Land Rover Series III
The definitive British workhorse that conquered the globe.
- Power
- 70 bhp
- Top speed
- 65 mph
- Est. value
- $9k–$38k
About the Land Rover Series III
The Land Rover Series III arrived in 1971 as the final evolution of the original leaf-sprung Land Rover design. It introduced significant refinements over the Series IIA, most notably a fully synchromesh gearbox and a modernised plastic dashboard that moved the instruments in front of the driver. While it retained the rugged aluminium body and go-anywhere capability of its predecessors, the Series III was the most prolific of the 'Series' cars, serving as a staple for farmers, explorers, and militaries worldwide. Today, it is a quintessential classic 4x4, prized for its mechanical simplicity and iconic silhouette.
Land Rover Series III specs
The Land Rover Series III produces 70 bhp (52 kW) and 163 Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h).
| Make | Land Rover |
|---|---|
| Model | Series III |
| Trim | Series III 88-inch |
| Years | 1971–1985 |
| Type | Off-road |
| Body style | SUV |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Original price | About $5,200 when new |
| Engine | 2.25-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,286 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 70 bhp (52 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 163 Nm (120 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,250 rpm |
| Top speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,370 kg (3,020 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 51 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Land Rover Series III worth?
A typical Land Rover Series III is estimated to be worth $8,500 – $38,000 (about £6,300 – £28,000).
Its original price when new was about $5,200.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Land Rover Series III rarity in CarSpot
The Land Rover Series III is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 17 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Land Rover Series III fun facts
- The Series III was the first Land Rover to feature a plastic grille, replacing the metal 'wire' style of the Series I and II.
- In 1976, during the Series III production run, the one-millionth Land Rover rolled off the Solihull production line.
- The 88-inch wheelbase model was often referred to as the 'Short Wheelbase' (SWB) to distinguish it from the 109-inch 'Long Wheelbase' (LWB) variant.
