1980 Land Rover S3 FFR ex-MoD

The eye-catching Series III LWB van that we are offering for sale here was produced in 1980. Custom built for military purposes, we gather the Ministry of Defence finished using it in 1990. It was parked up for many years before passing into private hands.

It was known as a Fitted For Radio general service vehicle (or FFR) and would have been equipped with a 24-volt electrical system and radio interference shielding. When in service, it would have been fitted with a variety of antennae.

We believe the purpose of the FFR was to be driven to an important strategic location, whereupon it would be parked up for days, providing the communications hub for whatever operation was going on.

After finishing military service, the Land Rover has had a series of private owners and was bought by our seller in December of last year.

He is a classic car racer, owning a rather fabulous Lotus Cortina which he champions all over the country. He intended to use the Series III as a period support vehicle but has realised that it is not best suited to long distance travel between race circuits. Rather reluctantly he has realised he needs something more modern.

So, here is the chance to buy an intriguing Land Rover, full of character, eye-catching without a doubt and having covered just 16,000 miles. Find another one!

We suspect the Land Rover still sports its original paint finish and that is undoubtedly part of the vehicle’s charm. If it’s a concours show car you are looking for, then you are in the wrong place.

However, if you want to attract a crowd, park this Series III just about anywhere, and inevitably passers-by will be drawn to it, keen to know its story. We have already told you all we know.

A picture paints a thousand words… so we suggest making a cuppa and slowly perusing the extensive collection of photographs that accompany this listing. You will therefore be able to check out each small dent, scratch or area of missing paint, all of which are a part of the Landy’s undoubted character.

Some might wish to restore her, but that would be a shame, wiping out 40 years of history in an instant. Protect, preserve, enjoy.

What else can we tell you. The green painted wheels have been recently fitted with a full set of BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres, probably the best in the business, enhancing the vehicle’s already excellent off-road prowess.

The large roof rack with storage box is a useful addition and will undoubtedly enhance the Land Rover’s working credentials. Leisure users might wish to use it for canoes, camping equipment etc. There’s even a side-mounted ladder for access. To the rear is a tow hitch, always a welcome addition.

We do note that the driver’s door window aperture doesn’t fit terribly well, and the sliding window does need proper attention as the moving pane is currently unaffixed. The passenger door is better condition but with time may face similar deterioration - so perhaps see to both at the same time?

Up front it all appears to be regular Land Rover Series III. Simple gauges, a thin steering wheel and a long spindly gear lever will be familiar to most. There are two seats, with an extra seat base in the middle. We doubt anyone would wish to travel far sitting there. Serviceable would best sum up the condition.

The insides of both doors are somewhat corroded and at the very least these will need treating to stop the condition from worsening. They may be a little beyond salvation..

The rear compartment is an intriguing one. Lots of the original military equipment is still in place, but it all looks rather old and there are no guarantees any of it works. Worth preserving? Well, that will depend on what use the Land Rover is going to be put to.

Of course, it could all be removed, and the sizeable load area repurposed. Extra seats, a camper conversion, the possibilities are endless.

Firstly it needs to be said that the bulkhead is very solid. This will bring peace of mind to many of you who know that this is the first thing to have a grasp of when considering the purchase of an unrestored Landy, and with such a low mileage, we are not surprised that the Series III’s underside is in reasonable order, also. There are signs of surface rust here and there and though we don’t wish to spoil the originality, we would get the vehicle up on a ramp, clean and underseal in a careful and considered manner, especially if the intention is to use it all year round. Prevention is undoubtedly better than cure. We have included plenty of photographs, so you can assess the condition from the comfort of your armchair, though visitors to our premises are always very welcome.

The engine bay could do with a bit of a spruce up, again perhaps just to keep the ravages of time from getting any worse. A few hours with a wire brush and some Hammerite and things will undoubtedly look a lot better.

A military background and then a life in civvy street, all with very few miles ever covered. Even though our seller has only owned the Land Rover for a short period of time, he has spent a pretty penny on it. Work done includes:

• New brake master cylinder and servo

• Replace brake cylinder and shoes

• New flexible brake hoses

• New Clutch slave cylinder

• Replacement of the flexible lines

• 5 new BF Goodrich All Terrain Tyres

• New radiator

• Hoses replaced

• New water pump and fan belt

• Electronic ignition fitted

• Weber carburettor rebuilt

We would mention that the Landy is fitted with a two and a quarter litre petrol engine, though it is not the original. That does come with the vehicle, but we are told it is seized and will want a full rebuild if it is to be reinstated.

We are told the Land Rover runs well, shifts cleanly through the gears. It is a decidedly old-school driving experience, especially when stepping out of a modern car.

The engine runs smoothly and has enough power to keep up with traffic. Long distances will never be a Series III’s forte, but that misses the point. It all depends on if you have a use for the lovely old girl.

An assortment of invoices can be viewed in our photo gallery.

We would also mention that there is no MoT history available online.

This Series III 109” Van is undoubtedly an intriguing proposition. Readily adaptable for multiple uses, or preserved as a military show piece, that will be up to the lucky new owner to decide.

Always collectable, older Land Rovers have a large and enthusiastic following and parts are readily available for repairing and customising to suit. Owners’ clubs proliferate and there are off-road adventures to be had with fellow owners.

As a 'No Reserve' listing, we fully expect a lot of interest and a sale price somewhere between £11,000 and £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.