26th Jul, 2023 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
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Subject to a comprehensive restoration across two years being completed in 2022
Highly original bodywork with original chassis and bulkhead
Uprated with an early Defender 2.5-litre Turbo engine and five-speed manual gearbox
Disc brake and power steering upgrades to give a more modern driving experience with the original Series appearance
Offered with a large selection of restoration photographs
The world-famous Land Rover was launched in 1948 and developed from a single offering to a family of long and short-wheelbase derivatives with an ever-increasing choice of engines. The Series III of 1971-1985 was the most numerous, with some 440,000 being produced. Outwardly it was almost identical to the IIA, but the gearbox now, thankfully, benefitted from synchromesh on all ratios, while the cab featured a more modern, moulded plastic facia.
Manufactured new in 1977, the long-wheelbase example offered was registered new on the 27th of October that year. Used as a workhorse across four keepers, the last of which acquired the Series III in 1996, before it was taken off the road due to age-related tiredness in 2000. Remaining in that ownership until 2019, the Land Rover was then purchased by the vendor who is very well-versed in the Land Rover marque and embarked on a comprehensive, ground-up, restoration of the 109. The original chassis was refurbished (with the original chassis stamp pleasingly still present) and the original bodywork was fully renovated, retaining the majority of its original panels including the bulkhead, with only new door skins and rear side panels required. The bodywork was then subject to a full repaint in Pastel Green and the original galvanised parts were blasted and re-galvanised.
Looking to produce an original appearing Series III with uprated running gear, without altering the bodywork, the vendor opted for an early Defender 2.5-litre Turbo diesel engine which was overhauled with new mains, big ends, rings, oil pump, stem seals, and head gasket before fitment, and was allied to a five-speed manual gearbox that was also refreshed with new seals, bearings, and synchros. An aluminum core radiator was provided and an oil cooler plumbed in, with new braided fuel lines, as well as a new wiring loom provided with LED lights, an electric cooling fan, and front and rear fog lights. The front axle was renewed using the original castings with later Defender swivels, while the rear axle was overhauled and provided new bearings and seals with the ratio changed to Defender Salisbury ratio.
Stopping power has also been uprated with a Defender disc brake conversion with vacuum assistance and new brake lines throughout, while the ride improved through new springs and Monroe shock absorbers. A Defender power steering box has been supplied with new wheels and tyres, and a stainless steel exhaust system is fitted. The driving experience has been further enhanced with a fully soundproofed cab with Dynamat and a new carpet kit, as well as deluxe seats (with adjustable driver's rail), fresh glass, a leather coating on the original dashboard, and custom headlining. After two years under restoration, ‘WKV 297S’ was completed in 2022 and has been used sparingly since completion.
Supplied with a history file that contains a few previous MOTs and tax discs, approximately 75 restoration photographs, and a current V5C document. This is an opportunity to enjoy a classic Series III Land Rover in a much more usable specification, while pleasingly retaining the vast majority of its original panel work and original chassis.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452
