1978 Land Rover Lightweight Series 3

The Lightweight Series 3 Land Rover comes from the collection of the current Chairman of a major British sports car manufacturer, so you can be assured it’s in first class condition and has been very well maintained. The current odometer reading of just 22,374 also means that it’s a lovely low-mileage example. 

He bought the vehicle from a military dealer 18 months ago and prior to that it was in use in the Dutch armed forces. He intended to use the vehicle in Portugal but didn’t take it over there in the end, and has stated that he has no use for it in the UK.

The Land Rover has been garaged since he took delivery, with a new battery, starter solenoid and fresh hood all fitted. He says that it’s in first-class condition and drives and runs very well. 

Other than the supplied V5c document, which shows the date of first UK registration to be 01/04/21, and the results of a recent online vehicle search there isn’t any other documentation supplied, so this is a Land Rover that will be bought on its superb condition and low mileage.

The Land Rover’s body presents in smart, original condition. The panels are generally very good, albeit the door skins – with lumps and bumps, here and there – demonstrate that it has led a life. 

There’s very little evidence any surface corrosion, with hinges, bolts and panel edges all in very nice condition. The black bumpers are in a similarly good state, but could easily be brought back to their Sunday best with a fresh lick of paint – would that be necessary, perhaps not.

A lovely new khaki hood has been fitted and presents in as new condition. You will find a bonnet mounted spare wheel in situ, secured by straps. All steel wheels are sprayed in body colour matching paint but will require new tyres, as there is evidence that the rubber on some of the Good Year units has perished and cracked.

It’s very smartly presented.

As you’d expect of an ex-Dutch army vehicle, it’s in left-hand drive configuration. It’s utilitarian in the extreme inside but has developed a quite lovely patina. 

The original front seats are present and, a couple of small abrasions aside, remain in good nick. Lap belts are fitted for safety. Again, the paint finish inside is good with a profusion of solid looking metal present. Electrics have been converted to 12-volt. 

Up top, the hood frame is in excellent condition. The tailgate is in perfect working order and lowered it reveals a large storage area, or (cushion-less) raised seating areas should you need to schlep some people a short distance.

What’s clear from both the exterior and interior conditions is that this Series III has been very well looked after, both in the Dutch armed services and since. 

It’s worth taking your time to look at the Land Rover’s underside, as you will find a very well protected and straight-looking chassis. Some of the rust-proofing product is starting to show its age cracking a touch in places, so it could be a good time to top it up with a fresh application – either way, it’s one of the cleanest Land Rover undersides that we’ve seen over the years.

The engine bay remains smart and, as our Video Review demonstrates (at point 2 minutes 12 seconds), the engine itself fires first time and settles into a smooth diesel idle. The vendor says it’s a very nice example to drive and that experience is conducive to its low overall mileage. Just to double-check that, we’ve had it out for a blast and can confirm all the above. 

Again, the metalwork under here is good, with just a touch of very light surface corrosion on the area immediately underneath the brake cylinder reservoir. 

The matt black mechanicals and engine bay contrasts very well with the Military Green bonnet and front wing panels.

As noted in the Vehicle Overview section above, you will only find the V5c document and a recent online vehicle search included in the Land Rover’s history file; the latter notes that there is no outstanding finance, it hasn’t been reported stolen and that it’s not been written off. 

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car is a relatively recent, low-mileage arrival on UK shores. 

This is a wonderful example of a Lightweight Series 3 military Land Rover, which presents in wonderful condition – not only that, it runs and drives beautifully as well. 

Given the above, we think that this low-mileage example will realise somewhere between £10,000 and £15,000. That’s not a lot of outlay for a Landy that will easily slot into any collection (military or general), or could simply provide its next owner with a thoroughly intriguing classic vehicle. 

As mentioned, it’s from the collection of a current CEO of a British sports car manufacturer. That means you can be sure that it’s been purchased by a thoroughly discerning eye and well maintained in the intervening time. 

It’s time for a new home. 
Are you ready to provide it?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.