1974 Land Rover Series III 88"

Background:

The Series Land Rovers were the models which set in stone the company’s reputation for rugged, go-anywhere ability. Launched in 1948 as an extremely utilitarian 4WD machine capable of dealing with almost any terrain in almost any conditions, they were used by farmers, the military, emergency and utility services, Royalty, VIPs and the ordinary man.

By the time the Series III was launched, in 1971, Land Rover was not only a household name across the globe but an instantly-recognisable shape and that shape changed little as the previous Series II was updated by its replacement.

Visually, the SIII is easy to spot as the headlights had moved from the grille recess to the front wings, to accommodate changing legislation. But this was evolution, rather than revolution, with numerous detail changes beneath the skin. A wide variety of options were offered – as with the SII models – based on the same 88" or 109" chassis. Niceties like an all-syncromesh gearbox and more powerful and even more reliable engine were introduced, while Land Rover engineers constantly added improvements and refinements through the life of the model.

With more than 440,000 SIIIs rolling off the production lines before the end of its life in 1985, it remains the most widely seen of the Series models and has a loyal and dedicated enthusiast and specialist following.

The car:

This Short Wheelbase (88") was purchased by the vendor about eleven years ago for nostalgic reasons – he had coveted a Land Rover since his youth after admiring a family member's. Proof, if proof were needed, that once bitten by the Land Rover bug, there is no cure!

This is no concours lawn trailer queen; this Land Rover was built to be used and has served its dues through half a century of faithful service. When used regularly, it is an eager starter with a decent dose of choke - even in cold weather and the vendor says it drives well.

Marque specialist, JA 4x4, has stated that the 2.25-litre petrol engine is very good and runs sweetly, while the gearbox (which was rebuilt with a new clutch some 20 years/20,000 miles ago) is also strong, though – in common with most of its peers – this SWB’s gearbox does not respond well to being rushed.

This Landy is well known to JA 4x4 and comes with a sheaf of bills documenting work completed over the last 15 years, including the gearbox rebuild, suspension work, clutch slave and master cylinders, new springs to the rear, a new water pump and assorted hoses, a rear canvas tilt cover and radiator grille, to name just a few. Given their condition, it is also believed that the car has recently benefitted from a new radiator and battery.

Naturally, the condition of the chassis and bulkhead are of prime concern in any Series Land Rover. While there has been some minor welding to the chassis, JA 4x4 recommended retaining the original chassis rather than replacing it with a brand-new galvanised item, unless a full concours rebuild was being undertaken. Hence TGY 725 M retains the chassis with which it first rolled off the assembly line in Solihull half a century ago which is still going strong and doesn't require replacement.

Given its age, some items will require minor fettling for perfection but if you buy a Land Rover and nothing needs doing, have you actually bought a Land Rover? This is an honest and well priced SWB Series III, with all the charm of the breed and it’s certainly ready to head forward into its second half-century, as a reliable and charming companion.

Summary:

Eminently affordable, this Series III represents great value for money and will respond well to a loving home, with reliable and faithful service – as well as allowing the new owner to indulge in a little fettling, if desired!

Location: Cheshire

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional