1984 Land Rover Series 3 Outlander

Outlander was commissioned to build this Land Rover for an enthusiast in Devon two years ago, and it retains many original features, including the sweet revving 2.25-litre petrol engine. However, it’s been totally rebuilt and re-imagined, and features a beautiful uprated interior and a mohair hood.

The seller used it for family day outs, and in particular, evening trips to watch the sunset on Dartmoor, hence the Sundowner name.

Well, it shines like a new pin – and certainly more than any Series III did when it left the Land Rover factory back in the early 1980s. The nature of the Land Rover’s lightweight alloy panels means they’ll never look quite as sharp as a modern steel monocoque, but that’s part of the classic charm, and this vehicle’s as straight and true as any we’ve ever seen.

The pale green paintwork is in in lovely condition – not perfect as the finish is a little "orange peal" and as the vehicle has been used and enjoyed – but free from anything other than minor marks here and there.

The Outlander spec alloy wheels are a great addition, just wide enough to beef up the appearance over the spindly originals, and styled so that a non-enthusiast wouldn’t know they’re not original. They’re in lovely condition too.

The crowning glory is the red mohair hood, which is a different world from the vinyl original. It sets off the green paintwork superbly and is in unmarked condition as far as we can see.

Well, HRH Queen Elizabeth II – an ardent Series Land Rover fan – wouldn’t recognise this. High quality mohair covered seats in the same classy tone as the hood elevate the once utilitarian cabin and turn it into a off-road first class lounge. We reckon the late Queen would very much approve.

The same top class material also adorns the dash top and lower panel, and draws the eye to a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, which has its own rechargeable battery and can be removed to use outside the vehicle.

Thick mats cover the floor and they’re all removable and washable, so even if you get involved in some serious mud action, you can soon have the Outlander looking spick and span again.

Series III Land Rovers came with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and the spark ignition unit is by far the best. The oil burner will circumnavigate the globe several times but not in anything like 80 days – it’s a tortoise, not a hare.

The petrol engine is much more lively and happy to rev away all day, lugging the compact Land Rover over tarmac or rough ground without complaint. This one’s been rebuilt as part of the Outlander treatment and we’re assured it performs faultlessly.

There is, of course, a choice of two ratios to use with the four-speed gearbox – high for road use and low for serious off-roading. This may be one of the prettiest Series III Land Rovers out there, but it can still traverse any terrain that a four wheeled vehicle is capable of crossing.

This Land Rover comes with a valid MoT certificate, despite having no legal need for one. It attracts zero-rated road tax too, and you can even drive it through ULEZ areas without attracting any penalty. The enthusiast owner says:

‘I’ve owned most Land Rover models over the years and had always fancied a Series II or III. The appeal of something a little different as a 4x4 but with the added bonus of being convertible and having plenty of seating for friends and family. I’d seen Outlander advertising online and liked Graham’s unique way of improving a vehicle’s appearance.

‘I had a clear plan in my mind of what I wanted to build colour and spec wise, and once we got chatting it turned out he had recently purchased a Series III that had been fully restored by an enthusiast, and he was part way through giving it the Outlander treatment. By complete chance it was virtually identical to the car I wanted to build, so as they say, the rest is history.

‘It was fully rebuilt (the original chassis was good so it was left rather than putting a new galvanised one in), and the original 2.25 petrol engine stayed in. As far as I know this was rebuilt at the same time, and it runs like a sewing machine.

‘I’ve now decided to sell it as I don't have room in the garage to keep it, as I have an improved TD5 Defender which I am now using as a daily driver.

‘It’s spent its time with me buzzing around Devon lanes, farm tracks and fields and roads on the moor full of kids and friends for adventures and watching the sunrise and sunset (hence the Sundowner name plate). It’s just perfect to take the family for a walk or wild swim, but equally impressive as a pub wagon.

‘I believe it to be in excellent mechanical and structural condition. The paintwork is typical of a Series, and there is the odd mark on the paint from being enjoyed.

‘Mechanically it’s standard, however it has an uprated LOF clutch, with a slick shift to improve gear changes. Not quite modern but a huge improvement to drivability. The hood frame has been upgraded to the heavy duty version for safety. This can be kept in situ, half removed or totally removed once the hood is taken off (hood takes 10 mins to remove. Frame a little longer, but still simple and quick).

‘The hood is a custom made Mohair, with matching interior seats. It’s fully washable and practical, so no worries about getting out and enjoying it. The mats are all of heavy duty rubber backing, under carpet weave, meaning they can be pulled out and used as picnic blankets/mats and then brushed or hosed off if needed.

‘A Bluetooth Marshall speaker sits in a custom holder, allowing music to be enjoyed while driving, and also removed to use for a picnic etc. The wheels are upgraded Outlander style, with new tyres. They’re the perfect width as any wider and the steering may require more effort (no power steering).

‘Everything works as it should to the best of my knowledge and it’s passed the last two MoT tests without any advisories. It gets more attention than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned.’

A stunning reimagined Series III Land Rover that’s all ready for you to nip to the pub, or cross the wild highlands of Scotland. It’ll do either with equal aplomb and attract admiring glances where ever you decide to enjoy it.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £30,000 - £40,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.