1971 – 1985
The Series III models were not so much a radically re-worked model as a series of systemic evolutions of their Series IIA forerunners all wrapped up in one. Identifiers include certain introductions of modernity; black plastic dash boards moved, more sensibly, to a position in front of the driver, a plastic moulded front grill and flatter side door hinges. Most helpfully of all was the introduction of synchromesh to all gears. Colours and even engine choices abounded as the Series III sought to become more of a custom choice than the work-a-day Series IIA.
A growing market was also beginning to present itself in the recreational space. In this vein, in 1984 the deluxe County Station Wagon model range was introduced, offering enhanced levels of trim and upholstery and less utilitarian colour options. In the military field a major development in 1972 was the trimmed down ‘Lightweight’ (half-ton). Capable of being airlifted to remote locations. Then towards the end of the Series the first Stage-1 V8 engine was introduced as an option. Being borrowed from the Range Rover programme that had by then broadened the Land Rover stable.
