1974 LAND ROVER SERIES 3, 88", 2.25 4Cyl Petrol (Historic - Tax exempt), Patina!

Selling my very original and tax exempt 1974 Series 3 Land Rover 2. 25 Petrol 88" with hardtop. a particularly honest & unmolested vehicle which is standard apart from the modular wheels & tyres.
If you like genuine patina then you will definitely like this. still wearing its original paint and panels with the minor scuffs. marks. fading (see bonnet & n/s front wing) and dents you'd expect after 42 years of use.  Mot'd in January 2016 it has a good solid chassis but is not without faults - one corner brace is missing & a couple of  holes are visible where the fuel tank mounts bolt on.  Detailed inspection might find other areas of weakness but it seems good and solid to me.   There is a very small hole on the bulkhead below the passenger lower door hinge (see pics) but the rest is good and solid.
I would say this drives pretty well for a Series and is great fun. to me at least.   It goes in a straight line without too much play at the wheel. did stop OK for what it is (an early S3 so 10" brakes and no servo) after I replaced the linings all round. plus 2 new front wheel cylinders and lines BUT the pedal is requiring a pump or two again so it does need a new master cylinder.   The engine performs fine and the last owner fitted a new Zenith 36 IV carburettor which might still benefit from a touch more fine-tuning. but it starts reliably and runs well when warmed up.  There is also a recent new fuel pump.  Goes into & out of 4WD as it should & the gearbox works well.
It is reasonably oil tight although the front swivels both drip.  When first fired up there is a puff of blue oil smoke which clears straight away so will be the valve seals.  It then runs cleanly with that characteristic 2 1/4 petrol sound through a recent new exhaust system.  I have serviced the engine. adjusted the valve clearances & so forth.  Compressions read 145 - 145 - 152 - 155 which are very good.
It has a cream removable hardtop with rear windows fitted and comes with 2 bench seats that are not bolted in.   Also has the centre seat in the front and 3 belts.   The spare wheel design does not match the others fitted.  It has a Mountney wheel fitted so steering effort is high but I think it suits it.  The doors shut nice & flush to the body.  There is evidence of past enthusiast ownership including an LRM sticker & one from a Belgium rally.
I have decided not to keep it as I have too many other vehicles & commitments that take up time. but will miss the way it transports you to a simpler life as you bimble & bounce about the countryside.  It keeps up fine with modern traffic to about 50-55mph. no doubt due to the larger tyres (and therefore an under-reading speedometer).  It has about 89. 00 miles recorded. but I have no idea how accurately that reflects the true mileage.   MOT history states 2013. 85. 45 miles. 2014. 86. 80 miles. 2016. 87. 62. so that gives an idea of it's use for the last 3 years.  

Any questions please ask.  If you want an honest. useable and definitely pretty cool tax exempt Series that has not been roller or brush painted or otherwise molested. this might be the one for you. It will need on-going maintenance & fettling (remember what I said about the brakes please!) as all old Land Rovers do. but is 100% ready to use while prices continue to climb.
Asking £3495ono. and located in Amersham. Bucks.   Due to my classic car habit I do have some good road transport contacts and can arrange delivery (at your cost) if necessary.

Any questions. please ask.  

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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