LAND ROVERS IN THE 1970S

By the late 1960s, it was clear that adjustments to the Series IIA were required if Land Rover was to maintain its lead. Thus in 1971, the Series IIA was changed by the Series III. Cash was restricted and market research revealed that consumers were not seeking transformations. Therefore the Series III was a development of the Series IIA layout, rather a total spruce up.

LAND ROVER SERIES III

The Series III had the same body and engine options as the coming before IIa, consisting of station waggons and the 1 Tonne variations. Little changed cosmetically from the IIA to the Series III. The Series III is the most usual Series automobile, with 440,000 of the type constructed from 1971 to 1985.

The fronts lights were moved to the wings on late manufacturing IIA designs from 1968/9 forward. This was to follow Australian, American and Dutch illumination regulations. They stayed in this setting for the Series III.

The typical metal grille, featured on the Series I, II and IIA, was replaced with a plastic one for the Series III version. The 2.25-litre engine had its compression increased from 7:1 to 8:1. This increased the power a little. The high compression engine had actually been an optional fit on the IIa model for a number of years. Throughout the Series III manufacturing run from 1971 up until 1985, the 1,000,000 th Land Rover rolled off the assembly line in 1976.

One of the most considerable change was the replacement of the gearbox. This was replaced with an entirely brand-new gearbox that integrated synchromesh on all forward gears. The ratios were additionally revised, with reduced Reverse and 1st gears. The low range ratio was additionally decreased.

The clutch style was additionally changed to consist of a diaphragm spring. This caused smoother and quieter equipment adjustments. Brakes were also boosted, and a heavy duty Salisbury back axle was fitted as common to all 6 cylindrical tube lorries. From 1972, the Salisbury came to be a standard fitment on all 109″ lorries. The electric system was likewise upgraded with the eager beaver changed by an alternator.

The body remained essentially the same. Although the steel grille was changed with a plastic grille designed to match the brand-new headlamp placement presented in 1968. Although there were few outside modifications, the Series III looked really various on the inside.

The dash was revamped with the addition of padding. The cockpit console was moved to be in front of the driver. The door insides were upholstered, and a much-improved heating system was fitted. There were even provisions for a radio!