1972 Land Rover Other

Long Wheelbase Safari Wagon Wagon

2.6L Sixpot Engine

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

This long wheelbase (109) Series 3 Rover started life as a private vehicle in the UK, then was imported into the US about a decade ago. Most accurately described as a reliable, original daily driver, the drive train and body shell are factory original; with some functional upgrades to make it more practical. Upgrades include front wing protectors, additional spare tire and rim, auxiliary driving lights, Fairey overdrive, manual locking front hubs, and expedition roof rack. The truck has front bulkhead air vents that open, and the famous Safari top pulls air through the interior while moving and reducing solar conduction when the vehicle is parked. All of the dash, driving, and heater controls work just like they’re supposed to. The frame is original and is solid and serviceable, but has been repaired reinforced at the rear spring shackle area that is a vulnerable to corrosion over time. As part of this correction, the entire frame was prepped and coated with a durable, industrial frame product to provide additional protection. The drive train is the original Rover 2.6L six cylinder engine, full synchromesh manual transmission, rover transfer case, and Salisbury (Dana) heavy duty axles front and rear. The “sixpot” engine is a relatively low compression, hemispherical combustion chamber, straight six, with an unusual “intake over exhaust” (or IOE) valve setup that helps it run smoothly on almost any quality of gasoline but isn’t something you see everyday. The cylinder head was pulled in 2012 so the valves could be dressed and the head resurfaced, even thought there was minimal carbon buildup or wear evident. The radiator was removed, cleaned, and pressure checked while this work was being done, and the alternator was also overhauled with new brushes, bearings, and internal regulator. While the head was removed, the cylinder wall condition was visually inspected, and all six bores had no abnormal wear patterns or scoring. The head was reinstalled using OEM quality gaskets, and the valve lash was adjusted to Rover spec. Waterpump shows no bearing wear and pump seal was good, so this was retained but most other coolant and heater loop hoses were replaced to eliminate a future failure. A new electric fuel pump was installed under the seat (still clicks like the old one), and the fuel filter was changed as well. The motor starts easily, idles smoothly, and power is even and predictable. The overdrive is optional for local driving, but provides a 10-15 mph advantage on the highway. Other than oil changes and an occasional tuneup – the drivetrain should give many miles and years of predictable service without major effort. Obviously, you have to pay attention to sounds and fluid levels – it is a Rover. While this vehicle’s seen mostly around town and day trip use in in NM, it’s fully capable of longer journeys or serious off-road expeditions if that’s your intention. The truck can also be flat-towed easily- the aluminum body makes it relatively light for it’s overall size. For delivery, you have several options: fly into ABQ International and make the drive home your first “expedition”, drive in and trailer or flat tow it home, or arrange to have it shipped. We can help pick you with whatever option works best for you. Email any questions and I’ll do my best to answer promptly, or if you want to check the truck out in person before you bid. This is a no reserve auction, and I don’t end auctions early. Final note - we’re planning to keep the kayaks – so you’ll have to decide what you’ll load on/in the huge expedition rack on top.