1975 Land Rover Series 3 88" 2.25 Petrol

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 3 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, with a different grill and an upgraded interior. 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 88in or 109in 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 outstanding Welsh Grey 88in Landie was totally restored in 2019 and has seen very limited use since, being exclusively dry-stored when not in use ever since. A huge CD of pictures detailing the painstaking build is supplied, showing that no stone was left uncovered. As such, it remains the closest thing to a brand-new SIII that you’re likely to find. The mileage is believed to be genuine, and it was supplied new with a fairey overdrive along with freewheeling hubs, both of which work perfectly and quietly. Fitted with tow bar and 7-pin electrics there is virtually nothing it isn't equipped for.

No expense was spared in the restoration of this handsome, rugged all-rounder and it’s likely even better than one you’d have found in a Land Rover dealer in the mid-70s, such has been the attention to detail. It has been painstakingly restored to original spec and even a cursory glance at the pictures shows just how good the work involved has been carried out. The attention to detail is stunning, right down to the copper washers under the wipers to prevent corrosion transferring.

During the ground-up extensive restoration vehicle benefitted from:

Chassis, Engine and running gear:

New Galvanised Chassis by Richards

Original 3 bearing Engine fully reconditioned. Bores honed to +0.20 thou and bearing shells replaced purely out of a desire to future proof the engine, but in reality didn’t need replacing, further backing up the vehicle’s mileage.

Unleaded head conversion

New fuel tank

New Exhaust System complete

New Cooling System radiator & water pump

New Cooling Hoses

Reconditioned steering box

New Steering Joints

Transmission:

Original Landrover Swivel Housings .

New Bearings and seals all round.

New Axle Pinion Oil Seals

New Axle Lubricants. Differentials replaced with reconditioned units.

Complete New Borg& Beck Clutch Assembly

New clutch master and slave cylinders

New Clutch Hydraulic Hose

New Output Shaft Seals

Suspension:

New springs

New shock absorbers front & rear

New Aale bump stops

Wheels & Tyres

4 New wheels with Michelin tyres

Braking System:

New master cylinder

New brake cylinders front & rear

New brake hoses

New brake shoes including handbrake shoes

New copper brake pipes throughout

Body:

New full Undercover Covers soft top

Full bare metal respray after whole body sand blasted. Finished in two pack Welsh Grey

The bulkhead only required footwells and feet. Original spec footwells welded in.

New Complete Front Doors

New front wing skins

New rear wing skins so NO Filler!!

New battery box in seat base

Original tailgate in great condition

All cappings re-galvanised

New wing Mirrors

Interior:

New deluxe high back seats & head restraints

Retrimmed dash

For many years, the SWB SIII was the shortest 7-seater vehicle available on the European market and this example retains all of the original’s utility and abilities. For regular use or high days and holidays, this Landie represents the chance of enjoying a pristine, ‘as-new’ Series III with little of the pain of actually paying for the restoration yourself.

Summary:

Unless you own a time machine, this is probably your best chance of owning a ‘brand-new’ 1975 SIII SWB. An outstanding restoration just begging to be driven and enjoyed in all weathers and over any terrain.

Location: Gloucestershire

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional