Description
From humble agricultural beginnings to an enduring place in popular culture, the Series Land Rover represents one of the great stories in British motoring. Conceived first as a practical working vehicle, its unmistakable silhouette, extraordinary off-road ability and distinctly British character have transformed it into an enduring automotive icon.
Few marques have a stronger association with British cinema and adventure than Land Rover, and its connection with James Bond stretches back decades. A Series III featured in The Living Daylights in 1987, while Land Rovers returned to the Bond story in No Time to Die in 2021.
It was the evocative Jamaica sequence in No Time to Die that provided the inspiration for this remarkable Series III restoration.
This beautifully presented 1975 Land Rover Series III is the result of an extensive, ground-up restoration carried out over four years and completed in June 2026. More than 1, 000 hours of work have gone into the vehicle, with an emphasis on achieving an exceptionally high standard of originality, craftsmanship and functionality.
The restoration began with the chassis being completely stripped, blasted, primed and finished with Raptor protective coating before receiving a comprehensive Waxoyl treatment. The original 2. 25-litre diesel engine has been replaced with the highly regarded Land Rover 200Tdi, coupled to the original four-speed gearbox and enhanced with a Fairey overdrive. The result is an engine and drivetrain combination that transforms the usability of the Series III, providing greater performance and improved cruising ability while retaining the wonderfully mechanical and uncomplicated character that makes these early Land Rovers so appealing.
The bodywork has received equally comprehensive attention. Door frames, wings and tub sides were stripped and repaired, with all reusable components taken back to bare metal before being treated with anti-corrosion primer. The doors have been reskinned, the tub fitted with a new floor and a new tailgate installed. Every panel was carefully prepared, primed and painted before being refitted.
Finished in the unmistakable Land Rover Arles Blue, the exterior captures the classic appearance of the Series III while benefiting from the extensive restoration beneath the surface.
The running gear has been comprehensively renewed, including new suspension and shock absorbers, swivels, brakes and hubs, with the axles rebuilt as part of the restoration. The electrical system has also been upgraded with new Autosparks wiring looms, incorporating discreet modern enhancements including 12-volt phone charging and upgraded LED lighting throughout.
The vehicle is supplied with its full hood-stick set and a bespoke, lightweight canvas hood, handmade to replicate the original Exmoor trim pattern, providing both authenticity and practicality.
Inside, the restoration takes a distinctly bespoke approach. The cabin has been trimmed in a high-quality, UV-resistant and highly durable faux leather, complemented by a hand-stitched steering wheel and handbrake lever, with matching gaiters for the handbrake, high/ low ratio and gear selectors. The upper and lower dashboard have been trimmed to complement the rest of the interior.
The three front seats have been individually handmade from the ground up, featuring diamond-quilted seat and back centres with the Spectre logo embroidered into the centre sections. Matching diamond-quilted rear bench seats feature shallow backrests designed to sit neatly flush with the top of the tub.
The attention to detail continues through to the doors, which have been fitted with bespoke door cards trimmed in matching diamond-quilted material, creating a cohesive interior inspired by the vehicle's cinematic heritage without compromising its classic Land Rover character.
Since completion, the vehicle has covered fewer than 100 miles. It has been used sparingly, taken out only in good weather and on dry roads, and has never been used off-road. Consequently, it remains exceptionally clean and presents in outstanding condition throughout.
This is far more than a restored Series III. It is a carefully conceived tribute to one of Britain's most recognisable vehicles, combining classic Land Rover character, sympathetic mechanical upgrades, meticulous craftsmanship and a James Bond connection.
