Highlights
- Military-industrial provenance; supplied to British Aircraft Corporation for the Rapier missiles project in Turkey
- Only three owners since demob from BAE Systems
- Accompanied by an extensive history file including original build sheet, trip documentation and photographs
- Described by the vendor as a patina survivor in original condition
- Imported from Turkey and now registered on UK plates
The Appeal
The Land Rover Series 3 109 remains one of the most revered utility vehicles of its era, and examples with genuine military-industrial provenance are few and far between. This particular vehicle was supplied new to British Aircraft Corporation, later British Aerospace, and dispatched to Turkey as a reconnaissance vehicle supporting the Rapier missiles project, lending it a history quite unlike most survivors.
Purchased directly from BAE Systems in 1989 by one of the project engineers, it was driven back to the UK from Ankara through Europe, a journey of over 11,000 km that is well documented with daily mileage logs and photographs in the accompanying history file. The vehicle subsequently passed to the engineer's son, himself a BAE Systems employee who had been on that very drive, before being stored for approximately 20 years. It retains its Light Sand paintwork, military specification seats and full canvas top, while sympathetic mechanical work has reportedly been carried out to keep it in good working order. With just three owners since leaving BAE service and an odometer showing 30,631 km believed to be genuine by the seller, this is a Land Rover with notable provenance and a story well worth telling.
Key Information
- Mileage: 30,631 km indicated
- Country of registration: UK
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 2.25-litre inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
- Paperwork: extensive history file including British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, original build sheet, V5C, return trip documentation with photographs, various items of paperwork from its time in Turkey
- This vehicle was built in 1982 and registered in the UK in 1989; therefore, it is a 1982 build vehicle as confirmed by the heritage certificate
The Detail
- Supplied new to British Aircraft Corporation and dispatched to Turkey for the Rapier missiles project
- Original build sheet confirms military spec rear Salisbury axle and 24V charging system
- Driven back from Ankara to the UK in 1989, covering 11,295 km; route and daily mileage logs included in the history file
- Stored for approximately 20 years before the current owner's acquisition
- Radio set and racking were never supplied to this vehicle
- Light Sand paintwork with minor blemishes and small areas of superficial corrosion commensurate with age
- A few minor dents described by the vendor as adding to the patina
- The vendor describes the interior as very clean, with military specification seats showing no tears or rips
- Full canvas top; all glass reported to be clear and crack-free
- The vendor reports the rear load area presents well, with original load-securing cleats to side boxes
- Rear cross member and one outrigger replaced; the vendor states the remainder of the chassis is in very good order, having been rust-protected throughout its life
- Fitted with the five-bearing high-compression engine
- Mechanical components gone through, replacing what was needed and repairing where possible to preserve originality, we are told
- Vendor notes new brake shoes all round; brake lines replaced where needed
- Vendor reports new shock absorbers all round
- Original leaf springs dismantled, cleaned, treated, painted and reassembled
- The vendor reports the original gearbox works well with crisp changes throughout all gears
- 4WD system reported to select well with no whine from the transfer box
- 16-inch wheels fitted with Selectro free-wheel hubs
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
