If we asked our UK readers to assemble a list of the ten most iconic vehicles to roll off a British production line, many of those lists would include a Land Rover of some description. These classics aren’t fast or glamorous, but they are unerringly practical and as tough as old nails. They remain a firm favorite of the British royal family, and the late Queen Elizabeth II was often seen behind the wheel of one on her holidays to Sandringham. This Rover is a 1973 Series III. It is the long-wheelbase 109 variant and is an unmolested survivor. It runs and drives and could be an excellent candidate for someone seeking a project off-roader. The seller’s decision to drop their price might make it irresistible to some.
Land Rover introduced its Series III range in 1971, taking a “slowly, slowly” approach to development. There was little to visually separate the new model from its predecessor beyond an updated grille, but the company continued with the mechanical evolution of the badge. It remained available in North American markets until 1974, with our feature vehicle rolling off the line in 1973. Its presentation is respectable for a vehicle of this type and age. The Green paint sports marks and scratches, and its appearance has become matte. However, vigorous work with a high-quality polish could transform its looks if the new owner pursues the preservation path. The panels are straight, with no appreciable dings or dents. The seller confirms there is rust, but they don’t specify its location or severity. It won’t be in the panels due to the company’s use of aluminum, but frames can pose problems with age. It may not be an issue, but only an in-person inspection will confirm whether it requires immediate or professional attention. The vehicle is missing a couple of small badges, but the glass looks good, and the off-roader rolls on its original wheels.
The Land Rover 109 is a model of versatility, and thanks to the cantilever rear seats, it can accommodate up to twelve people. Early vehicles featured vinyl trim, but this gem scores points with its Gray cloth. It needs a deep clean to present at its best, but the fabric is surprisingly free from wear and visible stains. The rubber mats are intact and in good order, but there are a few shortcomings the buyer might wish to address. The end cap is missing from the dash on the driver’s side, and the pad has cracked in several spots. I had no trouble locating a replacement pad for $225 but had less luck with the cap during an admittedly brief online search. However, persistence might pay dividends, and there are suppliers in the UK who will ship internationally if the buyer seeks a high-end interior presentation and has no luck locally. Creature comforts don’t extend beyond a heater, with occupants potentially facing a round of Car Pool Karaoke on long journeys.
Powering this Land Rover is the company’s 2,625cc six-cylinder engine. It sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a bulletproof dual-range transfer case. The motor delivers a modest 84hp and 132 ft/lbs of torque, which doesn’t sound like many ponies to shift a vehicle weighing 3,955 lbs. However, outright speed was never the aim of this exercise. The engine’s torque peaks at 1,500rpm, making it easy to see how these classics developed a reputation of covering harsh terrain with the engine barely ticking over. The seller indicates this classic is in sound mechanical health. It runs and drives, the brakes work, and the four-wheel drive system functions as it should. It is unclear whether it is roadworthy, but it seems the foundations are there to achieve that goal if it isn’t.
The seller listed this 1973 Land Rover 109 here on eBay in Halcottsville, New York. They initially set their price at $20,000 but have dropped their BIN to $18,000. However, if that figure is too rich for your blood, their willingness to consider offers may make it more enticing. The BIN is below what Hagerty quotes for a #4 example but is probably slightly above market expectations. That needn’t be a deal-breaker because careful negotiation could see someone take it home for less. What do you feel would be a fair price for this British classic?
Well, I know a little,,,and if I was making that list, the “Landy” would be at the top. #1. It’s not the fanciest, nor the most optioned, but I can’t think of a vehicle that describes the British common sense more than a Landy. BTW, “Landie” is not acceptable as I read Jaguar, who owns Land Rover, applied for a patent on the name Landy. As mentioned, practically any 4×4 will run circles around these, it wasn’t about all out speed. 1st, a 4×4 from a country that probably never needed one, perhaps from the military, to create a stout 4×4 with a shred of dignity. I read, a base Landy like this was almost $4grand in ’73( sounds a bit light) and not a heck of a lot more than a Bronco at $3870. The series lll was the most popular, with over 440,000 sold. It’s not clear how many came here, not many as most went worldwide. Hollywood glorified the Landy, and every scene that involved a desert of some kind, always featured a Landy. Again, you want to barrel down a 6 lane interstate, that’s stopped, or bounce through the woods? This will get you there on a highway, and unmatched in versatility. It could use a winch. I know it’s a hefty claim, but I think the Land Rover is #1 in vintage 4x4s, the sane kind, anyway.
Looks like a decent old bus. 12 people, ‘zat all? No-one on the roofrack?
Rust’ll mostly be on the chassis; maybe also the bulkhead. New chassis are available if need be.
They were originally designed as farm (etc) vehicles; dropping off hay bales in the winter on hill farms and so on. The only thing that I know can out-climb them is the 2CV Sahara, but it can’t carry as much.
.Back in the seventies I bought a Landy 88wb. Rode like a Morgan terrible. I had one at the time. Felt every stone in the road. Sold it for a slight profit. I started to miss the old girl so when a two Rover deal came up I re entered the Landy world. Both are 109s. The green one is Grover and the red one is Plover. Yes I know I need help. I must be insane.
PLEASE tell us where you found a dash top for $225. To my knowlege they are not available at any price. Also, the fact that this is the 6-cylinder engine should be more enticing to many people. One, it is very rare vs. the 4-cyl. Two, it is still an original engine, so that’s a plus for the purists.