1980 Land Rover Series III 4x4 Station Wagon, Registration no. UCA 557V Chassis no. LBCAG1AA106993

* Low-mileage 2.3-litre petrol engine (ex-military)
* Extensively restored with no expense spared
* Stronger military-specification chassis
* Numerous new parts
* Restoration bills and photographs available

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. In the course of more than 60 years in production the supremely versatile Land Rover would prove itself adaptable to innumerable civilian and military roles. Its replacement is keenly anticipated.

A Series III model on the 109" wheelbase, this Land Rover has the 2,286cc petrol engine option. The Series III had been introduced in 1971 and would prove to be one of the longest-lived models. Mechanical changes were relatively few, the major improvements being an all-synchromesh gearbox and a bigger clutch, the most obvious departure from the preceding IIA being an extensively revised and up-rated interior.

After a long search for a straight-panelled Series III Land Rover, the vendor eventually found this example. We are advised that the panels were very good, almost factory straight, which is rare for any Land Rover! A near-perfect military-specification chassis (thicker steel than the standard version) and a low-mileage military engine were sourced and fitted, including all ancillaries. The Landie was then subject to an extensive two-year restoration, which included removing all 800 rivets and then stripping the paint from all panels back to a bare metal base. It was then re-sprayed in Land Rover Pastel Green two-pack, and new stainless steel rivets fitted; it was then rewired. New parts include the doors (complete), door pillars, foot wells, bonnet, tailgate, full-length canvas, front panel, sills, front grille, seats, stainless steel exhaust, and all four tyres. The restoration consumed many hundreds of man-hours; related bills and photographs are on file, and the vehicle also comes with MoT to December 2018 and a V5C Registration Certificate. We are advised by the vendor that the Land Rover runs and drives as it should, with nothing required, and is ready to be enjoyed.