1971 Land Rover Series III 88"

Highlights

• Accompanied by its BMIHT certificate and old-style logbook
• Honest working example retaining its period character
• Desirable soft top configuration
• Brake and clutch overhaul completed in August 2026
• Voluntary MOT valid until July 2027
• Originally supplied new via Botwoods Limited, Ipswich, Suffolk

The Appeal

The Series III 88" is the quintessential working Land Rover: rugged, simple, and endlessly capable, equally at home on a farm track as it is on a weekend green lane.

This Bronze Green example was built on 27 September 1971 and despatched just two days later to Botwoods Limited in Ipswich, Suffolk. It was first registered on 30 November 1971 to West Suffolk County Council, and its original old-style logbook survives alongside a BMIHT certificate confirming its factory specification and delivery history.

This is not a concours restoration, but an honest, working Land Rover showing the patina and character many enthusiasts actively seek. A canvas tilt sits on a tubular frame in place of the factory truck cab - a desirable specification.

In August 2026, Gidneys Vehicle Services carried out a mechanical overhaul covering the braking system, clutch hydraulics, an electrical fault repair, and an oil service. It subsequently passed its voluntary MOT, which is valid until July 2027. As an historic vehicle, it is also exempt from road tax.

Key Information

• Mileage: 31,774 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 13th July 2027
• Technical specs: 2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual transmission, selectable low-range/4wd
• Paperwork: BMIHT certificate, original old-style logbook, current V5C, and recent service invoice from Gidneys Vehicle Services

The Detail

• All brakes stripped and overhauled in August 2026, including new rear brake shoes, all four wheel cylinders replaced, drums cleaned, system bled, and handbrake adjusted
• New clutch master and slave cylinders fitted and bled in August 2026
• Loose nearside front track rod end secured
• Electrical fault with front lights traced and repaired
• 7" H4 headlamp conversion fitted
• New washer pump assembly fitted
• Oil service carried out with all levels checked and topped up
• Loose auxiliary belt tightened
• Engine bay shows visible surface patina on components such as the oil filler cap, air filter housing, and battery box
• Bronze Green paintwork with white-painted wheels and Michelin tyres
• Period raised numberplates
• Soft top canvas tilt fitted over a tubular frame
• Black vinyl 'Deluxe' interior, period dashboard with twin dials, and the correct three-spoke steering wheel
• Chassis photographed in detail for your inspection (see gallery)
• Tow bar and trailer plug fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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