1979 Land Rover Series 3 88” Lightweight

Description

• UNSOLD at auction December 2023 – no longer available
• Military Service Records
• Comes with rare original B Card
• Sensibly reserved
• NATO Green
• 2.25 litre engine

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 theatre, tough enough to cope.

In a classic story of brilliant British engineering, the Land Rover Lightweight / Air Portable saw service all over the world. That is the reason they are appreciated everywhere they appear. Because of that when Lightweights come to market, they are very sought after.

Military Background

Our vendor has served in the Forces. Many Lightweights pootled about base doing very little, but this Land Rover saw service in Northern Ireland. We understand, and evidence exists, of additional personal protection being fitted to this Land Rover.

• The Land Rover comes with the original B Card
• Photographs in the Gallery show this Land Rover in service
• Land Rover manuals and literature
• Handbook

It is uncommon to find an Air Portable that has these kind of docs and history. Many simply just do not have them, or they’ve been lost. This Land Rover comes with what is described as a “box full of history” that contains “a lot of the old MOTs, documents of work carried out and I have added anything I have spent on the Rover”.

Mechanicals

Beneath the slimmed down front end of this Lightweight is the classic 2.25 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces masses of pulling power torque. The 124lbft is delivered at 1,500rpm, making this old-fashioned petrol engine feel like a modern, punchy diesel.

Again, our knowledgeable vendor has shared some detailed information. It is understood around the late 80s many of these were recalled and new engines were fitted.

Outside

This Land Rover retains the inevitable battle scars, dents, and dings of age and military service and is much the better for it. The NATO Green has been hand-painted and overall looks wholly presentable. Don’t get to within inches and expect a fresh, professionally resprayed Air Portable, which can sometimes come across as slightly artificial. This one is rugged and original. The vendor does state however that there are a few areas of corrosion, namely: to the middle one of the bulkheads, some corrosion around the driver’s side air vent flap, a small amount on the bottom of the front grill section left and right, and a patch on the bottom of the left wing which require some work.

The windows, mirrors, lights, door handles, exterior fittings, with nice twin aerials, finish off the proper military Land Rover look.

• Low usage. Travelled around 7,000 miles since 2006
• The canvas tarp was replaced three years ago
• 24-volt FFR (Fitted for Radio)
• One-piece tailgate
• NATO tow hitch
• Twin fuel tanks
• Air Force livery with roundels and Union Jack

If you look closely at the various images, you’ll see additional exterior touches too.

Inside

As with the outside, more of the same really; rugged, robust and raring to go. You’re never going to go to a Black-Tie event in a Lightweight; although saying that, can you imagine what a hoot it would be to arrive at The Dorchester in Park Lane in this? Seriously, this a go anywhere, do anything, all purpose vehicle. It isn’t a Chelsea Tractor. Although the kids would be the talk of the school being dropped off in this.

The interior is spartan and functional, just as intended. The very uncomplicated cab is an entertaining place where practicality and functionality triumph over comfort. The dials and switch gear are original and display their vintage. They could easily be improved if you wished. We’d advise to leave as is, to be honest. The original features such as the London bus-like steering wheel and the original military seats are still there. No-one has wrecked the look by fitting goodness knows what. A couple of authentic/original looking fire extinguisher feature as well. The rear space looks tidy and in good condition.

• Three seats across the front with seat belts
• Functional extra seating in the back, if you’re brave enough, or if the kids are getting on your nerves.
• Rifle rack behind front seats
• Replica SLR fitted
• Period telephone handset
• Set of military number plates for use at shows

There is a rear safari tarp with bungees and legs included in the sale, please note that this is not an original piece, rather it was made for the vendor by a friend.

Our view

In some ways, the images under-play this Air Portable. Our vendor has served in such places as the Falklands and Cyprus. He is knowledgably and as you can see from his images in the Gallery, he is open about the condition of this Series 3.

If you’re looking for a fully restored show and shine Landie that only comes out for an hour on Sunday, look away now. But, if you want a fun, functional, fully useable Series 3 that would grace any military show with its authenticity and history, you’ve found what you’ve been looking for. It is reserved very, very sensibly too.

Vehicle Location: Peterborough, Lincolnshire PE6 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Land Rover Lightweight? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.