Series 3 or not?

Dorset_dumpling · Sep 20, 2021

I'm a bit confused about this Land Rover. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154601909458?hash=item23fefdecd2:g:b-IAAOSwVgdfv2gP I am looking to buy a late Series III Land Rover or early Defender and came across this one. The age of the registration would correspond to it being a later series 3, but nothing else about the vehicle seems to indicate it being a Series 3. It looks like a Defender, but the registration age is pre-Defender. The price looks good, but I am a bit concerned about the registration not matching the vehicle. I like the vehicle, but it just seems a bit wrong, can anyone offer any advice?

Moorhouse2 · Sep 20, 2021

I'm no expert but there is nothing Series 3 about that apart from the reg. as far as I can see. Either a complete Defender body transplant onto an earlier chassis (if that's even possible?) or a poor attempt to give it an earlier reg for MOT/tax exemption etc. Would be interesting to see underneath to see what's there.

TheMegaMan · Sep 20, 2021

Moorhouse2 said:
I'm no expert but there is nothing Series 3 about that apart from the reg. as far as I can see. Either a complete Defender body transplant onto an earlier chassis (if that's even possible?) or a poor attempt to give it an earlier reg for MOT/tax exemption etc. Would be interesting to see underneath to see what's there.

My thoughts exactly.

LordOWar · Sep 20, 2021

It's a defender with a series plate, it's coil spring so not even a body swap.

saxavordian · Sep 20, 2021

Even a late series looking like the 110 or 90 would have no wheel spats 83 84 90 and 110. Considering the vehicle tarted up to be a Defender which is wrong as this didn't come in later. Nope not for me looks like a bitsa!

kermit_rr · Sep 20, 2021

It's not a s3 chassis can't see any leaf springs and looks like it's been lifted

saxavordian · Sep 20, 2021

kermit_rr said:
It's not a s3 chassis can't see any leaf springs and looks like it's been lifted

Arn't Santanas last of the series version still on leaf springs

kermit_rr · Sep 20, 2021

saxavordian said:
Arn't Santanas last of the series version still on leaf springs

Dunno. It's not one of them either!

marjon · Sep 20, 2021

No just no.
I would report it personally. The supposedly reputable dealer should know better

.
J

Palagius · Sep 20, 2021

i have dropped him a line pointing out that he may be mistaken. it could be a genuine mistake

Hicap phill · Sep 20, 2021

No chance that is a S3.
Poor dealer,hopefully has a good receipt & can get his monies back

Palagius · Sep 20, 2021

mot history checker shows a fail due to rot and then a pass with no extra mileage and advisories for discs and pads!!,i would presume the dealer acquired it in good faith,
i have seen a few similar 'conversions' at local agricultural events/shows

lynall · Sep 20, 2021

Dorset_dumpling said:
I'm a bit confused about this Land Rover. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154601909458?hash=item23fefdecd2:g:b-IAAOSwVgdfv2gP I am looking to buy a late Series III Land Rover or early Defender and came across this one. The age of the registration would correspond to it being a later series 3, but nothing else about the vehicle seems to indicate it being a Series 3. It looks like a Defender, but the registration age is pre-Defender. The price looks good, but I am a bit concerned about the registration not matching the vehicle. I like the vehicle, but it just seems a bit wrong, can anyone offer any advice?

You want a S3 and you think 10k is a good price?

Turboman · Sep 20, 2021

Dorset_dumpling said:
I'm a bit confused about this Land Rover. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154601909458?hash=item23fefdecd2:g:b-IAAOSwVgdfv2gP I am looking to buy a late Series III Land Rover or early Defender and came across this one. The age of the registration would correspond to it being a later series 3, but nothing else about the vehicle seems to indicate it being a Series 3. It looks like a Defender, but the registration age is pre-Defender. The price looks good, but I am a bit concerned about the registration not matching the vehicle. I like the vehicle, but it just seems a bit wrong, can anyone offer any advice?

At best a Bitza, made up of various Ninety and Defender bits, with Series numberplate not very well attached.

At worst, a stolen Defender with a Series 3 identity.

Even the advert is rubbish, it says 2.3 diesel at the top, but 2,500 cc in the details.

Avoid.

Turboman · Sep 20, 2021

rynner said:
i have dropped him a line pointing out that he may be mistaken. it could be a genuine mistake

A supposedly London address, with a Hemel Hempstead postcode, a number plate of another vehicle, and a Kernow sticker on the back.

Quite a few genuine mistakes.

BikerB · Sep 20, 2021

The MOT history shows it has had disc brakes and power steering since 2016 so its not a recent conversion

lynall · Sep 20, 2021

Iirc prior to 97 this was sort of legal, so if it is an old conversion (and there must be some left?) it could actually be legit, we all know its most likely not, but I am trying to provide a little glimmer of hope!

Hicap phill · Sep 20, 2021

lynall said:
Iirc prior to 97 this was sort of legal, so if it is an old conversion (and there must be some left?) it could actually be legit, we all know its most likely not, but I am trying to provide a little glimmer of hope!

When did 300tdi appear?
I’m sure you can’t bolt an 88”body to a 90 chassis.
If this goes by points….this would be a Q
As too much has been changed.

kermit_rr · Sep 20, 2021

lynall said:
Iirc prior to 97 this was sort of legal, so if it is an old conversion (and there must be some left?) it could actually be legit, we all know its most likely not, but I am trying to provide a little glimmer of hope!

Someone tried to convince me to convert my 2a to coils and put an alternator on it.. mid 90s.. glad i didn't

Hicap phill · Sep 20, 2021

kermit_rr said:
Someone tried to convince me to convert my 2a to coils and put an alternator on it.. mid 90s.. glad i didn't

It used to be easily done with a shortened range chassis. (Also made a few 100” landies)
I went the other way… welded all the brackets to the original leafer & left the front spring hangers to show it was a conversion.
Now this was in the 80’s when you could get away with most things

@kermit_rr you can now get alternators that look like dynamos

Series 3 or not?

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