Description
This Land Rover Series 3 short wheel base left the Solihull production line in 1973 for delivery to Cardiff.
Powered (if that’s the correct term) by the redoubtable 2. 25 62bhp Diesel engine, in my ownership it has been rebuilt sympathetically, purposefully retaining the overall patina of a 53-year-old vehicle.
The galvanised cappings are all original and the fuel filler cap has an expedition-style neck should the need arise.
Works have included, but are not limited to, an engine rebuild, chassis strengthened, new brakes, suspension, refurbished running gear and improved headlamps. Documentation and invoices to support these works are included with the vehicle.
Being a Series 3, it has a fully synchromesh gearbox so makes a great if slightly eccentric daily drive.
The interior features new deluxe option (again, it’s all a matter of interpretation) seating, original steering wheel and dash. A fume/ insulation curtain is currently rolled up on the top horizontal galvanised frame bar, ready for use in winter. The canvas tilt has been regularly treated with proofer.
The rear tub sports a very rare ‘Steve McQueen’ nu-link rubber mat, which serves as a useful sound suppressor. Further sound suppression sheets have been discreetly installed under the seat cushion boxes.
Avon Rangemaster tyres sit on 750 rims, a wheel option available at the time from the 109inch model. Unlike the petrol Series 3, the Diesel features a hand throttle in the cab. This is useful for avoiding accelerator lurch when crossing stiff country.
As noted by the motoring press at the time, the insertion of a bellhousing plug makes the Diesel Series 3 as good at wading as the virtually submersible Austin Champ.
The vehicle is stored under cover and while currently leading a sedate existence, it has previously proved its off-road credentials on the permit-only Gatesgarth Pass, numerous Lake District coffin lanes and the annual Patina National trialling event.
More mundane adventures have included the school run, school prom, tip trips - and being a seven-seater it has also served as a great camping holiday mule.
As with all 40-year plus vehicles it is tax-free, ULEZ compliant and MoT exempt. Test drives can be arranged, both on and off-road. It comes with two keys and three Land Rover parts books.
The grille badges are not included in the sale but the driver’s kickplate badges/ stickers will remain.
Thankfully, when I took ownership of the LR there was zero checker-plating on the vehicle and I’ve opted to leave the scarring on the offside rear wheel arch rather than cover it with the awful stuff. Mileage is unverified. The under-carriage is surprisingly free of leaks.
