HIGHLIGHTS
- Desirable and distinctive County model
- Comprehensively restored in 2018
- Healthy 2.25-litre petrol engine
- Seating for six
- MOT and TAX exempt
THE APPEAL
The Land Rover is undeniably the ultimate ‘go anywhere’ rugged utilitarian vehicle and the Series 3 represents the last of the ‘classic’ line of Solihull built off-roaders. Practical and desirable, the 88” County station wagon offers a higher degree of ‘deluxe’ comfort and features for the period.
This County was restored with a new galvanised chassis in 2018 and reassuringly included a replacement galvanised bulkhead. Three new doors and Wolf -style door tops were also fitted along with a new bonnet. The whole vehicle has been repainted in Masai Red and new Limestone decals applied.
A sizeable maintenance and restoration file supports the extensive mechanical work that has also been undertaken in recent years. This includes some practical upgrades such as electronic ignition and an unleaded head conversion, making this Landy reliable and ready to drive away.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered on the 4th June 1982
- Purchased by the current owner in February 2023
- Part of the V5 in the owner’s name
- Original Series 3 handbook
- Haynes maintenance manual
- Numerous recent and historic parts invoices
- Previous MOT’s
- Current ‘Pass’ MOT runs until February 2024
- Taxed until 1st April 2024
- Two sets of keys
According to a letter from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the recorded build date of this 88” County wagon is the 5th May 1982. It then became a demonstration vehicle at Henlys Limited, in Salisbury before being sold on the 16th September 1982.
One of Solihull’s finest, this great looking Landy appears to have lived in the Bristol area for many years and then spent a few years in Nottingham before venturing to Dorset to reside with the current owner and long-term Land Rover enthusiast.
Please note, the owner has recently applied to the DVLA to change the vehicle status to ‘Historic’, and at the time of writing, is still awaiting the return of the updated V5.
THE INTERIOR
- Nice tidy cab and rear space
- Re-covered dash with original facia and steering wheel
- Presentable Factory Jaeger instruments and switchgear
- All standard electrical equipment is said to function
- The front spot lights not yet connected
- Decent door cards with speakers
- New Exmoor Trim front seat covers over dual density foam
- Neat floor coverings and sound deadening up front
- 4 folding rear seats and rubber floor covering
- A few tears to the headlining
THE EXTERIOR
- Distinctive Masai Red with new Limestone decals
- Straight Body with good panel fit
- A few minor age-related marks to the paint
- County spec’ Safari roof, fog lamps, towing eyes, reversing lamps
- Aluminium Wolf-style door tops and Sundym glazing
- Excellent clear undamaged lights
- Side repeater indicators and folding foot rests also fitted
- Tow bar and electrics
- Clean galvanised chassis and wheel arch areas
- Sound looking fuel tank and exhaust system
- Great repainted Limestone steel wheels with free-wheeling front hubs
- Set of nearly new Falken Wildpeak A/T tyres
THE MECHANICS
- Clean and up together engine compartment
- Trusted 2.25-litre engine starts with ease and ticks over nicely
- Weber carburettor rebuilt in 2018
- All gears select smoothly and 4x4 high/low lever works well
- New oil pump in 2018
- New glass bowl fuel pump in 2018
- Steering, suspension and brakes are all said to function correctly
- Vin-plate is in-situ on the immaculate bulkhead
- Easy and cheap to maintain
Looking online, we can see that this Landy has only travelled 7,094 miles since 2006 and the owner understands that the engine and gearbox were rebuilt during the restoration in 2018.
Accompanying invoices reinforce the parts and services provided by specialists such as Hurley Engine Services Ltd, Christian Autos Ltd, and Paddock Motors Ltd (see photos of invoices).
SUMMARY
Having undergone a thorough restoration with all the problematic areas such as the chassis and bulkhead having been replaced, this highly capable and original specification County is ready to take on the world for another 40 years.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
