1975 LAND ROVER SERIES III 109"

This Land Rover Series III 109” is a delightful classic utility vehicle, which offers increased power thanks to its retrofitted six-cylinder petrol engine, and is presented with a charming level of patina throughout. In place of its original 74bhp 2.25-litre four-cylinder engine is a 3.3-litre Holden ‘Red’ straight-six, which produces around 135bhp. This drives all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 79,744 km.

Starting its life in Australia, this Series III was soon given a ‘heart transplant’ in the form of its larger-capacity Holden engine, which was fitted to enhance its performance and road manners while also being far easier to acquire parts for in period. In addition, it was fitted with a brake booster servo to provide increased stopping power, and dual fuel tanks were installed, allowing it to travel across the expansive country with as few stops as possible.

After many years of service, this iconic 4x4 was then shipped to the United States in 2019, where its New York-based owner carried out some general light refurbishment, including reupholstering the front seats and replacing the gauges with period-correct items. The car was then sold to its current owner and shipped to them in Belgium, where it is currently registered as a classic.

Today, the bodywork remains in great shape, with flush shut lines, tight panel gaps and no substantial dents or signs of damage to speak of. Owing to the vehicle’s age, its charming Bahama Gold paintwork has an attractive light patina. While the finish has faded and there are a few minor scratches and marks to its surface, this only enhances its rugged appeal.

The exterior trim, including the front grille and badges, presents very well, and the vendor notes that a new galvanised front bumper has been fitted. The light lenses are also in good order, and are free of any chips or cracks, with the headlights having been replaced with used items in September 2020. This Series III rides on a set of black painted 16-inch ‘Wolf’ steel wheels, which were fitted in late 2019 and remain in as-new condition.

Inside, the cabin is in good shape overall, with the scuffs, marks and general signs of age that can only be acquired over 46 years of use. Nonetheless, the interior trim presents well, with no damage to the dashboard or door cards, and the three front seats are in great shape, having been retrimmed during the car’s time in New York. In the rear, the load bay has clearly been used as intended, with various scars to its surface, which helps to tell the story of this well-travelled Land Rover.

While classic utility vehicles such as this are hardly well-equipped by modern standards, the few switches and electrical items which are fitted work as they should. The water temperature, oil pressure and fuel gauges were also replaced with period-correct VDO items by the previous owner. There are also no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This dependable off-roader’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in September 2020 at 79,695 km by Carrosserie Nico Demeester. As well as a full inspection of the vehicle, this also included replacement of the headlights and the clutch master cylinder, while the brake cables, thermostat and tail lights were also repaired.

As mentioned above, this Land Rover’s original engine was swapped for a more powerful 3.3-litre Holden six-cylinder unit early in its life, with additional stopping power being provided by a brake booster servo. In addition, dual fuel tanks were installed, increasing its total fuel capacity to around 115 litres, helping it to cover significant ground before needing to be refuelled.

Its most recent technical inspection was carried out on 21 January 2021, with no warnings being issued, allowing it to drive on Belgian roads until January 2023.

In November 2019, all five wheels (including the spare) were fitted with new BF Goodrich KM2 tyres in size 255/85 R16, which remain in excellent condition and with plenty of usable tread, as the vehicle has only been driven to and from its inspection in the meantime.

This Series III will be accompanied by various documents which were provided to the seller by its previous owners, as well as an invoice for its most recent service, its U.S. title, its Belgian vehicle inspection certificate and registration document as well as a Land Rover homologation certificate for the engine swap.

Having made its way from Australia to the U.S. and finally across the ocean to Belgium, this handsome Land Rover Series III is a particularly well-travelled example of the iconic classic 4x4. Having been fitted with a 3.3-litre straight-six, it is arguably even more usable than when it left the factory, and is presented in smart overall condition with a charming, well-earned patina across its body and interior. Far from being an over-restored show vehicle, this honest Series III is ready and waiting for its next owner to embark on an adventure, where it should prove to be a characterful and reliable companion.

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