Description
1972 Land Rover Series 3 109” LWB Hard Top – 200Di Retrofit
Owned & Maintained by an Engineer Since 2002 | Genuine Working Patina | Ready for its Next Chapter
Price: £5, 950 (Sensible offers considered)
Location: Ninfield, Battle TN33 9EA
Mileage: Currently Showing 48550 (not verified as the actual total)
Engine: 200Di (Naturally Aspirated Diesel)
Transmission: Standard 4-Speed Manual (Standard Diffs / No Overdrive)
Overview:
After 24 years of continuous ownership and meticulous mechanical care, the time has come to pass on my trusty Series 3 109". Prior to my acquisition in 2002, the vehicle belonged to a family member, meaning this truck offers rare, long-term known history. As a mechanical engineer, I have personally maintained and looked after this Land Rover for over two decades. I am only selling it now to make room for an upgrade to a Defender.
This is an exceptionally honest, usable classic. If you are looking for a highly reliable, mechanically sorted workhorse with a genuine, unvarnished vintage aesthetic, this is it.
The Mechanicals & Running Gear (The Strong Point):
Engine: Retrofitted with the legendary 200Di engine (the highly reliable 200Tdi block running naturally aspirated). It starts instantly on the button from cold, runs beautifully, and offers fantastic reliability and fuel economy compared to the original units.
Gearbox & Drivetrain: Standard Series 3 gearbox and 4. 7:1 differentials. The gearbox is in excellent health, shifting smoothly through all gears without whining or popping out of gear on overrun.
Tyres: Fitted with a matching set of high-quality Goodyear G90 radial-ply tyres in great condition, including the spare. These provide excellent traction, durability, and a proper period-correct military look.
Maintenance: Maintained methodically to an engineering standard. All major mechanical systems, steering, and brakes have been regularly serviced and looked after during my 24-year tenure.
Chassis, Bulkhead & Body:
Chassis: Sits on its original factory steel chassis. It is structurally functional but has the expected age-related repairs.
Bulkhead: The bulkhead is in poor cosmetic condition and has been patched over the years to keep it functional. It is perfectly usable as-is for a working vehicle, but provides an honest baseline if the next owner ever chooses to do a full restoration.
Body & Paint: Finished in a rugged, working patina. There are battle scars, fading, and chips earned honestly over decades of light utility use—a look highly prized by enthusiasts who prefer a truck with real character over a glossy "trailer queen."
Equipment: Fitted with a heavy-duty tow hitch, making it ready for work immediately.
Note on Interior: Please note the original cab heater is currently non-functional (a very common Series trait, but highlighted here for total transparency).
Tax & MOT Status:
Fully registered as a Historic Vehicle with the DVLA.
Tax-exempt and MOT-exempt.
It is currently running legally on its historic exemption and is fully insured under a classic car policy. It has not been put through a voluntary modern MOT, but it has been maintained continuously to a safe, roadworthy standard by myself.
Summary:
This is not a hidden project found rotting in a barn; it is a loved, single-family-owned vehicle driven and maintained by an engineer. It is ready to drive away and be used immediately as a unique daily runner, property workhorse, or a solid rolling foundation for a future galvanised rebuild.
Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate its mechanical integrity and for a full explanation of works done to it over the years of my ownership.
I am very fond of this vehicle, previously owned by my son, which I am only selling as I am upgrading to a defender . During the last 24 years with me there is very little which has not been repaired, added, renewed or reconditioned-- far too much to list here. The major improvement is the fitting of a low mileage used Land Rover 200 Di engine in 2012 in place of the poor diesel engine originally fitted. It gives greatly improved performance and economy.
The gearbox was stripped and overhauled about 10 years ago.
As a historic vehicle the road tax is zero and it is exempt MOT testing.
I have kept many parts invoices/ receipts as well as old MOT certificates and road tax receipts which the new owner can inspect / have.
Over the years I have accumulated many spare parts, some new and some used, which will be included . Only used by me for short local journeys carrying tools and various loads it is cheap to run and a great easy starting and reliable workhorse.
I have only averaged under 2000 miles P. A. and insured it as a collectors classic
It tows well with heavy duty towbar and 7 pin trailer light socket although it is relatively slow because of its gearing.
