Description
1980 Land Rover Series 3 109" Van.
Purchased in 2016 as a first-time restoration project, this Land Rover was completely dismantled and rebuilt with many new components.
The car is not a show queen by any means but presents as a mechanically sound vehicle and an ideal project.
The history of the vehicle prior to my ownership is relatively unknown, apart from the dealership plate on the seat-box which suggests that it was first sold in Surrey.
Constructed in 1980, we believe it was originally diesel powered, but the vehicle was sold to me with the standard 2. 25L 3-bearing Petrol Engine sat in the back, which we decided to stick with.
The engine has had a top-end rebuild, with hardened valve seats fitted for running on unleaded fuel - Although it runs very sweetly, fitted with its Weber Carburettor, the engine would benefit from having the cylinders bored and will need attention to the rear main crank seal, as there are the tell-tale drops of oil after a longer trip.
Mechanically, the vehicle is very sound - The axles, springs, swivels, hubs and steering box were all rebuilt and appear to be in good condition. The gearbox/ transferbox was reconditioned professionally and runs well.
The vehicle is also fitted with a Fairey Overdrive unit, which makes for easier cruising at higher speeds and improves fuel economy - slightly! The overdrive unit was reconditioned but has suffered from the usual worn teeth and is somewhat noisy.
The vehicle rides on a new Galvanised Chassis, manufactured by Richards, and also benefits from a reconditioned galvanised bulkhead - the original being too far gone to repair.
A new wiring loom was fitted when the car was being rebuilt, but I have made some modifications at the dashboard end to incorporate a newer style fusebox - these can easily be reversed if necessary. The loom was ordered with provision for wiring in a tow-bar connection and cab radio if desired. At time of writing, all the electronic components on the vehicle are working.
The cabin is missing the lower dashboard panel. This was beyond repair - I have retained the faux leather covering which I will provide if desired.
Body-wise, all panels apart from the rear door and roof were stripped and painted with Limestone white - The paint job is not the finest, and there are a few scratches, but overall presents well. The tub was fitted with a new floor panel, and the former locker hole on the side was patched over.
In addition to the spare tyre, the vehicle comes with a whole host of original, spare and extra parts including a reconditioned drop-tailgate and cab roof components - See photos for the list.
Paperwork and receipts for reconditioned parts are available with the car.
Viewing is welcome. Please contact me to arrange. Purchased as a first time restoration project - a thoroughly rewarding experience which has produced a very useful and usable classic. A great introduction to the classic motoring world!
Parts and advice for Land Rovers are plentiful and the mark retains a very good following.
Good fun to drive!
