One of the more challenging aspects of being an enthusiast is not understanding how others can let an important vehicle slip into disrepair. When I say “important”, I mean not only to the automotive community at large but also to one’s family. The seller of this 1973 Land Rover Series III claims it has been in his family since new, and that his father fastidiously maintained it. After his passing, the Rover was parked in a grainery and forgotten, now listed here on eBay at no reserve.
Perhaps “forgotten” is too strong of a word, as the seller claims they did start the Rover every week until the keys went missing, and then it just sat with no attempt made to start it regularly. The body appears sound, and the panels look nice and straight; the old-school Virginia license plates give some indication as to this Land Rover’s last ride. The side exposed to weather has clearly lost much of its paint.
One of my favorite anecdotes mentioned in the eBay listing is how the Land Rover was featured in Rovers magazine as a testament to the seller’s father’s love of these old-school British 4x4s. I hope that article is framed on a wall somewhere to remember this special truck by. The interior looks decent enough, but who knows if rodents have been munching on the seat foam or wiring under the dash; with the low bid at the moment, it might just be a chance worth taking.
The seller claims the family routinely exercised the Land Rover after his father’s death, but that once the keys went missing, the truck simply sat. I genuinely believe the seller’s admission that letting it sit any longer is somewhat egregious, and that he wants to see the truck go on to an owner that will be committed to restoring it. Personally, I hope the mechanical bits are refreshed and the rest of the truck left as-is by the next owner.
Nice story Jeff, and I agree about the article being framed. It is nice to see it moving on before it turned into a pile. As he states, started every other week for 7 or 8 years, depending on there defintion of a few years. Not sure how the keys go missing after that process, but the keeper of the keys should be punished.
Good deal at the current price, and easy enough to see if the motor turns.
Should be a crank handle behind the seat, and the slot in the front bumper is where it accesses the engine.
These motors are sturdy. They have 4-bolt main bearing caps and if properly maintained will probably out last the frame, and the replacement frame. I had one for years. Was fabulous in Quebec winters, though I put an auxiliary heater in, behind the bulkhead. Great vehicles.
Great example witth a neat pedigree. Up to 5300. see how the mill is, freshen up and needed. I like it. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
If that grainary is like the one my father and brother-in-law have on the farm in Iowa there are all sorts of mice and rats nearby. Even in grainaries not being used to store grain there are a lot of animals using the place for lodging. I was surprised the interior looks as good as it does.
Cool vehicle. Would like to own one but my legs are too long to clutch it effectively.
I have been in Spain for the past year and this is Rover heaven. The dry climate has preserved even the oldest models very well. When I head back Stateside I plan to take one with me (25+ years old). A rusty Rover is probably not worth buying due to restoration costs. Land Rovers were also licensed and built under the Santana name here, and although purists will scoff, they are in several ways better than the “real” Rovers made in England, particularly the later model years.
Ended: Feb 01, 2019 , 2:22PM
Winning bid:US $7,100.00
[ 14 bids ]