1974 Land Rover Series III 88"

KEY FACTS

• This Land Rover Series III 88” is an ever-popular and highly versatile classic British 4x4, which benefits from significant yet sympathetic restorative maintenance, since which it has reportedly covered around 500 miles.
• Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 2.25-litre inline-four, which sends its power to all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• This example was first registered in October 1974, and was acquired by the seller in October 2018.
• This Series III was purchased by the seller as a ‘running project’, having been sat unused on a farm for six years. Over the seller’s ownership significant recommissioning maintenance has been carried out, including more than £3,500 worth of new parts being installed.
• The odometer indicates 1,815 miles, though this is not warranted.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Series III 88” is finished in an endearing shade of pale green with a contrasting cream roof with a patina on the exterior panels, over a body-coloured cabin, featuring a black dashboard, and black vinyl upholstery.
• It rides on a set of 16-inch steel wheels finished in cream, which are shod in Hifly Vigorous All Terrain tyres.
• Equipment includes a spare wheel mount on the bonnet and interior bulkhead, a three-spoke steering wheel, sliding windows, a high and low range gearbox, Smiths gauges, a VDO analogue clock, folding inward-facing rear bench seats, a rear bulkhead spare wheel carrier, and basic heater and ventilation controls.
• This example has been enhanced with new ‘deluxe’ seating and rear passenger benches.
• The car comes with two sets of keys, the V5C, all the invoices for the rebuild parts and professional gearbox rebuild.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: the majority of the vehicle is understood to be in its original paint apart from the roof, wheels, door frames, and A-pillars, which have been repainted. The majority of the exterior retains an original patina including some dents. The interior has been fully repainted, new seats have been fitted, and there is a tiny tear on the edge of the nearside headrest, rear reversing lights previously fitted are not presently connected.
• The seller notes that the heater fan is not running, despite new seals most of the engine and transmission filler plugs weep some oil, and there is a minor leak from the front of the sump gasket, which has also been replaced.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 9 September 2011 at an indicated 966 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
• This vehicle is believed to be exempt from mandatory MOT testing due to its age.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Series III’s most recent maintenance was carried out in February 2025, which consisted of new ignition parts being installed, including new points, a condenser, rotor, cap, plugs, and leads.
• The seller notes an oils and filter service was carried out in 2024, and all the oils have been changed in the last 3.5 years.
• Notable restorative maintenance includes, but is not limited to, over £3,500 worth of new parts being fitted, the original chassis professionally updated with four new crossmembers (engine, removable gearbox, bulkhead, and rear corss members), the bulkhead being professionaly rebuilt with new panels and floors, the gearbox being rebuilt by a Sussex-based Land Rover specialist at a cost of £1,500 with a new three-part clutch and spigot bearing, all new brakes installed including lines, pipes and cylinders, all the roof and door seals replaced, new stainless-steel door hinges and top door frames fitted, and the new ‘deluxe’ seats and rear benches being fitted.
• A new battery and front screen vent rubbers have reportedly recently been fitted.
• Other notable recent maintenance includes all new tyres being fitted.

SUMMARY

This Land Rover Series III 88” is a rugged and highly capable classic British 4x4, which benefits from significant yet sympathetic restorative maintenance. Presented with an appealing colour scheme, still wearing the majority of its original patina, and boasting a dependable inline-four engine, iconic styling, and renowned all-terrain capabilities, it would make a characterful companion for vintage daily driving, weekend adventures, and off-road workhorse duties alike.

The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section.

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