Highlights
- Originally operated by the Royal Marines
- Rebuilt by Land Rover specialists
- New fuel lines, electronic ignition, and full service
- Solid chassis with no rust and new panels
- Only 56,666 miles from new
The Appeal
Designed for the Royal Marines, the Land Rover Series 3 'Lightweight' or 'Airportable' was designed specifically for its ability to be carried underneath the Wessex helicopter. These modifications included making multiple components removable, narrowing the wheelbase so it could fit on an ordinary palette, and, of course, the necessary military reinforcements.
The new 'Lightweight' was actually heavier than a standard Landy, and technically came in overweight for the military's expectations - but the helicopters were improved to match, and the car brought into service. In the end, the entire point of helicopter transport was practically moot - as most ended up travelling via trailer, cargoplane or train instead.
A total of 37,897 were built between 1968 and 1984, and many remained in service for decades. It was as the 21st century approached that withdrawals began. Indeed, this fabulous 1980 example was disposed of in 1998, and was first registered as a civilian vehicle in 2002.
Over the past twenty two years, it's been very well cared for, and has in recent years seen a comprehensive rebuild and a host of new components. If you're after a truly storied 4x4, you'll have trouble finding one better than this.
History and Paperwork
- Built in 1980 for military service
- Operated by the Royal Marines until 1998
- Disposed of to Civilian Service
- First registered, according to the DVLA, as a civilian vehicle in 2002
- 10 previous keepers have been recorded since this date
- In current ownership since June 2023
- MOT exempt
- Odometer reading of 56,666 miles
- This is likely accurate - most military vehicles spend little time driving under their own power
- Complete with:
- V5c document
- Tax and registration documentation
- Application for Disposal of a Cast Vehicle from the Ministry of Defence
- Printout of the car's NATO unit history
The Condition
- Bodywork looks in very good order
- No sign of any significant corrosion to the bodywork
- We can't spot any dents or dings
- Paintwork presents well with some bubbling here and there
- Complete with military equipment and lettering including shovel and tow bar
- Chassis is solid with some corrosion, though nothing of significant concern
- Canvas roof looks in good order with no holes or tears
- Internally, everything is as austere as expected for a military vehicle
- Some light chips and marks, commensurate with its utilitarian use
- No rips or tears to the seats
- No perforating corrosion
- All instruments are clear and legible
- Note the equipment for removing the upper panels, just above the dash
- Smiths heater is still in situ with the windscreen demisters also in place
The Mechanics
- 2,286cc I4 petrol powerplant
- Manual transmission with 4 gears plus low ratio
- Rebuilt and reshimmed freewheeling hubs
- New fuel lines, electronic ignition, and full service
- Axle rebuilt with new gaskets and oil leaks repaired
- The vendor reports that the car drives smoothly
- Engine has been tuned to manufacturer's recommendations
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
