a complete engine rebuild in 2021. Since the rebuild the vehicle has covered approximately 1, 500 miles, with the odometer currently reading around 56, 700 miles. This has been a long-term enthusiast restoration rather than a cosmetic refurbishment. This is an exceptionally rare and historically significant Series III Land Rover with documented provenance, an extensive restoration, and a fascinating operational history. It is equally suited to a collector, Land Rover enthusiast, historic emergency vehicle collection, or someone looking for a truly distinctive classic that can be driven and enjoyed. Viewing is welcome and encouraged. Extensive photographs, restoration records, invoices and parts lists are available for genuine enquiries.
