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Curated Auction

1974 Land Rover Series III 88″ “Soft Top”

At a Glance

Rare Ex-Fire Service | Dry Stored | New Canvas Roof

  • Mileage~67,500
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.25L
  • LocationHolsworthy

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

The ultimate British 4x4 classic — you don’t need to look much further than the time-tested Land Rover Series III.

First introduced in 1971 as a facelifted evolution of the Series II and IIA, the Land Rover Series III brought a host of updates, including a fully synchromesh four-speed gearbox, front-mounted headlights, a stylish plastic grille, and various mechanical improvements over its predecessors. These classic Land Rovers earned a global reputation for their ruggedness and versatility, serving in both emergency services and military roles around the world.

This particular Series III is a former fire-service vehicle, finished in striking fire engine red with a matching Exmoor Trim roll-up soft top. Coming to market after around ~3 years of ownership, it remains a highly practical classic — perfect for farm use or countryside adventures. Now both MOT and road tax exempt, it’s ready for the next chapter with a current MOT valid until 09.03.2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

This has been my first classic Land Rover, and it’s been a true pleasure to own over the years.

Paul purchased this Land Rover Series III from auction just over three years ago. Having previously sold his Morris Minor with us, and after relocating to Devon, he felt this Land Rover would be not only a sensible purchase but an enjoyable one too! During his three years of ownership, Paul has refreshed the soft top and attended to minor mechanical issues to ensure the smooth running of this Series III.

Having enjoyed and cherished the vehicle, Paul now feels ready to make a change — and so the Land Rover is being offered for sale with us. He’ll be happy to answer any questions about the car you may have in the comments below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Rugged, practical, and instantly recognisable, the Series III offers a perfect mix of utility and vintage charm.

Wheels and Tyres

The 16” wheels, finished in white, provide a great contrast to the bright fire engine red paintwork, and enhance the vehicle’s utilitarian charm. During our visit, the wheels appeared well cared for, with no obvious damage to any of the hubs.

The wheels are fitted with Michelin 4x4 tyres, which also appear to be in good condition. They show a healthy amount of tread remaining, with no obvious cracking or signs of ageing on the sidewalls.

image

Bodywork

The bodywork of this Series III is in great condition, with panel gaps around the vehicle appearing well aligned. During our visit, we didn’t notice any major dings or dents for a Series 3. There are some minor areas of corrosion under the doors.

We’ve provided more detailed observations in our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to review all media for a comprehensive look at the vehicle’s condition.

image

Paint

Finished in red, the paint shows even coverage and consistent colour across each panel. It appears very well maintained, and Paul reports regular washing and that the vehicle has always been garaged during his ownership. There are some paint imperfections above the lights on the front of the car, and there’s also a small scratch on the rear tailgate and nearside wing.

Once again, we’ve captured high-resolution imagery to help you assess the bodywork’s condition in detail.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass on this Land Rover Series III presents well and is consistent with the vehicle’s age and mileage. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also appear in good condition and are consistent with the rest of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are also in good shape. As shown in the exterior photos, the canvas top remains in excellent condition, with no visible tears or rips.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Inside, the tough yet functional interior is built for adventure — ready for anything the off-road throws at it.

Seats and Carpets

The black vinyl seats have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect with cherished and careful ownership. We did notice a rip in the passenger seat on the bolster.

A similar story is told with the door cards and black carpets. For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black vinyl finish and presents two dials in front of the driver.

The dashboard in this Series III shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, and with no warning lights displayed. The odometer showed a reading of ~67,536 miles during our visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A leather wrapped Mountney steering wheel is fitted. The trim on the steering wheel is in good condition, with the metal frame showing age. The black gearstick looks good. For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Equipped with a 2.25L petrol engine and four-wheel drive with low range, it’s capable of tackling all terrains.

Engine and Gearbox

The Land Rover Series III is powered by an inline-4 2.25L offering the driver ~70BHP to tap into. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road, the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Paul reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth manual gearbox feeding power to all four wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the Series III and the engine bay.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping Devonshire roads, and the car received a clean MOT in March 2025.

During our short drive in the car, it felt just as you'd expect for a 4x4 from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

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The Drive

The SWB series III is a great versatile classic, offering practical hauling capabilities while being able to travel over any terrain you throw at it.

Paul mentions the truck offers a unique experience, one that'll make you smile wherever you decide to venture.

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Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Paul reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

This car has seen just 5 former keepers, comes to market from ~3 year ownership, is an Ex-Fire Service vehicle and presents very well with a clean MOT from March 2025.

The car is coming out of a ~3 year ownership with Paul. The car has bags of originality and is a rather rare find, as it's an ex-Fire Service spec. Check out the history and paperwork images to see the MOT reports, servicing and parts this Land Rover Series 3 88" Soft Top Roadster has received over its life. The Series 3 comes with a current MOT valid until 09.03.2026.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
10.03.2025 MOT 67,461
30.09.2022 MOT 67,381
13.05.2022 Service 67,298
02.05.2019 MOT 67,229
29.08.2017 MOT 67,214
29.07.2016 MOT 67,041
05.02.2013 MOT 66,832
14.06.2007 MOT 66,726
22.06.2006 MOT 66,714
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Series 3 88" Soft Top
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 06.01.1974
  • CC 2,286
  • Mileage ~67,500
  • History Present
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 90108070A
  • Engine # 90152306B
  • Last Service 13.05.2022
  • MOT Yes. Exp - 09.03.2026
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 5
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Michelin
  • Tyre Age 2005
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~3 years, 3 months
  • Key Feature Condition
  • Auction ID 2852
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Holsworthy

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    Market View

    Buyers tend to always have a lot of choice in the market, however, this car stands out in a sea of used and abused examples.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales of the same and / or similar models.

    1981 Land Rover Series III 88"

    Auction House Brightwells

    Sale Date 20 Sep 23

    Sold Price £12,320

    SEE AUCTION

    1974 Land Rover Series III 88"

    Auction House The Market

    Sale Date 22 Apr 25

    Sold Price £14,000

    SEE AUCTION

    1981 Land Rover Series III 88"

    Auction House Collecting Cars

    Sale Date 29 Apr 25

    Sold Price £17,730

    SEE AUCTION

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Series 3 like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Holsworthy

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