Series 3 ID needed, long bonnet but no Stage1 model

markusGER · Apr 23, 2018

Hi there,

I just purchased my first Series 3 and just realised that it looks not standard. The VIN "
SALLBAAH1AA157034" states that it is a Series 3 4 Cyl. so it cant be a Stage 1, but it looks like it, except the grill. Can anyone here help me to identify this model?

Thanks!

Turboman · Apr 23, 2018

markusGER said:
Hi there,

I just purchased my first Series 3 and just realised that it looks not standard. The VIN "
SALLBAAH1AA157034" states that it is a Series 3 4 Cyl. so it cant be a Stage 1, but it looks like it, except the grill. Can anyone here help me to identify this model?

Thanks!

Looks like someone has put a Ninety bonnet on it, and moved the grille panel. Landrover bits are highly interchangeable, and many old vehicles have been modified by the addition of later parts.

tottot · Apr 23, 2018

Agree with Turboman,what engine has it actually got?

Rubins4 · Apr 23, 2018

Also agree. Reg number suggests 1982 so late S3. Looks good! Perhaps it had a V8 in which was subsequently removed?

Bobsticle · Apr 23, 2018

Bejesuss

your right its not standard....................

markusGER · Apr 23, 2018

Its got a 200TDI engine and gearbox from a Discovery fitted

tottot said:
Agree with Turboman,what engine has it actually got?

markusGER · Apr 23, 2018

Rubins4 said:
Also agree. Reg number suggests 1982 so late S3. Looks good! Perhaps it had a V8 in which was subsequently removed?

That would be nice since AFAIK there were not many SWB fitted with V8 engine. I think it might just be the case as Turboman suggested. Someone fitted a 90s bonnet. I like the look.

rob1miles · Apr 23, 2018

Agree it looks like a 90 bonnet with the grill panel moved forward. You say its got a Disco box, is it auto? Has the engine been moved forward to keep the gear lever in the right place?

markusGER · Apr 23, 2018

It's a 5 gear shifter. I don't know the details of the conversion. There is quite some space under the bonnet, I'll check tomorrow for signs that the grille has been moved.

jamesmartin · Apr 23, 2018

rob1miles said:
Agree it looks like a 90 bonnet with the grill panel moved forward. You say its got a Disco box, is it auto? Has the engine been moved forward to keep the gear lever in the right place?

it would have to be otherwise there would be no room for a rear prop,its short enough with a defender short lt77

John S · Apr 23, 2018

I think I’m right in saying that the Stage 1 was never produced in SWB and the Series was never available with a V8. The V8 was fitted to SWB NAS models for export? It points to being a nicely done hybrid with 200 tai engine. Looks okay.

Rubins4 · Apr 24, 2018

I think there were a few SWB stage 1 v8's but very low numbers. I'd love one but probably worth a fortune.

markusGER · Apr 24, 2018

On Wikipedia: "The Stage 1 was normally available only in LWB 109-inch (2,800 mm) form but 24 examples were built with the SWB 88 in (2,235 mm) wheelbase"

Extreedoc · Apr 24, 2018

We would love to see some under-bonnet shots. It seems to me as has already been mentioned that the engine must have been mounted well forward to allow for the long bell-housing of the Discovery transmission. From the outside it looks to have been well done.

markusGER · Apr 24, 2018

I'll upload some pics today evening.

300bhp/ton · Apr 24, 2018

John S said:
I think I’m right in saying that the Stage 1 was never produced in SWB and the Series was never available with a V8. The V8 was fitted to SWB NAS models for export? It points to being a nicely done hybrid with 200 tai engine. Looks okay.

A Stage 1 is essentially a factory modified Series. And as another poster mentioned there were a few 88’s.

V8’s where also available in U.K. market Ninety and One Tens. Only phased out after the arrival of the Tdi engines. Apart from the 50th special edition.

300bhp/ton · Apr 24, 2018

Extreedoc said:
We would love to see some under-bonnet shots. It seems to me as has already been mentioned that the engine must have been mounted well forward to allow for the long bell-housing of the Discovery transmission. From the outside it looks to have been well done.

It could have a Defender bellhousing. And the grill might have been moved to make more room for the rad and inter cooler.

300bhp/ton · Apr 24, 2018

jamesmartin said:
it would have to be otherwise there would be no room for a rear prop,its short enough with a defender short lt77

Agree in principle. But there are plenty of 80” trials vehciles that prove otherwise.

markusGER · Apr 25, 2018

Here are some pics. Can upload more if requested.

Extreedoc · Apr 25, 2018

Well, that doesn't look like a Disco gearbox. Can't really understand why they moved the grille panel.

Series 3 ID needed, long bonnet but no Stage1 model

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