Highlights

Extensive service history with Keith Gott’s, known for overlanding and Dakar Race experience
Fully galvanised (and overpainted) chassis
Originally a military vehicle, designated as FFR (Fitted For Radio); now 'civilian-ised'
Numerous upgrades including full LED lighting, Toro overdrive and free-wheeling hubs

The Appeal

Looking for a classic you can enjoy whatever the weather? This Land Rover has you covered.

Yes, with its galvanised chassis, choice between hard top and canvas tilt, powerful LED lighting, 12v device charging station and Toro overdrive, this ex-military Landy has been transformed into one of the most usable Series IIIs money can buy.

Originally and FFR vehicle for the British Armed Forces, this 88" Series III was de-mobbed in 1981 and has since been converted to civilian specifications, now sporting a Marine Blue exterior and Limestone wheels/hard top. The vendor affectionately dubs the car 'Dolores', "after a blonde haired, blue dressed, gun slinging, wild western heroine".

As the photographs attest, the car wears its age well and bidders can rest assured that it's been well-maintained, with annual servicing and an enormous quantity of paperwork to prove it.

Exempt from road tax, MOT and usually very inexpensive to insure, Land Rovers of this vintage are becoming very tempting. There's a plentiful supply of spares, expert knowledge and a thriving owner's community. This short-wheel-base Series III benefits from some very sensible and indeed desirable upgrades which make it stand out from its peers.

The vendor remarks:

"It drives fantastically well, especially with the ‘5th’ gear/overdrive and short shift gear selector system, meaning it is perfectly comfortable keeping up with modern traffic on everyday roads. If you needed, you could get her to motorway speeds, but why would you? The LED lighting system makes nighttime driving easy, actually a delight. The smaller wooden steering wheel, short throw selector and overdrive mean she’s actually comfortable, I used her as my only and daily driver for years.

The perfect car of all people, from royalty to farmers, all over the world people are accepting of the Series Landy. Throw the kids, the dogs or a bunch of logs, whatever in and set off for the pub, the tip, glamping to Devon or strap a 16 foot Christmas tree sticking out the back (all of which we have done). Absolutely love this car, all three now grown boys learnt to drive in her. It is a very tough thing to part with, but a permanent move to the USA forces her sale. Take her green laneing, through muddy country roads, on shoots or go and visit the grandparents in her, she will adapt to all circumstances."

The History and Paperwork

Early Series III - 1971 MY
Civilian registered since 1981
Originally a military vehicle, designated as FFR (Fitted For Radio)
60,999 miles indicated
Extensive paperwork and manuals included
Fully serviced by Keith Gott’s, renowned for his overlanding and Dakar experience, preparing Land Rovers for gruelling events
Serviced annually and kept up-to-date
Acquired by the vendor in 2017
Fully serviced by the previous seller and annually thereafter by the vendor
Road tax and MOT exempt, with classic car insurance costing the vendor around £65 for 3,000 miles per annum

The Condition

Galvanised chassis (overpainted to resemble the mild steel original)
Bodywork is in good condition for its age, with all original panels now hand-finished in Marine Blue coach enamel; the vendor has the old tins with paint codes if required
Steel wheels professionally resprayed in Limestone
Some commensurate patina as to be expected, but no notable damage or deterioration apparent or reported
Underside has received some anti-corrosion spray protection, maintaining good condition
Standard hard top roof with rare 'cat flap' tailgate; gas strut added
Also complete with a one-year-old canvas tilt and 'bikini' top with all hood sticks, fixtures and fittings
Rear tub fully rebuilt, new floor and new fixings
All lighting replaced with modern LED
Tow bar and trailer electrics fitted
Professionally upgraded electrics for phone charging and music/radio playback
Dashboard upgrade with retrim in brown leather, plus aux, charging point, volt meter and cigar lighter socket
Full rubber matting in the front, back, and load area keeps the interior clean
Exmoor Trim seats with brown leather with Harris tweed cloth inserts; all are clean and reportedly mark-free
Interior roof features a retro vintage canvas Union Jack instead of a headlining
Seven seats: 3 in the front, 4 on two benches in the back, all with seatbelts

The Mechanics

Mechanically sound and up-to-date on servicing
2.25-litre petrol inline-four with a newer carb and simpler air filter system
Manual transmission with four gears plus reconditioned Toro overdrive
Well-regarded (fully reconditioned) Toro overdrive system; the one commissioned by Land Rover from the Spanish manufacturer with a larger oil sump
Front free-wheeling hubs installed by the vendor
Full stainless steel exhaust system
Slikshift short throw gear selector in stainless
Wood-rimmed quick-release detachable steering wheel
Parabolic leaf springs for a smoother ride
New starter motor, alternator, red key isolation switch, and other engine work
Equipped with an immobiliser switch and fighter toggle switch with push-button start
Run on E5 petrol with lead replacement additive used every few tanks
The vendor notes that the Land Rover drives really well with the ‘5th’ gear/overdrive and short shift gear selector system
Comfortable for modern traffic and everyday roads
Used by the vendor as the only and daily driver for years

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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