Highlights

Price reduced for a limited period only
Series 3 Lightweight with good history file
Full MoD records from 1981 to 1997
Refurbished including fresh paint in 2021
Excellent condition throughout

The Appeal

Commissioned for military use, the Land Rover Lightweight was designed to be easily dismantled in order to bring it under the 1.25 ton lifting capacity of a Wessex Helicopter and narrower bodywork allowed them to fit two-abreast in an Argosy transport aircraft.

The Series III version was launched in 1972: The headlights were moved into the front wings as on the civilian model and synchromesh was available on second gear rather than just on third and fourth. It was also fitted with an alternator instead of a dynamo. The military versions were fitted with the 2.25 litre petrol engine which from 1980 had a five main bearing crank instead of three.

This smart Lightweight is an FFR version (Fitted for radio). These were fitted with a 24 volt electrical system to cope with the radio electrical needs. It has a fully documented history with a folder documenting every detail of its life with the MoD, from servicing and mileage to units and upgrades. After being “demobbed” in 1997 it has had four owners all of whom have taken good care of it as is documented in the history file.

Purchased by the Seller in 2011 he used it for a while before treating it to a major refurbishment in 2021 with plenty of replacement parts and fresh paint. Now being offered as a newer Defender is on the way, it remains in great overall condition, with apparently nothing required.

History and Paperwork

Built to MoD specification in 1981
Delivered to the MoD as FFR version
Assigned to 69 Gurkha Independent Field Squadron
In 1995 it was transferred to 94 Berkshire Yeomanry Signals Squadron
Purchased by the Seller in 2011 and used sparingly on his farm
V5c In Seller’s name
MoT valid to October 2023
Major refurbishment in October 2021 by Island 4x4 on the Isle of Wight, invoice for £7,400
Fresh coat of NATO olive green inside and out
Replacement rear cross member and spring hangers
Tow bar fitted, fully undersealed, new headlights, wheels and tyres
New canvas tilt
Invoices from previous owners for parts and maintenance
Original MoD history file for 57 HG 20, fully documented covering vehicle assignments, every mile, all work completed and upgrades from 1981 to 1997
Copy of MoD Circuit Diagrams
Military Land Rover SIII Lightweight User Manual

The Interior

Standard MoD SIII interior
Black seats, some new pads, others lightly worn
New canvas with no damage or stains
Seatbelts fitted to front seats
Standard gauges, appear to work correctly, Seller reports temperature gauge is inconsistent
Dash stripped and repainted in 2021
Replacement windscreen motor cover requires fitting correctly.
Twin fuel tanks with original switch
Correct steering wheel with no cracks
Smart rear bed with fresh paint and no dents, good tailgate fits well
Original VIN plate with matching MoD registration
Overall a tidy interior, utilitarian and basic, but correct in all respects

The Exterior

Body stripped and repainted NATO olive green in 2021
All glass great condition, windows slide correctly
Canvas replaced in 2021, fits well with no rips or damage
Headlights and taillights all replaced during refurbishment
New 16 inch wheels with fresh Michelin 4x4 tyres, including bonnet mounted spare
New mirrors and arms, bonnet jets, wiper arms and blades
Fitted with standard tow bar
Correct ID and information plates
Exterior as tidy as you could hope to find with no scrapes or significant damage and excellent paintwork

The Mechanics

2.25 litre petrol engine, according to MoD history file may have been replaced in 1995
Gearbox and 4 wheel drive system
Recent service with oil and filters in Oct 2022, plus replacement coil and condenser
2 new batteries fitted in 2021
Undersealed chassis
Clean underside with light surface corrosion on exposed parts
Brake system overhauled, wheel cylinders and brake lines replaced
Original and untouched engine bay with some replacement parts and general wear
Excellent maintenance history, and reported to drive correctly with no issues
Overall well maintained and ready to use

Summary

These 1/2 ton SIIIs are light and agile off road and it has been driven most of the 952 miles around the vendor's farm apart from the odd trip to neighbours.

With just 21 further miles covered since its last MoT in October 2022 when it was serviced, it is apparently in ready to go condition with nothing that requires attention.

Notice to bidders

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