Auction has finished
Auction failed because item did not make it to reserve priceHighest bidder was: sockeye747
| Date | Bid | User | Auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 27, 2018 10:33 pm | $6,300 | sockeye747 | |
| November 20, 2018 1:45 am | Auction started | ||
Description
Model History
Land Rovers are many things to many people, but if there is one thing they are not…it is lightweight. From the first prototype in 1948 to the most recent LR4, Rovers are known for their amazing off-road capability and their hefty scale tipping weights. All that off-road prowess comes at a cost, save but for one rather obscure member of the family whose whole purpose was to trim the waistline. In the 1960’s, the British military needed an all-purpose vehicle that could be transported via helicopter or cargo plane. The Westland Wessex helicopter payload was 2500lbs max, while the Argosy cargo plane needed to fit two Rovers side by side. The current Series II of the time simply weighed too much and was too wide for the task, so Land Rover got to work.
They took an existing 88″ wheelbase Series truck, narrowed it by 4″, stripped a bunch of non-essentials (doors, windscreen, some body panels, spare wheel, hood and the rear seats) and added functionality allowing it to be disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. Production began in 1968, and through the years it was offered as either a “General Service” 12-volt model or as a “Fitted For Radio” 24-volt model. In 1972, the Lightweight was updated along side the new Series III. In total, about 18,000 Lightweight models made it into production between 1968 and 1985.
Car History
Second Daily Auctions is proud to present this very rare 88″ Air Portable / Lightweight Series III. This is quite possibly one of the most rare Lightweight variants in the United States given it was a factory left hand drive and was converted to a 12V for ease of use. For those wondering, it does have heat and defrost vents. The seller reports this one to be a great driver and free of corrosion or rust. It is believed this truck lived an easy life, being originally assigned to the BATU Suffield Canada Guard Duty for use in the summer months for British Military Training. It has a clean clear title and will ship from New York.
Exterior
This entire truck received a mechanical (New Master Cylinder, Brake System, and conversion to 12 volt electrics) and cosmetic refurbishment less than 2,500 miles ago. The tires, canvas soft top, and galvanized soft top hardware are all new within the last 100 miles. There is a dent along the passenger side under the door that is noted and seen in the pictures. The seller suggests this can be easily repaired. Also to note, there is a dent in the rear crossmember just along the bottom to the the left of the opening for the NATO trailer plug. The seller does have the NATO plug which will be included in the sale.
Interior
Inside you get all that you need and nothing you don’t. Seating is provided for up to 6 (2+4) with fold down bench jumpers in the rear cargo area. The original speedometer was replaced when the truck was refurbished. Winning bidder will get the old speedometer, which reads 47,453 miles. The new speedometer reads 2,088 as of 10/16/18. It was converted from a 24V to 12V, noting that there are a few 24V negative earth plates riveted to the back that can be removed prior to sale at the buyers request.
Final Thoughts
This SIII LW is a great driver quality example that doesn’t require any immediate cosmetic or mechanical needs. The new top and Super Swamper tires along with rust-free and relatively all original presentation welcome you to simply enjoy it for what it is, a very rare left hand drive soft top lightweight (helicopter not included).
Bidding at Second Daily
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Disclaimer: We do our best to represent the vehicle from the information provided but this should not be implied as an inspection. Second Daily is not the owner of the vehicle and therefore we recommend as with any online vehicle purchase, as a potential buyer you should either arrange to visit it in person for a personal inspection, or hire a professional service to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. The full VIN number is available upon request, as potential buyers, you can perform your due diligence to determine if this vehicle meets your standards. Second Daily is not liable for the condition or contents of the vehicle. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
What make/model and size are those tires please?
The Tires are Interco Narrow TSL 9 / 34 / 16. Answering another question I received via email: This Lightweight does have the factory dual fuel tanks. The factory switchover lever is located in its original position on the seat box, just below the front of the passenger seat.
May I ask you her chassis nr?
Same for me
Both have been sent the VIN chassis # via email. Thank you
Wow Chuck, you said you had a lightweight, I had no idea. What a beauty!