Land Rover Series III 1976
The Land Rover Series 3 was introduced in 1971 and was pretty much a “face-lifted” version of the Series 2 and 2a. Most parts are interchangeable between the 2a and the 3. The Series 3 (commonly referred to as the Series III) featured a few mechanical improvements over the Series 2a.
It had the fully synchromesh four speed gearbox that had been fitted to late model Series 2a cars (especially the 2a Station Wagons), the headlights were mounted on the front of the fenders/wings, and the front metal grille was replaced by a stylish looking plastic one. The bonnet/hood of the Series 3 was re-styled with a rounded front edge and recessed spare wheel which both looked good and turned out to be practical. This bonnet/hood had been introduced on the Series 2a Station Wagons so it was not entirely new.
The interior of the Land Rover Series 3 was distinctly different in appearance. The plain metal, easy to maintain, central dashboard of the Series 2 and 2a was replaced with a modern looking plastic one which re-located the instruments directly in front of the driver. This was actually a very practical change as the instruments were easily visible and the whole dashboard gave the vehicle a rather more up-market look. On the Station Wagon models which included door trims, floor mats, and a roof lining, the interior looked positively classy.
The simplicity and robustness of the Series I proved hugely popular, with the Land Rover going on to become a British manufacturing success story that far exceeded initial expectations. In the first year of production, just 3048 Land Rovers were built, but that rose to 8000 in 1949 and by 1950 that jumped to 16,000.
Production: 1976
Body and chassis
Body style: 2-door Off-road vehicle
Powertrain
Engine: 2.25 L 62 hp (46 kW) I4 (Diesel)
Transmission 4-speed manual main transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 88.0 in (2,235 mm) (SWB)
Length: 142.4 in (3,617 mm) (SWB)
Width: 66.0 in (1,676 mm)
Height: 77.5 in (1,968 mm) (SWB)
Color: Tangerine orange