Lot 177 - 1979 Land Rover Series III (Short wheelbase)

• Restored to concourse standard
• Fully matching numbers example

Land Rovers were inspired by the US-built Willys Jeep immediately after the war and by 1992, Land Rover claimed that 70% of all the vehicles they had ever built were still in use. The Series III is the most common vehicle, with 440,000 of the type built from 1971 to 1985. The headlights were moved to the wings and the traditional metal grille featured on its predecessor, was replaced with a plastic one. The production run for the Series III was from 1971 through to 1985 and during this cycle (1976) the one-millionth Land Rover rolled off the production line. The Series III saw many changes in the later part of its life as Land Rover updated the design to meet increased competition.

In 2022, this stunning example was fully nut and bolt restored to, what our vendor describes as, concourse factory standard. Presented in Marine Blue with uprated leather seats to replace the factory vinyl this car would have been supplied with and, it is complemented by a matching leather steering wheel and mohair ‘no expense’ spared hood. The original car, prior to the restoration, was a 26,000 miles, all numbers-matching, engine, axle and gearbox, 2.3 litre petrol example, this was perhaps the best possible start point. The seat covers, when removed were remarkably able to be saved thus they were restored with new foams and re-upholstered, testimony to what must have been an unusually pampered life for a short wheelbase Land Rover.

The extensive and breath-taking restoration, where the cost far outweighed the asking price, with a few modern twists including deep dish wheels and oversized tyres, really looks the part. This included the best available new bulkhead and chassis, OEM parts were used where possible including a new old stock, very rare, genuine front grille and heater vent and a stainless exhaust system. Originally supplied to the department store Debenhams U.K. in June 1979, it has just two former keepers and will be offered with a new MoT test certificate. In November 2022, this car was featured as a centre spread in Land Rover monthly magazine, a copy of which can be found in the car’s history file. Also contained within the file is the complete original BL service pack with every piece of paper that came with the car from new, this is described as in perfect condition and includes the original warranty sticker, now on the windscreen. A full restoration picture book can also be found and even the original AA book and key.

Boasting the complete tool roll kit and jacking equipment including the starting handle, this is one of the best restorations we have seen, this is certainly one of those opportunities to express that the car is better now than when it would have left the factory.