Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1971 Land Rover Series III 88"
Estimate
£14, 000 - £16, 000
Registration No: LBJ 343K
Chassis No: 90100184A
MOT: Exempt
An early and desirable 2. 2 Litre-engined Series III
Restored and upgraded to a very high standard
Finished in Marine Blue
The Land Rover Series III was a masterful facelift overseen by Range Rover designer David Bache of a product that continued to sell well across the world, despite increasingly tough opposition from a number of rivals, most notably Toyota. Series III improvements are easy to spot thanks to the headlamps being moved across to the front wings and an updated stylised plastic radiator grille. The updated and more safety conscious interior and all synchromesh gearbox acknowledged that the opposition was catching up, and the arrival of overdrive catered for those who needed their Land Rovers for serious on-road work. It was during the Series III production in 1979 that the Rover V8 engine (in low compression form) was added to the range. It was export-only at first, but came to the UK to pick up a small but loyal fan base.
Consigned to us from a private collection, this extremely early 2. 2 Litre example of the ‘Series 3’ has evidently been the subject of a comprehensive and professional restoration, with many tasteful and desirable upgrades incorporated. Riding on a galvanised chassis, with excellent straight panel work; the exterior is finished in striking ‘Marine Blue’ and complemented with white painted steel wheels. All galvanised components are finished in a matte Hammerite-style textured paint finish to give the correct, period appearance. The interior was upgraded with a set of high-quality ply door cards and floor boards, along with a rear deck area inscribed with the Land Rover motif, whilst contemporary ‘Exmoor Trim’ seats in black add some comfort and refinement over the originals. Highly practical and ready to use / enjoy, ‘LBJ 343K’ is offered with a canvas soft top that appears brand new and unused, painted side windows, hood sticks and even a tow bar, with electrics! Running and driving faultlessly on our recent photography session, ‘LBJ 343K’ is offered with a handbook, selection of old MOT certificates and a current UK V5c registration document listing just nine previous keepers over the past 53 years.
