1973 Land Rover Series 88 Series III Soft Top W/OD

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 Sales@ItsAliveAuto.com.