1972 Land Rover Lightweight Series 3

Description

• UNSOLD at auction May 2022
• Verified Mileage
• Military Records
• MoT & Service History
• Many new parts
• Very good condition
• Overdrive fitted
• Low reserve

The Royal Marines wanted a vehicle that could be dropped into combat zones, anywhere they went. Land Rover took up the challenge. The ‘1/2 Ton Lightweight/Air Transportable’, was the result. Light enough to be able to be helicoptered into a combat, tough enough to cope.

The Land Rover Lightweights saw service all over the world. It was a classic story of brilliant British engineering. Lightweights are appreciated all over the world and when one comes to market, it is very sought after.

Military Background on MCU 294K

• There is a full Certified Copy of the Factory Record in the extensive file
• The records show the Army Service Dispatch date was 18 May 1972
• It was delivered to the Central Army Vehicle Depot at Ashchurch in Glos.
• From Ashchurch, MCU 294K went on to Antwerp
• The Army Vehicle Data Card, with original Military registration number of 52 FLO 8 number plates are retained with the classic Land Rover for the new owner

Engine and transmission

Beneath that skimmed down front end is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces masses of pulling power torque. The 124lb ft is delivered at 1,500rpm, making this old-fashioned petrol engine feel like a modern, punchy diesel. It really makes the classic Land Rover fly.

Slip it into first and from a standstill she fly flies out of the blocks. The classic Lightweight is great fun. This one has the rare overdrive so longer journeys, are easily doable. As well as that, there are numerous extras. This is what our vendor tells us.

“There are a few very good extras fitted which improve the Lightweight.

• Freewheeling hubs
• Overdrive (£2,000)
• There are also loads of new recent parts
• New canvas top
• Alternator 21.02.22
• Carburettor 2021
• Fuel tank
• Spare tyre
• Battery-
• Lift pump
• All front axle oil seals
• All brake pipes & hoses
• Annual service receipts.
• Current MOT until 24.06.2022.
• Old MOTs dating back to 1978
• A full MOT history from 2008 to the present day.
• File of vehicle history which includes thousands of pounds worth of receipts, upgrades, and MOT costs, various old tax discs.
• The Lightweight was serviced during its military ownership and that continued in civilian life.

The Land Rover starts first time, drives superb, the Overdrive is an essential & welcome extra and it will drive anywhere on or off road”

Outside, underside and inside

This one on the outside and underside has been as well kept as the engine and transmission and it’s one of the nicest we’ve seen. The bulkhead, floors and chassis are all sound

The 70 plus images show just how well this Lightweight has been cared for. We’ve seen this classic Land Rover up close, and it genuinely is very, very good. The dual purpose Lightweight is as lovely as it is practical.   Our vendor has described one fault inside; a small tear on the upper corner of a front passenger seat. See images.

Our vendor says;

• The Deep Bronze Green paint and body is all in good condition
• As is all the structure, chassis etc.
• There is a new canvas soft top fitted.
• The battery system is 12 volts.
• Fitted is a genuine army issue shovel-pick axe handle.
• There are locker storage boxes in the rear along with locker storage box outside on N/S. Inside there is Sony Face off CD player in seat locker.
• It comes with a Battery Isolation switch.
• In the front inertia seat belts are fitted.
• The Landie has a NATO tow hitch, starting handle clipped under bonnet, Jack & wheel brace stored in passenger locker under seat, recent new tyres and a brand new spare.
• Receipts and MOT’s shows 84,021 miles on May 12^th, 2010.
• A new speedo fitted and today the mileage is 1,270, so a grand total from new of around 85,300”

Our view

We have been to visit this classic Land Rover Lightweight. It is very good. In some ways, the images under-play how good it is. We always encourage inspection. Our vendor would welcome this. He has lifts if you want to look underneath to see how sound it is..

It’s hard to conjure up a classic car at a similar, very affordable price level, which offer a combination of an all absorbing driving experience, open-air fun and practicality that can go literally anywhere you want. Now who’s a lightweight?!