John Craddock Ltd Magazine (July 2023)
Are you a proud owner of a Land Rover Series 3 1971 model? Have you ever wondered about the story behind it? Or perhaps, you have a particular interest in the history of Land Rover. In this article, we will have a closer look at the fascinating history of the Land Series 3 1971 model. You will learn the key facts about the third generation of the Land Rover Series vehicle, its modifications and what makes it different from the Series 2a model. Buckle up and continue reading for this history lesson!
Production
Let’s start at the beginning, the Land Rover Series 3 was produced from 1971 to 1985. While there is no definitive answer as to how many Series 3 vehicles were actually produced, research suggests around 440,000 types were rolled out from the production line. The Series 3 was produced in a number of different body types including two-door pickup truck, a four-door station wagon, and a two-door soft top convertible. The pickup truck and the station wagon models were more common as they were both practical and versatile. The Series 3 vehicle is pretty much an updated version of its predecessor, the Series 2a vehicle with a number of significant modifications and improvements.
Modifications
The Series 3 was available with the 2.25-litre petrol or diesel engine as the Series 2a. However, the diesel engine was more fuel-efficient and it had more torque. One of the biggest modifications was the introduction of a synchromesh gearbox. In fact, This made it possible to shift gears without double clutching, which led to a significant improvement in manoeuvrability. Additionally, the Series 3 was designed to be a more capable off-road vehicle. With high ground clearance and a low range gearbox, this made it easier to tackle steep slopes and challenging terrain.
Appearance
Moving on to the exterior, more modifications were made including the headlights were moved to the front wings and the stainless steel grille was changed to a plastic grille which has two overlapping rectangles to form a plus sign. While there were only a few exterior modifications, the interior for the Series 3 looks very different from the Series 2a. The plain metal dashboard was replaced with a modern plastic one and the instrument panel was relocated to behind the steering wheel, directly in the front of the driver. Other modifications include the door interiors were upholstered and an upgraded heater was added.
Conclusion
When the production of the Series 3 ended in 1985, it also marked the final refinement of Maurice Wilks’ 1947 sketch of the original Land Rover in the sand at Red Wharf Bay. The Land Rover Series 3 is the most popular among the Series models as its modifications and improvements made it a more comfortable, capable and drivable vehicle. Its popularity ensured that it remained in production for over a decade. Today, it remains a much-loved and popular vehicle among Land Rover enthusiasts and classic car collectors.
Visit John Craddock For Series 3 Parts and Accessories
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the history of the third generation of the original Land Rover vehicle. If you happen to have the pleasure of owning a Land Rover Series 3 model, you will want to keep it in its best and original condition. As these vehicles are 52 years old, this means original parts can become worn or damaged and they will need to be replaced. Before you purchase any parts for the restoration of your Series 3 model, make sure to opt for genuine Land Rover parts from a reliable supplier.
You can rest assured that John Craddock is a genuine Land Rover parts supplier. Founded in 1970, we have been around since the launch of the Series 3 generation. Within our broad selection of genuine Land Rover parts, spares and accessories, our Series 3 range is home to technical parts such as exhausts and clutches to daily driving essentials such as light bulbs, floor mats and more. Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
