Highlights
- Highly original ‘farm find’
- Rare 2.25 petrol engine
- Genuine 22,339 miles from new
- Sympathetically restored by current owner
- Work carried out by King Rig Customs, Cheshire
- MOT until January 2023
The Appeal
If you want an original, low mileage, highly genuine, Series III 109 wagon with the original petrol engine, this is it. Seriously, this is it. The one. Just try finding another – they simply aren’t out there. Not in this kind of solid, original, unrestored condition.
The Land Rover Series III (later renamed as ‘Defender’) is the quintessential Land Rover. With nearly half a million of them produced from 1971 to 1985, this is the first car that many people in the world ever saw, simply because it was the only vehicle capable of reaching them. It’s the ultimate explorer’s carriage, the grand-daddy of all utility vehicles and off-roaders. And this particular car is a brilliant example of the breed – honest, robust, tough and deeply charming.
We shouldn’t ignore the fact that, as utility vehicles, many of these have lived hard lives of abuse and toil and have long since disintegrated. Therefore, they’re an increasingly rare thing to find, especially in such original condition. This makes them more and more valuable – and that will pattern will only continue as time goes by.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK, February 1983
- 5 previous owners before current keeper
- Genuine ‘farm find’
- Covered less than 500 miles since February 2008
- Non-runner since 2009
- Current V5 – current owner since May 2021
- Restored and recommissioned by current owner
- Current MOT until January 2023
- Genuine Series III Owner’s Manual
- Original build sheet (discovered in the underbody when the car was restored)
The Interior
- Nearly new black vinyl seats
- Full-size spare wheel
- Original, unrestored condition
The Series III Land Rover is a basic, utilitarian vehicle, so cabin creature comforts are thin on the ground. But what it is is solid, original and in remarkably unmolested condition. What features there are work well and everything feels very well put together. The dash and controls have wear and tear commensurate with the vehicle’s age, but no unexpected damage.
One of the most striking aspects of this vehicle is its originality. Other than the triple black vinyl seats, which have been replaced with new items, the cabin is entirely original and unrestored. The vehicle’s age can be clearly seen from the wear on the floor panels and other areas of the cabin. We find this patina truly charming, and it tells the story of the vehicle which was used as a farm workhorse from new until 2009.
The Exterior
- Original ‘Bronze Green’ paintwork
- Contrasting off-white hardtop
- Off-white powder-coated wheels
- Sympathetically restored underside / chassis
- Presented in solid, unrestored, original condition
- Genuine 22,339 miles from new
Looking every inch the workhorse, this is one of the most honest, heart-on-sleeve Series III’s you’ll find. Yes, the exterior wears a plethora of dinks, scuffs and scratches, but that’s entirely the point. Few cars wear their history as well a well-used Land Rover, and this has one of the finest patinas we’ve ever seen. There are some areas of surface corrosion in the usual places – hinges, windscreen surround, wing mirrors, but absolutely nothing that would worry us.
At the back, the car wears an agricultural grade tow-hitch, and the theme of originality continues. All of the original external trim and badges are present and in good order. The glass and lights are similarly fine, with no cracks or chips. The rear window even still wears the original dealer sticker with pride.
What really inspires confidence with this vehicle is when you look underneath. The usual Land Rover trope of “it’s probably best not to look at the underside” certainly doesn’t hold true here. It’s in exceptional condition for a vehicle of this age. The current owner has had the chassis and underside restored as sympathetically as possible – as much original metal has been retained as was practical and what wasn’t salvageable was replaced before the entire underside was treated and repainted. The work was all carried out by King Rig Customs of Cheshire, and we think it’s as solid an example as you’ll find.
The Mechanics
- Reconditioned original engine
- Manual 4-speed transmission
- High / Low ratio box
Still bearing its original 2.25 litre petrol engine (many were ditched in favour of the more torque-laden TDIs), this remarkable survivor sounds as sweet as can be and drives just as well. With a happy burble from the torquey four-cylinder petrol, this Series III goes, steers and stops exactly as you’d expect it to. These are relatively simple, robust drivetrains, so perfect for the DIY mechanic to look after. As an ownership proposition the petrol is much nicer than the diesel powerplant too – smoother, quieter and (for a Land Rover) more refined.
The suspension and braking components have been overhauled and everything appears to be in fine condition. We spoke with the company that carried out the restoration work on the vehicle, and they’re confident that it drives as well as any vintage Series III you’ll find.
Summary
Few cars sell on a combination of raw practicality and pure charm. In fact, other than the Land Rover, we can’t think of any. And make no mistake, this is a deeply characterful car. It wears it history on its flanks for all to see, and that lovely 2.25 petrol engine gives it a distinct and wonderful burble you simply don’t hear from modern off-roaders.
If you’re after a concours-spec, perfect condition car, then this is not the vehicle for you. However, if you want a very rare, honest, solid, and very interesting car that will put a smile on the face of everyone that sees it – form a queue right here.
Restored sympathetically and with great skill to retain it’s personality, this is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime vehicle. Where else will you find a Series III Land Rover, with its original petrol engine, and less than 23,000 genuine miles on the clock? They simply don’t exist. And yet, here it is. It’s a unicorn, a charming reminder of a bygone age. It is, quite simply, the best 4x4 by far…
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