Series 3 109

Land Rover Series 3 109

Longer wheel-base version of the Series 3 Land Rover. Produced from 1971 to 1986.

Originally fitted with a 600-16 tyre. A more modern radial alternative would be 205R16.

The Land Rover Series III took over from the Series II in 1971, but the changes were hardly far-reaching. A plastic grille replaced the previous wire mesh item and there was an all-new dash, while an all-synchromesh gearbox made the car much nicer to drive.

For eight years there were no significant changes, but from 1979 the Land Rover Series III would be available with the classic Rover V8 in 3.5-litre form; it took over from the 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine that had been introduced in 1967. From 1981 the four-cylinder engine was strengthed by being fitted with five main bearings then a year later the Series III range was bolstered by the introduction of the County and high-capacity pick-up.

The final Series III was built in 1983, when it was replaced by the 110 (and from 1984 the 90), which brought a five-speed gearbox, servo-assisted front disc brakes and coil spring suspension along with a new diesel engine.