1977 LAND ROVER SERIES III 88"

This Land Rover Series III is a fine example of the marque’s popular utility vehicle, which benefits from a recent, sympathetic restoration. Under the bonnet is the 2.25-litre four-cylinder engine, which drives all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 9,367 miles, though the accurate total is most likely around 100,000 miles.

First introduced in 1971, the Series III was the last of the classic leaf-sprung Land Rovers, and was effectively a modified version of the preceding Series II and Series IIa vehicles. Exterior changes included a plastic front grille and re-styled bonnet, but the bodywork of the Series III remained largely untouched.

In the cabin, the simple metal dashboard was replaced with a more ergonomic – and safer – plastic one, while the instruments were placed directly in front of the driver, rather than in the centre. Mechanically, the Series III was also more refined, thanks to a full complement of synchronised gears and the inclusion of an alternator in place of the Series II’s dynamo.

First registered on 10 February 1977, this example features the Station Wagon body style, allowing it to transport the driver and up to six occasional passengers in relative comfort, thanks to the trio of front seats and two folding benches at the rear. Its previous owner undertook a sensitive restoration, and also rebuilt the engine and gearbox.

Understood to have been resprayed, this Land Rover’s iconic bodywork is in very good order, with only a few minor dents appearing on its rugged panels – in keeping with its workhorse character. The green paintwork is smooth and even across the body and presents well. While there is a small scratch just above the rear number plate light, this is a very minor issue.

The off-white roof is also in great condition, and the light lenses, plastic grille and other exterior trims are in good order. The vendor notes that the car still features its original chassis, which has been welded in some places but is described as being solid and usable.

This Land Rover Series III rides on a correct set of 16-inch steel wheels, which are painted in the same off-white hue as the roof and are in excellent condition, with no signs of dents, chips or scratches to their surfaces.

Inside, the cabin is every bit as functional as you would expect in a 1970s utility vehicle, though it has been retrimmed to a high standard. Clad in black vinyl, the front seats present handsomely, and are free of any substantial marks or blemishes. Similarly, the folding rear bench seats are in very good order, and their padding appears to be full and firm.

Elsewhere, the interior does show some signs of its age. The pale headlining is sagging and torn in some places and there are signs of surface rust on the underlying roof structure, though these issues should be easy to rectify. All of the interior switches, controls and electrical items work without fault; however, the seller states that the choke cable is not correctly mounted and is loose in the dashboard.

Mechanically, this Land Rover is in fine fettle and is fresh from a full engine and gearbox rebuild, which were carried out by its previous owner less than 300 miles ago. In addition, it benefits from a full service including an oil change, a new oil filter and new plugs, points and fluids.

During the engine rebuild, the engine’s valve seats were also replaced, allowing this Series III to run on modern fuel, while the heater box was swapped out for a later Defender unit, making the car more comfortable during cold-weather drives.

Now MOT exempt due to its age, this 4x4’s last MOT test was conducted on 12 May 2016 at an indicated 9,316 miles, where it secured a clean, advisory-free pass after an exhaust emissions issue was corrected. All four of the chunky off-road tyres are described as being in good condition, with plenty of tread remaining.

A true British icon, the Land Rover Series III is a handsome, go-anywhere vehicle, which is as at home bouncing across a rutted field as it is driving down the lane to collect the weekly shop. Sympathetically restored, this example would be a credit to any collection, but is also read to drive and enjoy, capable of taking on whatever challenges it may face with its next owner behind the wheel.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.