The Series III was introduced in 1971 to replace the Series IIa. The design was revised whilst still carrying over the same chassis, body and many other parts. It was available in two wheelbases as with the Series II. The shorter wheelbase was known by its length in inches as it was before which was 88” and the longer wheelbase was 109”. A choice of wheelbases in addition to a large range of body options as before, created a vehicle that could be ordered to complete a vast range of tasks, whether it be taking a 12 strong crew onto windswept moorland in winter to maintain and repair utilities or ferrying pigs from a farm to market. The large number of variations was continued from the earlier Land Rovers but changes resulted in an all synchromesh gearbox, the Salisbury rear axle as standard on 109” models, and the instruments on the dashboard moving from the centre to in front of the driver on a plastic dashboard and a plastic grille. The headlights continued being placed on the wings, a position introduced in 1968/69.

The engines were the 2.25 4 cylinder petrol and diesel engines complemented by the option of the 2.6 6 cylinder petrol engine on long wheelbase models. The one-ton was a 109” Land Rover designed for increased weight capacity, as a result finding favour with utility companies. The Series III was eventually given the option of the 3.5 litre V8 engine in the Stage 1 which had the radiator panel moved
forwards and permanent 4 wheel drive. Other variations of the Series III were the high capacity pick-up and Air Portable or “Lightweight” a model specifically for the military, revised from the 2A “Lightweight”. In later life the petrol and diesel 2.25 engines were changed from 3 bearings to 5 bearings.

The Series III was a rugged model which found much favour; however, it struggled in later years as many Japanese 4x4s became popular. Whilst the Stage 1 provided more power with a tuned down version of the Range Rover’s V8 and drivetrain, economy suffered and other elements of this, the last of the series Land Rovers began to fall out of date over its long production life. Despite this the Series III continued, due to its traditional design and simplicity, an asset resulting in favour by many industries even after the One Ten was introduced for a short time.

The model has in recent years frequently been a person’s first Land Rover due to its ease to maintain, repair, restore and modify, its low cost in both purchase price and running costs and its off road ability and versatility are fabulous. Its character is now a strong point as it is the last of the simpler and traditional “Series” Land Rovers and it has provided and still does provide access to the most desolate parts of the world. Its rough ride due to leaf springs is criticised often as well as the selectable four wheel drive but I believe this straightforwardness places it in many enthusiasts’ hearts as a good value and fun vehicle, an attribute not to be discounted because it lacks the latest technology.

Written by Oliver Wade