By its last model year, 1974, Land Rover’s Series III had become rather specialized for the North American market, and this 1974 Land Rover Series III’s seller counts it among the final 469 U.S. imports before Land Rover succumbed to its American competitors. This unit was “rarely driven,” according to the seller, who bought it from his mechanic who apparently took possession by mechanic’s lien after the original owner failed to retrieve it. Now it runs “very well for its age,” according to the description here on Craigslist. The $18,500 asking price buys a rare final model year example. After ’74, Land Rover’s American hiatus left the colonies without these capable utilitarian four-wheelers until 1987. Thanks to RoverParts for some details and to reader Zappenduster for spotting this Camano Island, Washington classic.
Here’s our best look at the interior. As you can see, the Landy features multiple levers and surface rust on its presumably original paint. It’s unfortunate that a few more pictures could not have accompanied the nicely-written description.
The predominantly non-ferrous exterior held up well considering this Land Rover’s five decades of outdoor parking. The seller recently replaced some parts including the upper door panels. Sun-checked tires retain most of their tread, according to the seller, and the sporty raised white letters differ drastically from the tractor-tread tires often fitted to these utilitarian off-roaders.
Lawn mower-like simplicity boosts confidence for your next expedition, whether it be deep into the forest or nine blocks to Cars & Coffee. By 1974, buyers wanting luxury items like air conditioning or even roll-down windows (the Series III windows merely push open), found more options available from Jeep, Ford, and General Motors, according to Hagerty. This rig reportedly spent most of its life in California and shows minimal rust underneath, according to the seller. Still, these simple machines command rabid loyalty among their fans, and they were the vehicle of choice for decades among anyone venturing into the brush for days or weeks with no hope of roadside assistance. What’s your top dollar on this specimen of Land Rover’s last American Series III?
Had I not gravitated to Americas greatest vehicle, according to Patrick Foster, I would easily have gotten a Landy. Hey, it was good enough for Randolph Mantooth( John Gage in the hoaky, yet entertaining “Emergency” TV series) who reportedly used his own Land Rover, a ’69 Series lll in the show. I can only imagine, the Landy for the Brits is as honorable as the CJ was to us. All business, something the British are/were happily and luckily known for, ( couldn’t have won the war without them, an eternal debt of gratitude there folks) and the Land Rover was the standard vehicle of choice for any Hollywood hack that had a desert in it. You simply can’t do better than a Landy,,,after a Jeep, of course. If that doesn’t boil your stout ale, nothing will,, let’s hear it for the Landy, hip, hip, hooray!
Howard, I totally forgot about Randolph Mantooth driving one of these in Emergency. I always just remember them in the fire truck. It looks like it was in mote than a few episodes too. Even as a kid I always thought these were terrific and unique.
Dave
Yes, more detailed photos are needed before anyone will send $$$ to buy this. The ad mentions a new left front fender and rear corner, but no photos of the damaged areas? No underside photos? Rust can be a very big issue on these on the chassis, outriggers, and bulkhead. This has been advertised for many months. I think it would have sold by now if this is a realistic price for the condition. I bought my nice ’73 Series III 109 station wagon here in Southern California for $11k. It was legally imported from Australia (RHD) and was already California titled. It has the common Aussie conversion of a GM Holden 202 CI straight 6 (their version of the Stovebolt Chevy).
Land Rover owners ARE NOT normal – they take pride
in battle scars,& how banged up they are.
At the Portland All British Field Meet years ago,I saw
a Land Rover owner looking at a totally restored LR pickup
that was pretty near perfect.He kept looking around as he
looked at the pickup,not wanting anyone to see him doing so.
Tougher than a “boiled owl!” These trucks could take no end of abuse. You couldn’t work one to death; you had to kill it with a stick.
Except for the Lucas “Prince of Darkness” electrics of course.
Three-position switch: “Smoke-Smolder-Ignite.”
English drink their beer warm because Lucas makes the refrigerators.
Actually, like a lot of European electrics, you just need to understand the system. And understand that the wiring diagrams are (to quote Motorcycle Electrics Without Pain) “printed in Martian.” Close quote.
Having owned a number of British bikes and an MGB, plus working on British tractors, trucks, and Land Rovers, gave me lots of experience.
Anyways, I sure wouldn’t kick this truck off my driveway. Won’t even need to get out the Whitworth wrenches and sockets to work on this one. I’d still have to unplug the fridge to get my beverages ready for a British adventure…
Well, my friend, with all due respect, I have a few notches under my belt, and I can honestly say I didn’t think Lucas electrics were any worse or better than any other. Semi trucks I drove had constant electrical problems, and don’t get me started( pun intended) on older Jeep electrics. Then, there’s the story of my daughters BMW, that a rat ate the wiring, yes, it is edible, in many cars, I found out. Besides, it’s a small price to pay for such great vehicles.
I’m on my 6th one (a 1966 109” pick up). All were series 2A’s except one 88” Series 3 like this one – it’s still in the family, my son in law has it out in New Mexico. Plowed a lot of snow up in NH with various LR’s and they never failed to start or perform as required. The main issue with these, as previously mentioned, is the frame. They are sturdy enough, but with the box construction all it takes is a couple of clogged drain holes and they rot from the inside out – I’ve welded up a few in my day and it’s amazing how quickly they can corrode especially in the Northeast with the salted roads. The good news is that new galvanized frames are readily available and the swap over isn’t bad assuming that you have the time and place to do it (my pick up has a new frame under it). The pick up has retired to FL, with me, where it occasionally makes dump runs and goes to the local British Car Club events.
Check the frame. Lift up the front aluminium floor panels and give the frame a good kick. I bought one for parts, when I tried this test, my foot went right through the frame. There is good reason why the galvanised replacement frames are a big seller.
I dont think mericans dropped the Brit for our own due to lack of ‘extras’ (if I understand the write up). For me (who work these types of vehicles life long) it was the lack of true dual purpose. Most off shore companies produced a very good off rder. For merican needs, we want one that can do hwy w/ease as well… No mater the continent to our left or right that ability came late compared to the Big 3’s offerings 7.5 decades ago and later (pretty concurrent catch-up w/change over from carbs).
I think it would be a fun off road toy not sure on the claim of how few of them there are because I’ve seen a few running around my small town they all look alike to me other than condition.
I had a Series 2 when I was living in Northern New Hampshire, bought used from the VW dealer in nearby Vermont, with a “30 day guarantee.” Day 27 the rod knock became very loud and the service Manager at the Landy dealer said “Oh yeah, that was blahblah’s Rover, and we told the VW dealer about that rod knock.” Short version, got it rebuilt by the dealer, paid for by the VW seller, and it proved it’s worth, especially in mud season when we rescued several pickups buried up to their hubs. Other issues: stepped on the high beam switch and it fell through the floor, rusted out, but the switch was still on the wires! It was actually pretty dependable, 6V positive earth.