Land Rover : Series III (1971-1983)

The series three (SIII) Land-Rover is most easily identified by the plastic radiator grille and by the headlights on the wings (late SIIA's also had headlights on the wings). Inside, the metal parcel shelf was replaced with a "plastic one" and the instruments were moved to a position behind the steering wheel. There are other small refinements - new door and bonnet hinges for example.

The main mechanical advance was the introduction of synchromesh on all four forward gears. However the consequent gearbox alterations make the unit less robust than that in the series IIA.

[picture of landrover S3 SWB, Canberra 4WD Show 1996]

This Land Rover SIII SWB HT was captured at the 1996 Canberra 4WD show. It has the "station wagon" rear windows (square cornered and sliding) and the tropical roof (double skinned). The deluxebonnet is distinguished by its rounded leading edge. Note the free wheel hubs and the winch fairlead on the "Mack" style bull-bar. (Thanks to LRC(ACT) and Karl Bossard.)

[picture of landrover S3 SWB HT special, jpg]

Colin O's Land-Rover series three short wheel base model has a few modifications: coil springs, 253 (4.2L) V8, Nissan gearbox, Defender 110 rear axle, diff' lock, Range Rover front end.

[picture of landrover S3 LWB ST ex-army, jpg]

This ex-army long wheel base series three Land-Rover has lockers front and rear.

Up: Land-Rover page or Series page. Back: SIIA. Forward: Stage-1 or 90 and 110 (Defender)

Go to a 1972 SIII