For sale is a 1979 Series III 88 finished in Admiralty Blue with mileage showing @18k but really TMU. I’ve owned, maintained and garage kept it for the past 9 1/2 years. I’m the fourth owner since its conversion/restoration.
History:
This S3 started life as military vehicle which saw duty in Belgium and Germany before being retired and sold into civilian life. In the capable hands of The Land Rover Center, Huddersfield, this S3 traded in its uniform for a complete, frame off overhaul and conversion to “station wagon” livery in 2009. Aesthetic changes included a new coat of Admiralty Blue paint, limestone tropical top, galvanized chassis, four rear jump seats, Exmoor trim high-backed front seats, Mantec spare tire carrier and carpeting/sound deadening as well as a locking center console. Mechanically the S3 received an overdrive, manually selectable hubs, electric cooling-assist fan and a Turner Engineering high-compression head.
Under my ownership, I have kept it regularly maintained, added a new Exmoor Trim soft top two years ago, galvanized tailgate (to go with the soft top) and treated it like family. It got a new Zenith carb last summer and battery a few months prior to that. I’ve also upgraded the alternator and swapped out the dim headlights for brighter LED units. The passenger side door damage (pictured) from the previous owner was sealed up with silicone and no corrosion has set in. That said, included with the sale is a new, unpainted door skin I purchased as a replacement.
This S3 really is a gem, but not a perfect one. Like most Landy’s there are the usual drivetrain drips to let you know it still has fluids, but nothing alarming or excessive. The clutch master cylinder also leaks ever so slightly requiring a fluid check or a top off every few weeks. The new owner may also want to replace the tires as they're currently about a 4 or 5 out of 10.
Overall,it starts, runs, shifts, drives and stops nicely and without drama or hesitation.
Included parts/spares in the sale:
-new oil filter
-Exmoor Trim soft top and galvanized hardware
-Galvanized aftermarket tailgate
-new (in packaging) unpainted aftermarket passenger door bottom
-unpainted breakfast plate (sits where the winch is currently)