1974 Land Rover Series III 88"

This extremely attractive example has been lavished with virtually all the toys and trimmings that a Series III can handle, including power steering. It’s no ‘farmyard spec’ workhorse – this is much more civilised, but it retains a high degree of originality.

Even more impressive is the ownership history. The present keeper, a Land Rover afficionado with a Defender and an ex-military Lightweight in his collection, bought this one a couple of years ago, it had come via a classic dealer from the family of the original owner who had owned it for 47 years until his death. We’re told he only took it out of the garage to visit Land Rover shows a couple of times a year, and we can believe it. Throughout that entire period it was maintained by the same Land Rover specialist in Peterborough, and a large folder of invoices from that business is included in the sale.

“He always kept it under cover,” the owner tells us. “It’s only been rained on two or three times since I owned it, and I’ve never driven it in the wet. I was searching for nearly two years before I found this one. I challenge anyone to find another Series Land Rover in this condition and with this history and spec, especially with power steering and a Safari Roof.”

Despite its upgrades and refurbishment work, there’s a high degree of originality on display here. The vehicle wears its original registration number, which is engraved into the windscreen, rear quarter glass and glazed ‘Alpine lights’ in the roof. Galvanised cappings on Series Land Rovers rarely look this good – they’re usually dull and rusty, or excessively bright after re-galvanising, or they’ve been sprayed silver. On this vehicle the finish looks original, and it’s just right.

The paintwork is in lovely condition, bar one or two light scratches, and panel fit is excellent all round.

The rear door is equipped with heated glass as well as a wiper, rare features for a Series Land Rover! Steps are also fitted beneath all doors to aid entry/exit, and the side windows are Defender-style items rather than period spec, giving easier functionality.

Proper Britax Defender-spec mirrors have replaced the Series III items. For additional safety, the rear is equipped with a pair of high-level reversing lights as well as low-level fog lights, plus red reflectors. 

The new bumper with military-style bumperettes was fitted by the present owner in 2022. He retained the lifting eyes (also usable as off-road recovery points) that were attached to the bumper when he bought it, and these can be included in the sale if requested.

Free-wheeling hubs, another period option, are fitted to the front axle. These dislocate the hubs from the driveshafts to maximise fuel economy and minimise wear when you don’t need 4WD. 

High-quality tyres are fitted all round. Three are General Grabber AT2 all-terrains, in a size that’s close to original spec: 225/75 R16. They have plenty of tread, and although there’s some minor cracking between the blocks, they have many adventures left in them. The fourth is a new-looking equivalent BF Goodrich KO all-terrain, and the spare tyre is also recent and unused.

We also like the period style number plates, little covers for the wheel nuts and stainless hinge bolts in the doors. It all points to an attention to detail that not many Series Land Rover receive.

This is about as posh as a Series III gets! There’s seating for up to seven people, if you include the centre seat in the front. The Defender steering wheel is a big clue to the power-steering system, making this Land Rover much easier to manoeuvre than a standard Series. 

Other enhancements include a Hardura insulated mat system around the bulkhead, transmission tunnel and seat box, ‘Deluxe’ seats with headrests, Station Wagon-style door trims with pockets, and a Fairey overdrive.

The Fairey overdrive is a time-proven unit that reduces overall gearing, making highway driving much more realistic, and they’re pretty expensive to find these days. The original bottle jack is a welcome addition, and the driver also gets to play with a full gamut of period gauges indicating amps, oil pressure, oil pressure and even a (not-so period) rev counter – the full works!

Up top is a Safari roof, which means your passengers benefit from vents in the ceiling and a proper roof lining, and this one is in very good condition. Most of the trim is excellent, especially around the doors and the dashboard. There’s a bit of vinyl damage on one of the side-facing rear squab seats, but it’s still very useable. 

As far as we’re aware, this is the original chassis and bulkhead, and both are very solid with no welding required. (Underseal has been applied to the underside of the bonnet, preserving its rust-prone frame.) Overall there’s no accumulation of mud, nothing damaged and no causes for concern. 

Parabolic springs are fitted at all four corners, offering much less choppy ride quality than the original leaf springs.

The hydraulic power steering system components are from a Range Rover Classic, and the system was professionally installed by Heritage 4x4 in Peterborough during the previous owner’s tenure.

A non-standard electric pump is installed under the driver’s seat, rather than the original mechanical lift pump, and it’s equipped with a discrete cut-off system to foil thieves. An in-line fuel filter has also been fitted.

We’re not aware of any reason why this Land Rover would not fly through an MoT, although its last certificate was issued in 2021 and has now expired. Between 2006 and 2021 it was tested every single year (with the exception of 2020) and only failed once – for a tyre defect in 2021. In fact, that is the only defect of any kind in the car’s MoT history since 2006. 

The chassis prefix (921) confirms that this Land Rover left Solihull in the same spec you see it today, as an 88in petrol Station Wagon. The mileage history suggests that the odometer was zeroed in the mid-Noughties, so the vehicle may have been restored around that time.

Please flick through our images showing invoices from recent years, plus an original Series III Owner’s Manual and a period booklet for the Pioneer cassette player. A folder of invoices from the previous owner’s 47-year tenure is available.

The fuel tank is a recent replacement. The present owner also replaced some slave cylinders at the front to keep the braking sharp, and renewed the oil for the Fairey overdrive.

It’s believed that the engine has never been converted for unleaded fuel, so we would advise fuelling carefully and/or using the using the necessary additives.

The owner’s right – you won’t find another example quite like this one in a hurry. If you want an example of how to spec a Series III for daily use, you’re looking at it. Previous owners have thrown the kitchen sink at it, and it’s been a while since we’ve seen one so well equipped.

Don’t expect Range Rover levels of comfort, but as for versatility, pedigree and proper geeky fun – hell yes!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at 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’.