1979 Land Rover Stage 1 V8 109" Station Wagon
£29,450
Land Rover Series III 109” Stage 1 V8
1979 model | V Registered | 3,528cc Petrol | 4 Speed Manual | Limestone with Black Interior | Full Restoration on Galvanised Chassis
Specification:
1979 model on a galvanised chassis. 3,528cc V8 petrol coupled to a 4spd LT95 manual transmission. Limestone paint. Hi/Low range, centre difflock. Leaf spring suspension. Servo assisted brakes. 5x steel wheels with 7.50x16 tyres. Cabin heater. 12 seater. Black vinyl seating throughout. Rubber floor mats throughout. Registered 1st May 1985. Many new or refurbished parts fitted during a full rebuild by a professional restorer. Will come with 12 Months MoT prior to sale (though exempt).
Description:
In the late 1970s, Land Rover was starting to fall behind Japanese competition in the 4wd market. The standard Series 3 was deemed under powered and ‘old hat’ compared with the new, more powerful and refined vehicles entering the market – Land Rover had nothing in the way of utility vehicles to compete. Enter the Stage 1 V8 - Land Rover adapted the Series III Long Wheelbase by factory-fitting the Rover V8 engine as found in the Range Rover. It was the first Series Land Rover to feature constant four-wheel drive and was available in utility (hard top/pickup) or station wagon bodies. Produced from 1979 to 1983, it served as a transitional model before the introduction of the 90 and 110 models (later known as Defender).
This particular Stage 1 was manufactured in the first year of production. It was originally sold overseas, but then repatriated and UK registered in May 1985. In 2012, it was purchased by the current owner and in 2016, a comprehensive restoration was started by a local professional restorer we work with. Well over £60k was spent on vehicles restoration, which includes desirable features such as a galvanised chassis, a fully reconstructed bulkhead, new doors throughout, the original V8 was reconditioned along with axles and brakes, transmission stripped and inspected, plus a new wiring loom just to name a few items.
Hopping into the driver’s seat, the V8 motor fires straight into life from cold, and has loads of power keeping up with modern traffic easily on A roads – Stage 1s were fitted with restrictors in the intakes to limit power to 91bhp, but everyone removed these after delivery taking them up to around 130bhp! The brakes pull the vehicle up to a stop nice and straight, the suspension gives a smooth ride (for a leaf sprung Landy!), and the steering is smooth with no untoward wandering. All the gears engage correctly plus the low range and vacuum operated difflock all work as they should – As per the majority of LT95 gearboxes, you do have to be careful not to catch reverse when changing into 4th gear from 3rd.
Underneath, the galvanised chassis means that structural corrosion is a thing of the past, and has also been painted black for a more original look and protecting it even further. The axles were rebuilt with new bearings, swivel housings and brakes etc. The bulkhead is believed to be original but has been restored to a good standard, and the body work is lovely and straight having received a professional respray in its proper Limestone colour.
The cabin has been refreshed with new seating for twelve people. The front three seats are deluxe type, with the second row and rear benches being the standard sort. The instrumentation all works fine, along with all the electricals. The speedometer is still in KPH, being a throwback from its original overseas delivery. The odometer reads 15,865km, however we are unable to verify whether this is correct. Even though the vehicle is tax and MoT exempt, it will come with 12 months MoT prior to handover to the new owner. It has now had plenty of test miles under its belt, so is ready to go.
This is definitely a Land Rover for the collector that has everything else, or could also be used and enjoyed all year round for a multitude of uses thanks to the versatility of a classic Land Rover… Not many other classic cars offer the ability to take you and 11 mates to the pub on a summers evening as well as filling it up with gear and heading off around Europe or even Africa… If you require other options fitting to the vehicle e.g. roof rack, different wheels and tyres or any other changes, these are things we can carry out for you - just get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Price: £29,450
Please note, this vehicle sold on a behalf of a client, therefore we are unable to offer a warranty on this vehicle.