Land Rover 109 Series III
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Highlights
• Ex military
• Well presented
• Recommissioned 3 months ago
• Low milage
THE BACKGROUND
The Land Rover was designed with farm and light industrial use in mind and was constructed with a steel box-section chassis with an aluminium body. From 1948 the Land Rover, which is now known as the Series I, was supplied with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, producing 50 bhp. The successful Series I production ended in 1958 where it made way for the Series II.
The series II was produced with the familiar barrel side waistline, with 5 inch greater width to cover the series II’s wider tracks. The series II was also the first vehicle to use the well known 2.25 litre petrol engine which produced 72 Bhp. After a hugely successful 10 year run the production for the Series IIA came to an end in 1971.
The Series III had the same body and engine options as its predecessor and is the most common Series Land Rover produced. In 1980, the 2.25 litre petrol and diesel engines received new main bearings to increase rigidity and the transmission and axles also were strengthened. This was the first major update to the transmission since 1960, to combat the common problem of the half shafts breaking during heavy usage.
THE HISTORY
This 1984 Land Rover 109 Series III is an ex military vehicle which was used by the Ministry of Defence. This has been confirmed by a letter from the MOD and is shown on the Merlin Archives. It was purchased by the vendor on 12th December 2020.
He had been walking past the Series III for around 3 years where it was stored in an underground car park in London. He was always thinking it’s such a shame to see it sitting there gathering dust and how much fun it could be to own it, but had no idea who owned the Land Rover.
Then a sign appeared on it offering it for sale, to which the vendor didn’t hesitate, called the owner and a deal was struck. The person selling the vehicle was the son of the previous keeper who had passed away. As the log book was lost it is unclear as to how long he had owned the ex military Land Rover. What we do know is that it was put on the disposal list for the MOD on 3rd February 1998 and it is believed he may have purchased it then from an MOD auction.
That was a few months ago, and since then, the Land Rover has been given a new lease of life. The seller has spent approximately £2,500 bringing the Series III back to a safe roadworthy condition. It’s been fitted with electronic ignition to enable reliable starting and running, spark plugs, oil, filters, brake cylinders on all four corners, fuel tank transfer valve, hub seals/bearings, plus many other parts needed, which are listed in the photographs on the receipt. Then to top it off, a fresh MOT gave the 109 a clean bill of health.
The idea behind purchasing the Series III was to do some road trips over in Ireland, North to South. Sadly, with Covid restrictions and generally the uncertainty of traveling anywhere, plus the expensive cost to store a vehicle in London, the seller has decided to put any trips on hold and part with the dream of a road trip in a Series III.
THE PAPERWORK
The V5 is present and shows 3 previous keepers.
There are two receipts showing a number of items replaced and work carried out, totalling nearly £2,500. The MOT was carried out on the 22nd March 2021, and passed with flying colours and no advisories.
Also present is the letter from the Ministry of Defence showing the original number for the Land Rover with the corresponding chassis number.
THE INTERIOR
Inside the Series III is well presented. The three front seats are the original which are covered in vinyl, there is some wear to the driver's seat where it has started to crack a little on the base. Inside the cab is finished in Nato Green which just has some age related wear to the floor and foot pedals. The leavers for the transfer box between high and low are working fine and just by those, bolted to the bulk head, is a fire extinguisher. This would need to be checked by a professional if you wanted it there to use in an emergency, and until it’s checked you should assume it doesn't work.
The dashboard is free from any cracks, the instruments are in working order, with the odometer showing 85,625 kilometers or 53,515 miles. There are some fittings in the dashboard for what look to be headphone sockets when it was used in action by the military. There is also a switch in the middle of the dash which can be set to turn off the rear lights and headlights independently. This leaves just one light above the differential (which is painted white). This light would shine down onto the diff to illuminate it, allowing vehicles behind you to follow you with no other light being exposed in the darkness of the night.
Into the rear of the Land Rover, and just behind the front seats is the jack and wheel brace. The bench seats hold at least 8 people. They do have some signs of wear from the troops getting in and out, but these are not beyond quite an easy repair for a trimmer, or even yourself if you can buy the covers. The floor is again finished in Nato Green and, as expected, does have some scuffing to it.
THE EXTERIOR
The Land Rover is finished in Army camouflage Nato Green and Black and is generally well presented. There is the odd bit that is flaking off here and there, but this all adds to the character of the Army vehicle and can be very easily touched up with a rattle can by almost anyone.
Starting at the front the bumper does have some paint flaking off it, but as mentioned this is easy to rectify. The plastic headlight surrounds are missing and we are told by the seller that this is as per military spec. The lights are in good condition with no chips to the indicators, side lights or headlights. The grille is nice and straight, with no damage. Just above, the bonnet aligns nice and straight and has the spare wheel mounted to it which has some good tread remaining.
Around to the sides, and the Series III is as straight as a 109 Land Rover should be. The panel gaps on the doors align uniform and true. There are two holes in the passenger side wing, this is where there would have been a radio mounted for coms operations. The canvas tonneau cover is in good condition and is easily removable along with the side windows and windscreen for a totally open top experience.
To the rear there is a drop down door with two steps either side to aid getting in the back of the series III. The lights are in good condition with no cracks. The door of the tonneau cover has a window which is still nice and clear to see out of.
The wheels are the standard wheels which have also been camouflaged. These have off road tyres which are worn, but have a reasonable amount of tread remaining. The underside of the Land Rover is generally in good condition. There are some signs of surface rust but this is just on the surface, so could quite easily be treated to prevent it getting any worse.
THE MECHANICS
Fitted with 2.25 litre petrol engine, this has been given a recommissioning by Rapid Mechanical Services of Romford who have their very own full time Land Rover enthusiast who was in his element when given the task of recommissioning this 1984 Series III.
As mentioned, the list of new parts and labour ran to over £2,500 to ensure the Land Rover was ready for action. Running as well as it should, the seller has given it a good test in a journey from London to West Wales and also down to the South coast, where it has performed perfectly.
The 109 starts up, runs just as it should, with no noises coming from the engine or transmission that shouldn't be there. The vehicle goes up and down the gearbox with ease and also glides in and out of the high, low ratio boxes when needed. There are signs of an oil leak around the casing, but the seller reports this does not drip on the floor and doesn't seem to get any worse.
THE APPEAL
There's no doubt about it, four wheel drives are great fun, and Land Rovers have a massive following as we all know. This one is quite special being a genuine ex military Series III that's only got 85,625 Kilometers or 53,515 miles. Safe to say, with that mileage, it's only just run in.
You could use the Land Rover as it is for the obvious off-roading experience, or as a daily driver turning heads wherever you go, or maybe you are a military enthusiast that likes collecting vehicles from the military. Whoever you are, we know there are a number of uses awaiting the life of this 109.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1984
- Make Land Rover
- Model 109 III Series
- Colour Green
- Odometer 85,625 Kilometres
- Engine size 2250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
38
bids
- bo•••• £8,500 15/07/21
- Jo•••• £8,400 15/07/21
- bo•••• £8,300 15/07/21
- Jo•••• £8,200 15/07/21
- bo•••• £8,100 15/07/21
- Jo•••• £8,000 15/07/21
- bo•••• £7,900 15/07/21
- Jo•••• £7,800 15/07/21
- bo•••• £7,700 15/07/21
- Jo•••• £7,600 15/07/21
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