Few vehicles are as instantly recognisable, or as enduringly useful, as the classic Land Rover.

This 1979 Land Rover Long Wheelbase Flatbed represents the marque at its most honest: simple, rugged and purpose-built, with the unmistakable character that has made these vehicles icons of British motoring.

The long-wheelbase chassis and practical flatbed give this Land Rover a particularly purposeful stance. Its traditional green finish, galvanised body fittings, bonnet-mounted spare wheel and wonderfully straightforward cabin all reinforce its utilitarian origins. There is nothing unnecessary here, just robust engineering designed for farms, back roads and hard work.

Today, early Land Rovers have developed a following well beyond their original working role, appreciated for their charm, mechanical simplicity and unmistakable presence.

This 1979 example retains exactly that appeal: a proper old-school Land Rover that looks equally at home earning its keep or becoming part of a classic vehicle collection.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• Meticulously restored and presented in excellent condition throughout, with considerable attention paid to retaining the character and simplicity of the original Land Rover.
• Extensive photographic restoration records are available, documenting the work carried out during the restoration. A selection of these photographs is included with this listing.
• The quality of the restoration is evident throughout, from the bodywork and traditional Land Rover detailing to the cabin, engine bay, chassis and practical flatbed.
• Runs and drives extremely well, delivering exactly the robust, mechanical driving experience for which these classic Land Rovers are renowned.
• Desirable Long Wheelbase flatbed configuration, combining classic Land Rover looks with genuine practicality and a wonderfully purposeful stance.
• Features all the right period touches, including the bonnet-mounted spare wheel, galvanised fittings, simple utilitarian interior and traditional Land Rover controls.
• A vehicle that can still be enjoyed and used as intended, while being sufficiently well presented to appeal to the enthusiast or collector.
• These early working Land Rovers were rarely treated gently when new, making genuinely well-restored examples increasingly difficult to find.
• Quite simply, one of the best examples we have come across and a Land Rover that would be difficult to replicate to this standard without considerable time and expense.
• An excellent opportunity for someone wanting a proper classic Land Rover full of character, enormously usable and unmistakably British.
• Land Rover Owners Manual available.
• Five owners - three long term (44 years between them)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer: Land Rover
• Model: Series III
• Year: 1979
• Body Style: Long Wheelbase Flatbed / Utility
• Wheelbase: 109 in / 2,769 mm
• Engine: 2,286 cc four-cylinder petrol
• Configuration: OHV, inline four-cylinder
• Power: Approx. 73 bhp (54 kW)
• Torque: Approx. 163 Nm
• Fuel System: Carburettor
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Drive: Selectable 4WD
• Transfer Case: 2-speed high/low range
• Front Axle: Selectable 2WD/4WD
• Rear Axle: Live axle
• Suspension: Semi-elliptic leaf springs, front and rear
• Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes
• Steering: Manual
• Electrical System: 12 volt
• Chassis: Separate ladder-frame chassis
• Body Construction: Aluminium-alloy body panels on steel chassis
• Seating: Three-person front bench
• Spare Wheel: Bonnet mounted
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom

Finding a Series III Land Rover is not particularly difficult; finding one presented to this standard is another matter altogether. These were working vehicles from new, and most spent decades on farms, building sites and back-country roads where appearance was very much secondary to getting the job done. This example is the exception. Its meticulous restoration, excellent presentation and photographic record make it a particularly impressive survivor and, in our view, one of the better Series Land Rovers you are likely to encounter.

That distinction is becoming increasingly important as early Land Rovers establish themselves as genuinely collectible vehicles rather than simply old workhorses. Interest in well-restored, original-style Series Land Rovers has grown internationally, and the very best examples increasingly command a significant premium over average vehicles. The combination of unmistakable styling, mechanical simplicity, extraordinary heritage and a dwindling supply of properly restored examples gives vehicles such as this considerable long-term appeal.

And there are few countries where an old Land Rover makes more sense than New Zealand. Our farms, mountains, gravel roads and rugged landscapes could almost have been designed with one in mind. A 109" Series III flatbed has the character of a classic, the presence of an icon and, unlike many collector vehicles, remains genuinely useful.

Immaculate, highly desirable and increasingly difficult to replace in this condition, this is a Land Rover to enjoy today and preserve for the future.

Will be sold with a new WOF and 12 months registration IF sold in New Zealand.

TRANSPORT / SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT only.

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.