• Chassis number 
    26600183C
  • Lot number 
    304
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

c.1976 Land Rover Series III 109" 4x4 Tow Truck
Registration no. JTR 506P
Chassis no. 26600183C

Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism. Rover bosses the Wilks brothers saw the need for a tough, four-wheel-drive, utility vehicle to serve the needs of the agricultural community in the immediate post-war years, but the Land Rover's runaway success took the company by surprise. The necessity of using corrosion resistant aluminium panels at a time of severe steel shortage turned into a positive virtue in the Land Rover's sphere of operations, and the use of existing components - including the P3 saloon's 1,595cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine - kept production costs down and cut development time. In the course of more than 60 years in production the supremely versatile Land Rover would prove itself adaptable to innumerable civilian and military roles. Its replacement is keenly anticipated.

A Series III model on the 109" wheelbase, this Land Rover tow-truck has the desirable 2,625cc six-cylinder petrol engine only available on the long-wheelbase models. This six-cylinder engine had been introduced on the Series IIA and was a revised version of that previously found in the Rover 100 saloon car. It gave the Land Rover the high-speed cruising capability it had previously lacked and was continued on the Series III. Introduced in 1971, the Series III would prove to be one of the longest-lived models. Mechanical changes were relatively few, the major improvements being an all-synchromesh gearbox and a bigger clutch, the most obvious departure from the preceding IIA being an extensively revised and up-rated interior.

We are advised that 'JTR 506P' benefits from ongoing restoration, including restoring and powder-coating the chassis which is described as in 'as new' condition. The bodywork likewise has been restored to as new condition and repainted, while the interior has three new seats. The engine has been reconditioned and is in running order and the transmission rebuilt. As to be expected with any car in the final stages of a long-term restoration project, 'JTR 506P' still has some minor outstanding cosmetic and electrical components to be completed by the buyer, but is generally in very good condition. The only modifications from factory specification listed are a galvanised roof, framed bonnet, and doors, and a rare Salisbury front axle.

Also fitted with a vehicle towing crane, 'JTR 506P' is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate and would make for an ideal support/ pit vehicle for historic race meetings such as here at Goodwood.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401