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Last Updated
25/6/07

A Brief History of the Land Rover Series III

When the Series 3 Land Rover replaced its Series 2 counterpart in Oct 1971 little was changed with respect to chassis, wheelbase dimensions, body styles and suspension. The greatest change was that the Series 3 gearbox had synchromesh on all gears instead of just 3rd and 4th and 1st and reverse ratios were reduced: A diaphragm clutch was introduced: Dynamos were exchanged for alternators: The radiator grill and dashboard were re-designed. There was also a new steering wheel and improved heater. Servo assisted brakes were standard on the Series 3 109 station wagon and an optional extra on other Land Rover Series 3's. Stronger halfshafts were fitted to the 109 models.

From the Spring of 1974 the Fairy overdrive (offering about 3mpg reduced fuel consumption on long runs) was available as an optional extra, but it could also be fitted retrospectively to any Series II or IIA Land Rover.
The one millionth Land Rover was a Series 3 and was manufactured in June 1976.

The Series 3 V8 station wagon (known as the Stage 1) was introduced for overseas markets in 1979 and for the UK market one year later. The introduction of the larger V8 engine and transmission meant the loss of the front body recess; a major visual change to the Series Land Rover.
In 1980 the petrol and diesel 4 cylinder engines from Series 3 Land Rovers were upgraded from a 3 to a 5 bearing crankshaft.
In the spring of 1982 the Land Rover "County" option of styling and accessories was introduced, including tinted glass; Masai Red or Russet Brown paint with striping; grey or black headlamp bezels; twin driving lamps; sound insulation; spare wheel cover; lifting and towing rings; reversing light; ashtray; indicator repeaters and radial tyres on 5.50 x 16 rims.

Despite the 110 Land Rover going into production in 1983 with the much more comfortable coil spring suspension, the Series 3 still continued in production until the end of 1985. The very last Land Rover Series 3 to come off the production line was a 109 station wagon which is now preserved in the UK Heritage Motor Museum.

To see previous homepages visit the Series Land Rover Archives

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Series Land Rover (UK/Europe) Serving the Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 and other Land Rover communities worldwide.

A Brief History of the Land Rover Series III

Series Land Rover (UK/Europe)
Serving the Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 and other Land Rover communities worldwide.