IT'S ALIVE! AUTOMOTIVE is proud to present this 1973 Land Rover
Series III finished in Pastel Green with a Sand hardtop and Black
Interior. This example is one of approximately 1250 Series III's
built between 1971 and 1974 for the North American market featuring
the 88-inch wheelbase. The Series III (or third generation) Land
Rover was first offered in 1971. The drivetrain was improved by
offering a fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox and the brakes were
now power assisted. The unreliable generators were upgraded to an
alternator, virtually eliminating the charging system faults that
plagued earlier models. Other systems and components were
mechanically very similar to its predecessor, the Series IIA.
Stylistically, the Series III moved the headlamps assemblies to the
front fenders with new trim. As such the front-end design was
further enhanced by a new grille. On the interior the dashboard
underwent a modern redesign, with many of the dashboard controls
now relocated to the steering column and instruments placed in view
of the driver, as opposed to the dash center. Textured plastic and
vinyl trim adorns the interior making the Series III cabin feel
more finished and less analog. Indeed, one could claim that the
Series III was Land Rover's first step towards the luxury brand
that it has become in the 21st century. Further proof of this came
into shape by the marketing of the North American models, which
named the Series III as the "De Luxe Short Wheelbase Station
Wagon." These models had further interior refinements such as a
two-piece headliner for the removable hardtop and seatbelts for all
seven passengers. Limited parts availability and the high list
price didn't resonate with American buyers at the time, despite the
high praise from the automotive press. Perhaps the Series III De
Luxe Short Wheelbase was too ahead of its time as the US 4WD market
during the early 1970's was dominated by the "big three."
British-Leyland discontinued the North American model Series III
after 1974 when British-Leyland ceased all Land Rover imports to
the US.
This Series III is believed to have lived its entire life through a
handful of owners in the St. Louis region. The included history
file is filled with previous insurance cards and registrations
dating back to 1978 when the Series III was just five years old.
The file also contains a plethora of service and parts receipts,
documenting a multi-year mechanical restoration that took place in
the mid 1990's. During this time the vehicles various systems were
rebuilt or renewed with new parts. Period photographs show the Land
Rover in its natural habitat, while its appearance attracted the
luxury and leisure market as and included page from a luggage
catalog features none other than the very same Land Rover offered
here. Today the Land Rover's finish of Pastel Green is accompanied
by a charming patina while the removable hardtop has been resprayed
in period correct Sand color. The interior is pure function with an
added SunPro tachometer on the dash while a heavy-duty casting jack
sits behind the driver and passenger seats. The interior does
display some wear while servicing as evidence of a life well lived
and well maintained. The odometer displays 21,000 miles, a number
that represents 121,000 total miles from new, with the rollover
occurring sometime around 2001 as documented by the accompanying
records. IT'S ALIVE! is proud to be entrusted with this sought
after piece of 4WD history. If you are the next caretaker of this
Classic Land Rover, then give us a call at 314-710-6600 or email us
at
[email protected].
