This 1971 Land Rover Series III might just win an award for having the best looking photography in an eBay Auction...ever, but aside from the great images, there's a great vehicle to back it up. 1971 was the first year of the Series III, and this 88-inch model was just the 33rd to be produced. It recently went under a "vigorous" restoration process where the frame was completely stripped and repainted, the bulkhead was replaced, and everything was painted in "Land Rover Grey." The vehicle becomes even more interesting after a quick look inside where a stove and sink have been fitted into a modern cabinet system along with AC power, provided by a small Honda generator mounted under the hood. This might just be the ticket for someone desiring a compact camper with a unique edge.
The seller is located in Chicago, Illinois and is asking a buy-it-now price of $32,000, although at the time of this article, the bid was at $15,000 where it had not met it's reserve.
Check it out here on eBay Motors. [link]
Here's what the seller has to say about the vehicle:
This 1971 vehicle was the 33rd Series III made when it was bought and installed on an estate in Britain. In 2006 it was sold to a dealer called Gumtree. At that time it had travelled only 16,245 miles. It has now been rigorously restored and has only 2,304 miles.
Firstly the vehicle was stripped. The thick gauge chassis was blasted, repaired, zinc enameled and painted black. The beam axles and wheel bearings were rebuilt and fitted with new parabolic springs and Monroe shock absorbers. The engine (2.25L) was stripped, checked, cleaned and polished, re-ringed and fitted with the Turner unleaded performance head. New radiator, plugs and wires, new hoses, new distributor, new pumps, and starter motor. This is an extremely quiet running vehicle. A C-series gear box was cleaned and the transfer box rebuilt with Ashcroft revised gearing which delivers a comfortable higher level gearing without the noise or maintenance problems of an overdrive. New brakes were fitted. The car runs on Wolf wheels with new Goodyear ATSA tires 285x85. A newly galvanized Ashtree bulkhead was rewired and refitted with sound deadening from Exmoor. Panels were repaired and resprayed "Land Rover Grey" and fitted with all new rubber/seals and stainless fastenings. All brightwork was re-galvanized and fitted with original rivets. A new steering box and bushes completes the drivetrain. Yes, it is right hand drive (easier than it sounds if you've never driven one). The vehicle also comes with its BKK 500K British style license plate.
The interior was restored with special order Exmoor grey leather seats in a tasteful "elephant hide" pattern, recovered dash /panels, new dials and custom oak finishes. The tub was altered and welded to allow access from front to rear and has been fitted with camping equipment including cooker (never used), fridge (electrical), sink, chemical toilet/campers porta-potty (never used). A 40 liter water tank is fitted under the tub and fillable outside the vehicle via a locking cap. The water is pumped into the sink via a hand pump on the faucet and drains outside the vehicle. The vehicle is fitted with a switchable additional fuel tank and both tanks were renewed (both tanks are 12 gallons). The electrical sockets fitted both inside and outside the cabin and are currently British style sockets, but could be converted easily to US style or could be used as is with a plug adapter. The exterior sockets have both 110 and 120 power hookups. The interior sockets are 110 for running household items and have an on-off switch. The vehicle has a USB hook up for your ipod with a subwoofer and 2 speakers. The vehicle has a new speedometer that was installed with the engine and it has a trip odometer. The gauges are fitted with lights for easy night viewing. There is also a rear back up light, off road lights that work with the high beams, heat that blows hot, defrost, horn and a middle seat that folds down and acts as a center cubby and drink holder. The floor in the rear is totally stainless steel and will never rust. The front floors and bulkhead were replaced with new when the rebuild was completed. New retractable shoulder belts for driver and passenger.
A Honda GC160E has been installed under the bonnet with power takeoff for camping and tools while on expedition. No fear of the battery going dead because you can boost yourself in just minutes and it runs off the same fuel tanks as the engine.
An external roll-cage has ladder access to the roof from the rear and internal access via a hatch in the roof. The roof hatch is water tight and locks via an internal locking mechanism. The vehicle has a rear tailgate and fold-up rear window. The rear tailgate and both driver and passenger doors have working locks. New folding side steps
The Land Rover is fitted with a Capstan winch with starting handle to the front and an electric 2,500 boat winch (Champion C4500EWX) to the rear. The winch is controlled via a remote control. There is additional storage to allow a full set of tools to be discretely secured aboard via an internal compartment, and there is an even an external mounting bracket for an outboard engine. There is 100 feet of new rope stored on the spare wheel for winching (stored under a vinyl tire cover).
The vehicle is painted in Land Rover Grey, which is a sort of battle ship grey and is very attractive. While not a perfect princess, the paint is very solid and made to perform. There are some scratches and small dings in the doors. It has a touch up kit and a can of color-matched paint, so it is not perfect, but darn close.
I am the 4th owner of the vehicle and purchased it directly from Himalaya4x4.com, which purchased the vehicle in Britain and had it shipped to the US. The prior owners were the original owner and the restorer. The vehicle was used as a show vehicle for the Billing Show North of London in 2011 (lroshow.com).
INCLUDED IN THE AUCTION: I will include in the auction an additional standard rear door (1 piece door vs. the split door currently on the Rover), rear door glass and rear door trim pieces. The door is not painted grey, but could easily be repainted. The door and glass have a combined value of over $500. The vehicle also has an aftermarket security system installed, which cost over $1000 new (purchased
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE AUCTION: extra grey leather seating leather, camouflage netting, a small jack, "the club" a steering wheel lock anti-theft device, a maintenance and repair manual and other small odds and ends that I received when I bought the vehicle.
PLEASE NOTE: the tent on top of the vehicle seen in the photos was damaged and while it is included in the auction, it is not currently on the vehicle and will not fit within the vehicle itself so separate transport or separate shipping would be required. It weighs approximately 150 pounds and is very nice (approx $2000 new) and sleeps 2 on top of the vehicle. I estimate a few hundred dollars to repair the vinyl cover which was ripped and to repair the ladder, which was twisted. There was little to no damage to the tent itself. If the buyer wants the tent, he will be responsible for its transit.
This vehicle will sell to the highest bidder unless, of course, someone walks up with cash in hand or makes the right offer. This is an amazing truck and a great deal. This has been professionally rebuilt. Call me with the right offer and its yours 312 330 2348, ask for Kent. For every hunter, camper or outdoor adventurer there is an iconic vehicle of choice. This 1971 Land Rover Series III has it all.
I have some additional pictures for those interested.
Regarding payment. Please have your funds in order. If you don't have the money, please don't bid. I am not able to provide loans and many banks do not loan money on restored or rebuilt cars, so check first if you have to borrow before you bid. Winner must contact me within 4 hours after the close of the auction and place a $1,500 deposit within 48 hours. Payment by wire transfer, or cash, or cashiers' check only. Cashiers checks must be cleared by my bank before funds are released. Full balance of payment is due within 10 days of the end of the auction. Ask any questions you have or I suggest driving the truck prior to the end of the auction. My zip code where the vehicle is located is 60640. Chicago's O'hare airport is 25 minutes away, Midway airport is 40 minutes. Pick up / shipping is the responsibility of the buyer , but I will help in anyway I can. I can make a recommendation of a shipper I have used before on this vehicle if needed.
