1982 Land Rover Series III 88"

This Series III Land Rover is fresh from a comprehensive body-off restoration that retained a high degree of originality. It’s not concours, but it is extremely smart, and ready to go. We’re assured that it feels very solid and safe to drive, and is poised to fly through its upcoming MOT.

The chassis and bulkhead were both repaired during the restoration, and the engine and gearbox were rebuilt. As far as we know, they’re all original.

The current owner (an experienced restorer who has completely five or six vehicles in the last couple of years) bought this Land Rover as an unfinished project, with 90% of the work already done. He has finished off some wiring, fitted the new interior and tilt, had it resprayed, and driven it a couple of hundred miles to ensure it’s all safe and dependable. 

Included in the sale is a “Safari” roof with glazed side panels, so you can think of the lovely new canvas soft-top as a summer-only option if you prefer.

Aligning the bodywork on a Series Land Rover can be a nightmare, but this one has been nicely built. The shoulderline lines up well on both sides, and the front wings sit quite symmetrically. As far as we know, none of the main panels needed replacing during the rebuilt, although we’d put money on the doors and tailgates being recent. With age, galvanic corrosion makes Birmabrite become frilly around the bottom of the rear tub, but this one is tidier than most. Bonnet frames are another weakpoint, but again, this one isn’t bad.

All the panels are wearing a recent coat of Marine Blue. Look closely and you’ll find one or two runs and small patches of overspray, but on this whole this is a smart paintjob that looks very fresh. 

The car comes with a new khaki canvas from Exmoor Trim and a set of newly galvanised hood sticks (plus one-piece Defender-spec door seals). 

The bumper has a minor ding and retains its original patina, rather than being painted or freshly galvanised. The drop-down tailgate has brand new brackets and anti-luce latches, and Defender-spec cables rather than the earlier clattery chains.

Series III dashboards are rare (and expensive!) so a good one is a sign of a dedicated restorer. This example has been re-covered to a decent standard in vinyl that is a near-match to the original; please inspect our photographer’s images to see for yourself.

It’s a smart and clean interior, without the intrusion of modern aftermarket distractions. The one exception is the vacuum gauge in the dash, which isn’t from Solihull and its original purpose is unknown. (Replacing it with a more suitable accessory such as an oil pressure gauge might add a touch of authenticity, if you’re bothered by it.)

Brand new seats are fitted across the front and in the back. The footwells and seatbox are bare, and a period soundproofing mat system is installed around the transmission tunnel and bulkhead. It’s lived a life, but we reckon it introduces some welcome patina, as do the worn pedal rubbers (cheaply replaceable). By contrast, the rear floor mat is brand new.

Inevitably there’s a little brown rust to be found around the instrument bezels, on the door stay brackets and along the frames. No Series Land Rover escapes these things, so it’s wise to occasionally galvanise, respray or otherwise treat them if they bother you.

This Land Rover looks arguably even better underneath than on top. Its restoration has clearly included new leaf springs front and rear, and a new exhaust, and everything is wearing fresh black paint. The chrome swivels also look new, and the brake lines appear to be Cunifer replacements (giving better rust resistance than copper). Not all short-wheelbase Series IIIs have a brake servo, but this one does.

When the present owner bought this Land Rover, it had already received body-off repairs to the chassis and bulkhead by the previous owner. The work appears to have been done to a high standard. We’re not sure if the bulkhead or chassis were galvanised after their repair, but they’re certainly solid.

Larger-than-standard 235/85 R16 tyres have been fitted to steel rims from a long-wheelbase Series (which have a deeper offset than short-wheelbase rims). The owner reports a noticeable improvement in ride quality compared with the old springs and smaller rubber.

The 2.25-litre engine received fresh paint after its rebuild, so it’s a very presentable engine bay. All hoses, pipes and cables look fresh, and we can’t find any leaks. This being a late model, it has a five-bearing engine, offering a little more smoothness and longevity than earlier three-bearing models. The carburettor is a Weber.

Most of the restoration work was done in 2023. Work was completed a few months ago, and a new V5C was issued on 29th January. The owner has a large collection of photos of the work in progress. Unfortunately we don’t have any receipts dating from the previous owner’s tenure, only the current owner’s bills for the roof, seatbelts, rear seats and tailgate, totalling around £2000.

Being over 40 years old, this Land Rover qualifies for free VED and ULEZ entry, and is MOT exempt, but the owner has booked a test anyway, and at the time of writing, that’s a few days away. “It’ll fly through,” he tells us.

This feels like an honest and thorough restoration that brings out the original virtues of Solihull. It won’t have been quick or cheap – care seems to have been lavished on all the essentials. No sound-proofing or optional extras here, just Spartan simplicity at its best.

Like a grotty Bronze Green Series I or a red Defender 90 station wagon, there’s something archetypally right about an 88in soft-top Marine Blue Series III basking in the sun. Can there be a more perfect vehicle for a rural ride on a sunny English afternoon? Tell the family to hang on tight, stuff some picnic hampers between their knees and head off to explore your nearest greenlanes – it’s one of the iconic motoring pleasures.

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

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Finchley, London. 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’.