Description

1972 Land Rover S3 88" Military Lightweight

Originally served with Para Sqn Rct; released from the military in 1980 and restored in 2014/15; full galvanised chassis up restoration keeping as many original parts as possible; lovingly looked after and ready for a new owner

Originally designed to fit into military aircraft or to be dangled from Wessex helicopers, these lightweight 88in Land Rovers have now become a true collectable vehicle.

This one, as confirmed by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, was first manufactured in October 1972. After leaving Solihull, it was delivered to the central vehicle depot for the military in Ashchurch. A year later she was conscripted to join 562 Parachute Squadron Royal Corps of Transport. On file is confirmation of this in way of the  ‘Vehicle Data Card’ which confirms she was released from the military a short time later in 1980.

Unfortunately, very little is known about how it became in such a poor state between then and 2014 when the restoration took place. The 6th registered keeper owned LAF 774L from 1996 until approx.. 2006 when our vendor first registered it under his name. It had been an abandoned profect for a number of years but the experience behind our vendor knew she was worth saving so he got to work assembling parts and funds.

During 2014/2015, the restoration was started and completed and we would be lying if we said there wasn’t a small tear in his eye as he left it outside our showroom. Blood and sweat has definitely been poured!

Trying to keep it as original as possible he has restored it from top to bottom. Galvanised chassis, bulk head, vent panel, sills and rear bulk head along with new seat box ends, new outer seats, autospark wiring loom, new dials have all been done/completed. The gearbox was rebuilt, parabolic springs to the corners and to make everything a little more practical, she is fitted with electronic ignition, a new canvas hood and a handy battery cut off switch.

All in all, a grand job has been done by someone who knew what they were doing. Since completion he has taken great pleasure showing off his handy work at shows. Paperwork on file includes the documents mentioned above, a current MOT until August 2021, a couple of bills and an original 1972 military utility truck user handbook.

For further information - toby.service@brightwells.com