1983 Land Rover Series 3 88"

Our example of the redoubtable Series III hails from 1983 having been first registered in November of that year. Available records suggest that it is a home market, right hand drive 88” and has been, at least, four colours to date – blue, yellow, green and now this fetching shade of Audi Nardo Grey. Current owner, Robert, took the reins of this Series III in June 2024. Based on earlier MoT records it seems this 88” has been lightly used in recent years. The mileage progression between its 2005 MoT and today’s odometer tally suggests only around 500 miles has been covered in that time.

This Series III is a desirable 2.25-litre petrol model offering a much more practical real world driving experience with a surprisingly modest penalty in economy……..such as it is……..over the diesel. As well as that great looking, recent Nardo Grey paint job, this Land Rover benefits from a flexible pick up configuration with new looking canvas hood, oversized wheels and tyres and a new set of black vinyl seats front and rear. What a distinctive and fun way to travel.
 

It’s no accident that the Series Land Rovers look the way they do. Whilst it may suggest that Rover’s styling department may have lost all other drawing aids other than a setsquare during the war, it was a calculated design. The slab sides and constant radius curves at the waist made for the quickest and simplest manufacture. The externally hinged, two piece doors and other panels meant that virtually anyone could maintain and repair a Series regardless of their skill, location of available tools. The modular body meant different configurations could easily be fitted and removed at will. Perfect for the isolated, hillside viticulturist or covert, desert based SAS four-man patrol alike.

This example has clearly benefitted from a 21st century “glow-up” to include that new, very on-trend livery. This looks appropriately thickly and evenly applied and this Land Rover’s underlying panel ripples, rivet marks and other blemishes seem impressively moderate. There is the odd unfinished fixing hole here and there, such as those for former wing mounted mirrors, but that’s all part of the Series’ charm. The galvanised tub trim, front bumper and windscreen surround all look bright and fresh and the removable door tops are present and in matching grey finish. 

A new and pristine looking canvas hood is present and finished in a deep olive hue with contrasting and complementary, lighter edge binding. The hood’s hoop set looks compete and well-shaped. The 16-inch steel wheels are finished in black. An impressively chunky and matching set of Toyo Open Country tyres are fitted in a 235/85 configuration. These appear to be date stamped from 2018 and so will have covered virtually no miles since then. A spare wheel and tyre are mounted on the bonnet and an additional mounting point is affixed to the bottom hinged tail gate. 
 

This Land Rover’s interior has enjoyed a recent looking refresh, too. This is courtesy of a trio of so called “luxury” vinyl seats up front and a pair of fold away side benches in the rear. These are all spotless and, again, seem to have hardly been used since their fitment. In the front the floors have been left in painted Birmabright, but a fitted, ribbed rubber mat is present in the rear.

The dashboard and driver facing instrument binnacle all look to be standard Series fare, the latter housing the familiar, white-on-black Jaeger gauge set. The Solihull-spec, big but dainty three spoke steering wheel is present and correct. The other key control interfaces consist of the charmingly dog-leg shaped gear lever, the red-topped range selector lever, and the yellow topped four-wheel drive selector. The only concessions to post-1980’s desires are updated, blue seatbelts and the obligatory………. ejector seat deployment knob (hopefully inoperable!).

Like the rest of this Series III, this interior has seemingly been thoroughly scrutinised for issues. Anything that has been considered worn or below standard has been replaced, restored, or recommissioned. It is very hard to fault in here for a 40-plus year old farm wagon. 
 

By 1983 the Series III was benefitting from the five bearing version of the erstwhile 2.25-litre petrol engine. This was a 1980 upgrade and was accompanied by a strengthening of the transmission, axles and wheel hubs. By this point the four speed transmission had long been an all synchromesh affair and a high / low range transfer box is also fitted for when the going gets really tough. The fitment of a new wiring look has also been reported. These Series III mechanical components are known for their longevity and robust nature and are supported by an excellent spare parts and modification supply infrastructure.

The under bonnet presentation looks impressive for a 42 year old off roader. There is evidence of some new and uprated arts having been fitted including a new coil and a Weber carburettor. Thank fully the original oil bath air filter is still fitted as nothing can cope with heavy dust quite like them. The expected data plates and workshop stickers all appear present and correct.

The underside looks great, too. This critical area seems to have received some recent love and attention with plenty protective underseal seemingly present. It is mostly original under here, too, with just the original front springs having been replaced ."by lighter duty, three leaf variants. Both the chassis rails, outriggers, dumb irons and bulkhead are reported to be “very solid, and it's had a new clutch fitted."

The Land Rover is classified as an Historic Vehicle now, based on age, and is so MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty. Despite this exemption, the vendor has committed to sell the Land Rover complete with a new MoT for added peace of mind.

The Series III Land Rover would go on to be the most ubiquitous by some margin. The last of the Series vehicles remained impressively faithful to Maurice Wilks’ original concept. It was this rugged dependability that made it so indispensable in all of the most hostile regions of the world. That said, a Series III could also cut it on the Kings Road or even outside a royal palace, or two. Few other vehicles could do so much, for so little, in so many diverse and disparate places.

This example strikes a great balance between originality and an appealing, mildly resto-modded aesthetic. There are plenty of new looking parts in evidence but, with the possible exception of wheels and tyres, they are original specification additions. Given this thoughtful modernisation, attractive recent livery and innate Series III indestructability, this 88” should attract many admirers.  

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Finchley, North London. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.