1980 Land Rover Series 3 88 “Rag Top” |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1980 Land Rover Series 3 88 “Rag Top”

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Mileage~68,674
TransmissionManual With Overdrive
Engine2.2L
LocationSouthport

AUCTION CLOSED

1980 Land Rover Series 3 88 “Rag Top”

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

When it comes to a British classic 4x4, you don’t need to look much further than the tried and tested Land Rover.

The 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show witnessed the launch of the Series 1 Land Rover, which laid the foundation for a production series that still exists today. Responding to the post-war climate, Rover designer Maurice Wilks recognised the need for a utilitarian vehicle that could make use of the limited materials then available. A clear departure from Rover’s traditional offering of opulent executive saloons, the Land Rover was originally seen as a ‘stop-gap’ while a new range of traditional designs could be developed. The vehicle was an immediate success, however, and quickly established a place in the hearts of customers the world over. Released in 1972, the Series III is still firmly connected to the original Land Rover lineage, following the model’s tradition of incremental improvements. The new range offered a number of improvements, including an upgraded heater, a new dashboard, an alternator and Synchromesh on 2nd gear.

This 1980 Series 3 88 is hitting the market after being under current ownership for just over 18 months. In 2018, the previous owner made subtle upgrades and improvements, details of which we'll delve into below. Notably, this Land Rover stands out as a highly practical 4x4 in nice condition, the upgrades making it exceptionally usable.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Simon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve had lots of Defenders, but there’s something special about the earlier models, especially with some nice upgrades like this.

Having had many Defenders in the past, Simon spotted this 1980 registered Series 3 at a well-known Land Rover specialist, John Brown 4x4 in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. The 4x4 had already undergone a light restoration by the previous owner in 2018 and was ready to go, and so Simon wasted no time and purchased the Series 3.

While he has enjoyed it, he simply hasn't had the time to use it as much as he’d like to, and it is for that reason it is being sold, to let someone else have the pleasure of this classic 4x4. Simon will be happy to answer any questions the comments section below.

Simon

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A modern colour scheme gives the Land Rover a more up-to-date look whilst retaining its original character.

Wheels and Tyres

Upgraded with 700 modular wheels, these have been finished in black and are in great condition. The tyres, including the bonnet-mounted spare, are all matching Ranger Off-Road tyres and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork on the Land Rover presents well; there are no noticeable dings or dents to mention, and the panels appear as straight as you would expect for any Landy of this age. The panel gaps look to be matching, and there are minimal signs of any corrosion apart from a few small blisters on the top of the nearside wing where it meets the headlight surround and on the hinge for the windscreen on the nearside. It is also worth noting that new wings were fitted in 2018 during the restoration.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Land Rover now wears a modern coat of "Nardo Grey" over the original green. This presents well with just a few blemishes, we think it could benefit from wet sanding and a machine polish in places to remove some "orange peel" from the finish.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition and appear free from any damage or excessive scratches apart from some on the windscreen caused by the wiper over the years. The door tops have been replaced, which came with new sliding windows. All of the lights were replaced during the restoration and have a bright finish with no splits or cracks in the lenses.

The canvas roof is in excellent condition, having been fitted in 2018. There is also a set of wheel arch extensions, which are all in good order.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Simple and practical, the Series 3 can comfortably carry at least seven people.

Seats and Carpets

The vinyl seats up front are in excellent condition, as are the rear seats. All of these have been retrimmed and don’t appear to have seen an enormous amount of use. The heavy-duty rubber mats in the front are in excellent condition and help keep the chequer plate floor in good order. Some ribbed rubber flooring is used in the rear, which is also free from any excessive wear.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is vinyl-covered and in good condition. Being a Series 3, the instruments sit in front of the driver and are all reported to work correctly. There is a small amount of tarnishing to the bezels, in keeping with the age, and the odometer shows a reading of ~68,674 miles during our visit.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke steering wheel has just some light patina in keeping with the age of this classic 4x4. The gear levers match in condition and are free from any damage.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Now fitted with a 200TDI (turbo removed) engine, the Series 3 performs exceptionally well on and off-road.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without hesitation, even after a night out in the cold before our visit, and there are no issues reported with the running of the 4x4. Looking around the engine bay, no leaks were spotted, and everything appeared in good order.

The gearbox is reported to have been rebuilt by John Brown 4x4, which has a smooth change out on the road. There is also overdrive fitted, and a separate floor-mounted lever activates this. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has been upgraded with parabolic springs and pro-competition dampers; these add more comfort on the road, and no knocks or bangs were noticed.

Bringing the Land Rover to a stop, the brakes work as well as you would expect, with no issues reported by Simon.

The Drive

Thanks to the upgraded 200TDI engine (turbo removed), the performance is improved over the standard Land Rover, making it much more enjoyable and usable in modern-day traffic.

The steering is typical of a Land Rover, but this appears to be precise and works well when navigating the 4x4 around town.

Electrics and Other

As you would expect for a 1980 Land Rover, gadgets weren't really high on the priority list, so what is there is there for a reason. The switchgear appears to be mainly original and is all reported to work correctly.

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History and Paperwork

With some subtle upgrades, this refreshed Series 3 Rag Top comes with paperwork retained from the restoration in 2018, and comes to market from 1.5 year ownership.

The previous keeper spent a considerable amount of money buying various parts to bring the Land Rover to the condition you see here today. There are a considerable amount of invoices showing what parts were purchased, even down to odd bolts. More recently, in December 2022, a new alternator was fitted, and a full checkover by a Land Rover specialist gave Simon peace of mind that everything was working and in good order.

This Series 3 has been given some subtle upgrades, improving the performance and drivability, making it a very usable 4x4 and perfect for those who want to retain the classic characteristics of the British classic.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
01.12.2022	Alternator
12.10.2021	Battery
11.07.2019	MOT	66,817
19.09.2018	Clutch Slave Cylinder
08.08.2018	Engine & Ignition Wiring
2018	Light Restoration Carried Out by Previous Keeper

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Key Details

ModelSeries 3 88" Rag Top
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Reg. Date02.01.1980
CC2,286
Mileage~68,674
HistorySome
ColourNardo Grey
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #90628943A
Engine #90683187
Matching #sNo
MOT ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers15
Tyre BrandRanger
# of Keys2 sets
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~1.5 years
Key FeatureLight Restoration in 2018
Auction ID1774

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Vehicle Location

Southport

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Seller : SimonLy

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2 Comments

9 months ago

Does the vehicle, start and run well? is the chassis sound pls. Best Keith

SimonLy

Seller

9 months ago

Yes, starts first time always and runs very well. Local specialists have looked at the chassis which has had some welding work etc but is structurally sound.
Thanks,
Simon

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Vehicle Location

Southport

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