A highly original, matching-numbers example of the venerable Land Rover Series III. Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre inline-four engine, delivering up to 66bhp to all four wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The current owner acquired the vehicle 18 months ago through the deceased estate of his brother who had owned and meticulously maintained the vehicle since new. This is the first time the vehicle has been offered for sale. This Series III has covered 64,195 kilometres and is offered for sale complete with its original purchase invoice. The car is finished in Pastel Green with a contrasting Limestone roof and rear window sections, and rides on a correct set of 16-inch steel wheels, shod with recently fitted Dunlop tyres. The interior features three tan front seats and a ceiling-mounted Eurovox radio-cassette player, paired with Clarion speakers. The vehicle has been fitted with dual fuel tanks, a low-profile aluminium roof rack, Defender rear view mirrors, and a Defender rear door. The owner notes that the engine, gearbox and differentials are original to the vehicle. Accompanying the sale is the original purchase invoice, stamped service book, workshop manual, and various service invoices. Also included is the original motor crank handle and wheel spanner, and a hydraulic jack is provided. There is no known significant bodywork damage, and only a few minor dents from use as expected. The owner reports that there is no rust in the chassis, bulkhead, footwell, or doors, and that the vehicle was professionally rust-proofed when it was new. The paintwork is in good overall condition and is original to the vehicle. There are a few chips and minor blemishes, but no major imperfections. The tyres were fitted in December 2021 and have covered only 213 kilometres. Inside, the cabin is in good order, and two of the seats have been reupholstered. There is some general time-earned patina around the cabin, but it is presentable for its age. Save for a small gearbox oil leak, there are no known mechanical or electrical faults. The owner reports that there are no oil leaks from the motor. The owner reports that there is a chip in the driver’s windscreen which is not in line of vision and does not affect RWC. There is also a small crack in the bottom corner of the rear window which is evident in the photo gallery and again has no effect on RWC. The last roadworthiness test was conducted on 7 March 2022 and resulted in a clean pass. The most recent service was carried out in December 2021 at 63,907 kilometres by Land Rover specialist 4 Tune Automotive, who supplied a new battery, cleaned and adjusted the points, changed the engine oil and filter, and fitted new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinders, new brake master cylinder and slave cylinders, fitted new brake hoses, clutch hoses, radiator, coolant pump, thermostat, fan belt, most light lenses, fuel gauge sender units, transfer box output seals, differential pinion seals, washer bottle, washer motor, washer lines and jets, alternator, and tie rods. They also fitted five new tyres and carried out a wheel alignment. In January 1998 at 53,095 kilometres, Ricks 4WD Centre overhauled the engine, which included machining the cylinder head, fitting inserts to valve guides, grinding the inlet valves and fitting new exhaust valves, re-boring the engine, replacing the camshaft bearings, balancing the conrods and pistons, and replacing the water pump and clutch. An invoice for the work is visible in the photo gallery. This is a highly authentic example of the robust Land Rover Series III which features a matching-numbers engine and gearbox. This Series III 88” has covered just 64,195 kilometres and was acquired by its current keeper 18 months ago from his brother’s estate. Reported to run well and be free of any structural corrosion, this Land Rover would be a charming addition to any collection, and is ready to be enjoyed immediately as a trusty all-terrain companion. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.