1973 Land Rover Series 1 - 3 - 109 Serie III

Delivered to the fire brigade in Haus im Ennstal

Sparsely used there until 20 years ago

Since then part of the consignor’s collection

Preserved in completely original condition

Fewer than 16,000 kilometres from new

When Land Rover introduced the Series II in 1958, the off-roader originally conceived as a pragmatic stopgap had long since become a permanent fixture. After ten years, it was therefore treated to its first fundamental overhaul. Little changed in principle, but rather more did in appearance.

Designer David Bache gave the Land Rover the shape that would remain recognisable almost unchanged for generations to come. The sides gained their characteristic rounded shoulders, while the body looked broader and more mature. Wheelbases of 88 and 109 inches continued to be offered, along with an almost bewildering variety of body styles. From open workhorse to Station Wagon, there was something for almost every form of hard labour.

More important was what happened beneath the aluminium skin. Alongside the familiar two-litre diesel came the new 2.25-litre petrol engine. With around 70 bhp it was hardly a powerhouse, but its generous torque suited the Land Rover perfectly. Speed was rather beside the point anyway. What mattered was that it kept going when others had long since got stuck. From 1967, a 2.6-litre straight-six producing 95 bhp was also available.

As early as 1961, the Series II evolved into the Series IIA. Outwardly, little changed at first, while the mechanicals were steadily improved. This marked the beginning of the period in which the Land Rover finally evolved from a British utility vehicle into a worldwide symbol of adventure, agriculture and remarkably indestructible transport. Comfort remained a relative concept. Arriving, on the other hand, was surprisingly likely.

In Austria, Land Rovers often found yet another line of work. Many volunteer fire brigades used them as command vehicles and equipped them accordingly. So it was with this long-wheelbase Series II Land Rover, imported into Austria in 1973 through the Vienna firm F. Haberkorn. It found its home in the tranquil Styrian village of Haus im Ennstal, where it served reliably until 2006. That Haus apparently did not suffer too many fires is still reflected in the original Service Passport: the 10,000-kilometre service was not carried out until 1988, while the odometer shows just 15,938 kilometres today.

Although reverse gear and the fuel system are currently somewhat reluctant to perform their duties, the Land Rover presents in wonderfully authentic, unrestored original condition. It has now been with its current owner for 20 years and was driven regularly by him until two or three years ago. A little fettling, some fresh petrol and a bit of attention – that should be about all it takes before the old fireman is ready to answer the call once again.