Land Rover Series 3 - The Perfect Classic Car Daily Driver?

#landrover #landroverseries #restoration
Could the Land Rover Series 3 be the perfect daily driver??? I take a look at the answer to this question in the context of my very own 1976 Land Rover Series 3 88" diesel restoration project.
Subscribe to my channel to catch more of the Land Rover restoration, the Toylander 1 build, the MGB GT rolling restoration, the Morris Minor and much more!!!

[@mixupmick7191]

I notice you didn't need to reset the ecu, recalibrate the wheel sensors, or clean the dpf filter before starting. A Series Land rover simple and still effective as a daily driver. The holes in the floor let the rain water out. I took my Series Landy on a 4,500 mile camping trip to the arctic circle in Norway in winter!

[@restosaga]

Haha, indeed! I would LOVE to do a trip like that someday! Brilliant!

[@rustandoil]

I've been using my S2 88 as my daily driver for the last 6+ months, no problems for me 😊👍🏻

[@restosaga]

Nice one! Keep it up 👍🏻

[@greatpariscars]

I daily drove a 1962 Series IIA 88 for years in the USA. I took it on long road trips to Montreal, Canada, and through many of the north eastern states in the USA. I put tens of thousands of miles on it and learned to adjust the valve clearances on an almost weekly basis and change the brushes in the generator every few months! I did all the work on it myself including removing the head to have new valves and springs installed.

[@restosaga]

Nice one! I’d love to do a really long trip in mine one day!

[@bernardbarbour]

Thank you for your honest assessment. I have a 109, use it daily. Parts and insurance are very cheap as you said. Great truck for DIY'ers. Thank you.

[@restosaga]

Thanks for watching! Would love a 109” as well but space is limited. Maybe one day!

[@sundown798]

Drove one in High school in the early 90's in the NE US when these were cheap to buy and parts weren't to expensive. Parts blew up when the RR started getting popular with rich folks. The 93' 110" and the 94' 90" Defender NA came to the US aiming to wealthy people. It literally changed the folks that still drove rag tag NA Land Rovers that were in small off-road clubs and trucks that were left over since the 60's and 70's in the US as they stopped bringing in the trucks due to regulations mid 70's. Those early days at events like at Rovers North or camp outs at Atlantic British were defiantly the golden days.

[@restosaga]

Sounds great! Vehicle and parts prices have gone a bit crazy here too

[@caravaggiosaccomplice7841]

I drove one as my commuter and general get-about for years. Every day was like heading out on holiday until I arrived at work.

[@restosaga]

In a Land Rover; every journey is an adventure!

[@jakehoward4755]

My 67 2a 109 has been my daily driver for nearly 20 years, dog an I even lived in it for a year. Happy days. R I P pippy

[@restosaga]

Thanks for sharing!

[@frankmurray9172]

A friend of mine took a series 3 left hand drive all round Europe in the 1980's. It ran faultlessly for thousands of miles. He went as far as eastern Turkey where he was stoned going through a village. All went well until he had a crash in Spain not far from the Santana Land Rover factory. He came back with a plastic grill saying Santana on it. We worked together fitting post office screens all round the narrow back roads of South London. I used to get to drive it. I can relate to the previous comment about other vehicles giving way to you. Being left hand drive was good as you could keep an inch away from parked cars and let oncoming traffic decide what they wanted to do!

[@restosaga]

Nice one, cool memories!

[@wildsidemtb]

Fantastic video and very accurate, I just finished working on my series 3 and sorted registration yesterday. I'm loving it. I'm fortunate to have an 88 and a 109 so I'll be sharing the daily drives

[@restosaga]

Thanks Mark, appreciate you watching. Would love a 109 one day, they’re great! Glad to hear you got your Landie sorted, enjoy!

[@amosismael4060]

Instablaster.

[@tonyalways7174]

Lovely car. I have a Puma Defender 110 which is a great truck but the charm of Series vehicles is way nicer. Thanks for a great video.

[@restosaga]

Thank you! I’d love a Puma-era Defender as a daily!

[@agilchrist73]

My 88" Series 3 (2.25 petrol) was an excellent daily driver. Drums needed adjusting every so often, but simple rugged and easy to drive.

[@restosaga]

Nice! Have limited experience with the petrol 2.25, admittedly, but would love to be able to drive a Series daily!

[@GH-rr7tk]

Useful thanks, enjoying the series 👍

[@restosaga]

Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@saftevand]

I love my 1982 Series III but don't hate myself enough to drive it on a daily basis :-D

[@restosaga]

Haha, this seems to be a common theme in the comments on this video!

[@pauljenkins2501]

I had a swb 2.25 petrol for a few years, and I miss it so much.

[@restosaga]

They are great fun, aren’t they!!!

[@cataros82]

I had a 1978 series III diesel, limestone with the safari top. I tried to use it as a daily driver but, as you said, it's not suitable for long commuting. Sadly I had to sell it but I miss a lot my landy.

[@restosaga]

Nice one! Shame you had to sell, but there’s always a readon to buy another for fun!

[@jasoncorlett8186]

Great video. I now know the colour scheme I want to do on mine. Looks perfect

[@restosaga]

Thanks Jason, much appreciated! Keep me posted on your work!

[@Emanuel-bl6uz]

Hey, I’m a huge car fan and have been looking around the market for a first classic car as an only car. I’m 18 and willing to work on it myself. Love land rovers and was looking at all the series. Series 3 makes most sense. Just need expert opinions on daily use. Long drives but no motorway and looking for 88s

[@restosaga]

They make a great DIY classic! Not wonderful for motorways but can be made as civilised as you like 👍🏻

[@mattryan2536]

That Defender has more Style than most cars on the road. 👍I wish she was mine.🇺🇸

[@restosaga]

Thank you! Hard to beat such a classic design and simplicity!

[@josephsaid756]

:D that's a Series3 ... Defender name/concept/model appeared in the 1990s

[@restosaga]

This is true, same blood line though!

[@josephsaid756]

@@restosaga well apart from body shape, solid axle and ladder chassis construction they are quite different 😄

[@restosaga]

Fair enough, can't argue with that!

[@robertmitchell9415]

We are about to cross the finishing line with our '79 series 3, she should be on the road by October fingers x.

[@restosaga]

Nice one! 88”?

[@jonowillmer]

Thank you for the great info, hopefully I'll be picking a series III up soon, your video's are very helpful and have a great friendly feel.

[@restosaga]

Thank you very much! That’s great news, keep us posted. Glad you find the videos useful!

[@AMPFIELDVISION]

As a daily driver?

[@jonowillmer]

@@AMPFIELDVISION no it was for a weekend toy, but things feel through, I'm pretty disappointed, but one day it may work out.

[@mkent1213]

Have you tryed fitting crossply tyers instead of radial tyers, i have some on my t25 and makes a hella diffrence

[@restosaga]

I haven’t, no. Slightly scared by them to be honest. I’ve settled into these new narrower tyres abd quite like them now!

[@cfagil]

Many Thanks to share your Series 3 experience. Just bought a 82 model patrol. Fun to drive. On fast A roads or Motorways could be a challenge because keeping the car straight with a steering with much play requires some concentration. I wonder how you get on with the steering on a straight road at anything about 40 mph?

[@restosaga]

Hi, thanks for watching! That sounds like a lot of play in your steering! I would start by checking your ball joints throughout, there are six to check. My steering requires minimal input to maintain a straight line all the way to 55mph

[@cfagil]

@@restosaga Many Thanks. Will do that.

[@aeropunk4127]

I love driving my series 3 petrol 109 ragtop, but at 14 mpg on my 46 mile round trip commute I would be destitute if I used it as a daily driver. Still great fun in the sun though.

[@restosaga]

Ouch, that would be an expensive commute!

[@temsbab1565]

carburettor must have been tuned wrong mine got about 25 mpg

[@restosaga]

You could be right!

[@aeropunk4127]

@@temsbab1565 It doesn't help that I am running the old Goodyear Xtragrips on it. That probably accounts for a few mpg as it turns energy into noise.

[@thebnicho]

I too have a 72 Series 3 88 Diesel with overdrive in Hardtop UK spec. I drive an FL2 daily though as I have a 70km commute. My work also requires Airbags and ABS to visit work sites. So I just can't do it in my 88. For the record, my 88 lets in more water than the canvas top on my Mini Moke. I haven't decided whether to try and cure the leaks or just live with them. The previous owner kept a sponge tucked above the windscreen corner to catch the leaks and he would wring it out after each wet journey.

[@restosaga]

That’s a shame that regulations prohibit you using your Series. Sometimes I wonder if I would be drier without a roof entirely!!!

[@SanderRave]

Did you fit the aftermarket safety belts and which ones dit you select?

[@restosaga]

I have a lap belt fitted in the rear which I got from eBay. Securon is the make I believe.

[@niallntaz]

Love it!

[@restosaga]

Thank you!

[@gregnorman2698]

I have a 58 petrol series 2 Safari wagon that I use every day. The comment here is correct that I rarely drive more than 5 miles each way. If I have to go 20 miles plus I use a different car, especially if expecting traffic. The controls are very heavy for stop start motoring.

[@restosaga]

A fair point!

[@samwestenskow]

I have 1973 88" Petrol and I only paid $41 USD for the whole year and I am 16!

[@restosaga]

Nice one!!!!

[@arbit3r]

I have one with a 200tdi, defender diffs and ashcroft high range. Great everyday car. 30mpg. Keeps up with traffic.

[@restosaga]

Very nice!!! If I had converted to 200tdi I think a high range box would have been good.

[@arbit3r]

@@restosaga defender axles or diffs are far cheaper and easier to install. With both installed cruising at 70mph is no problem.

[@restosaga]

I didn’t realise that Defender diffs where longer geared, thought they had to be Ranger Rover?

[@arbit3r]

@@restosaga defenders have 3.54 diffs and series 4.7. it's a simple swap that gives you a 31 percent increase in top end. You see them going for £50 to £100

[@restosaga]

Super, might look into this! Both my diffs are a little noisey and leaky!

[@seanfarrell5341]

Great video... I'm 6' 2.... Will I fit, head room act... Or will I be ducking down all the time.. Seriously thinking of one , it would be handy to get the turf home and a bit of shooting here in laois and the slieve blooms

[@restosaga]

Thank you! My brothers have both driven my Landy and they’re both 6’ 2”, I think you might need to consider a smaller steering wheel to fit your knees in more comfortably. Problem with this is that it increases the effort required for steering! If just for short trips you maybe able to manage as is?

[@seanfarrell5341]

@@restosaga looking at one on done deal 5800 ,1977 ,I haven't gone down to look at her yet, won't have the fund for another few weeks...take a look and tell me what you think. I would really appreciate it

[@restosaga]

Have you got a link?

[@wildsidemtb]

I'm 6'2 and no problems at all, the only thing I've done is remove the rubber bumpers behind the drivers seat backrest, just gives you an extra Ince or so. Height is no problem

[@seanfarrell5341]

@@wildsidemtb about bloody time, he he thanks

[@adeh503]

I've had a series three for nearly 30 year's and it's never leaked through the bulkhead like that, used to get a bit though the doors but not as extreme as yours, do you reckon there's a problem with the screen frame

[@restosaga]

I think you are right, the water seems to be tracking down from the windscreen frame, needs removed and re-sealed

[@threeboardsfour]

Agree, I've got an 1982 series three which was bought new by my father and it's never done that.

[@restosaga]

Screws have been bought, just need to bite the bullet and do it!

[@Nog311]

I had a Series 3a and used it in central London as a daily driver....I used FWH all the time.

[@restosaga]

Nice one! Not its natural habitat either to be fair! Would love a set if FWH. Thanks for watching!

[@Nog311]

@@restosaga To be honest it was great never had a scrape no other cars would come near me.

[@restosaga]

Hahaha, I’m sure! The other drivers love a good galv bumper and exposed chassis, a proper deterrant to stupid driving and parking!

[@rosshanley8398]

I have a 109, upgraded with bigger engine, high speed diffs, high speed transfer box and 5 speed overdrive box. It also has a Detroit Locker installed in the rear diff so it’s permanently locked and drags the tyres on every turn. It has a terrible turning circle too, such that you have to plan your turns well in advance. If you wanna turn into a street you start making the turn two streets back from the one you want and if it’s wet you just pop the clutch and powerslide into the street. Interesting vehicles.

[@restosaga]

Haha, sounds brilliant though!

[@MrLegograbber99]

I love those roof bars, whered you get them ?

[@restosaga]

Thanks! Got them off eBay actually. The make is called Aiko, they’re still for sale!

[@je6017]

Rocky Mountain Parabolic Springs in Canada sells a spin on adapter. I was chatting with the owner when I picked up some parts. He says they are very easy to fit and make oil changes a snap. Nice guy, a bit slow to respond to emails, but a nice guy. Check them out.

[@restosaga]

I will, thanks! The last time I checked with Rocky Mountain they had none in stock but I’ll try again. They make really nice stuff!

[@simonbarclay9507]

The Santana ones fit and are still available also.. look on eBay GENUINE SANTANA LAND ROVER OIL FILTER ASSEMBLY PART NO 112486

[@restosaga]

Thanks!!!!

[@ramarover]

I drove two different petrol lightweights, one with range rover diffs, another with overdrive, as my only vehicle late 90's, early 00"s, everything from short rural journeys, to regular 50 mile round trips to Belfast etc. Always took a lot of continual maintenance,but we're generally very reliable. Although never comfortable or economical, so I happily moved onto a car as a main vehicle from then on and landys for weekend fun. That being said, every once in a while, if I have to press my current series 3 diesel into service for transport to work, it does so very satisfyingly.

[@restosaga]

Lovely! I would really like to be able to use my Series more often. NI roads aren’t too bad for daily use of older cars I feel

[@aldyhabibie9717]

Apparently my mom seems to be interested in this car since she was in.... high school?! lol I've been thinking about getting one of these later when i made enough positive numbers in my bank.

[@restosaga]

Haha, they are great vehicles!

[@rockystone1821]

Hi what type of diesel engine is in your land rover 3

[@restosaga]

Hi! This is the original Land Rover 2 1/4 diesel engine. Normally aspirated and 3 main bearing. I like it, though it is not the most popular power unit!

[@rockystone1821]

@@restosaga thanks, how do you rate the 5 bearing diesel?

[@restosaga]

I’ve never driven one, but other than a perceived stronger crank, I cannot see how it would be any different!

[@blackbird8632]

What kind of seats are these?

[@restosaga]

I bought them from Sam’s Trim about 10 years ago. Company disappeared for a while then resurfaced on eBay. Never answers phone or email though which is a shame as they are good quality!

[@highdownmartin]

61 LWB used daily. Stnd tyres and gearing. 200 tdi I put in last years has transformed it as the ol petrol engine was v tired. FWH are good especially noticeable at low speed parking full lock situations. Stick it in FWD frequently to spin the front uj's that flings oil up the railko bushes. Or they'll Seize

[@restosaga]

Would really like a pair of FWH but their prices seem to go up every time I check. Nice one for using yours daily!

[@nimeshvala1793]

Nice

[@restosaga]

Thank you!

[@bobp6742]

Think if you fasten down your windscreen it might help with stopping some of the water getting in. Same as someone else on here I converted my 67 2a to a 200tdi with disco diffs used every day and get well over 30mpg and still got its original crash box. On a galvy chassis same as yours Biggest problem, people constantly offering me money for it my paintwork is no where near as good as yours and still had offers over 6k. Tho I do have hydraulics on it.

[@restosaga]

Yes, the windscreen is a job I keep meaning to get around to! Yours sounds like a good and usable vehicle, nice one!

[@robertgardner2484]

Yes you can Daily drive them, I daily a 2a petrol , slow and noisy but if you can put up with it fine cars

[@restosaga]

Lovely! Sadly my job doesn’t lend itself to using a classic daily but maybe one day!!!

[@michaelgaskell6808]

Now that is a proper Landi.

[@restosaga]

Thank you! And thanks for watching too!

[@chrisc3197]

With the new defender the price of the old Land Rover models will go through the roof

[@restosaga]

I think so too. Keep an eye out for this week’s video looking at this very topic!

[@jjt1093]

They do sell the screw on oil filter adapter but its bloody expensive

[@restosaga]

It really is. The only one I know of is Rocky Mountain but it has been unavailable for years.

[@Dez456]

These had cartridge type oil filters. The adapters can be found on old engines and bolt straight to the 2.25 block. They used to be a tenner second hand but now about 40 quid on ebay. Make sure to change the gasket between the adapter and block. Fitted one to my Series 3 County.

[@Dez456]

Sorry, missed off the main bit: the 2.5 n/a in the Land Rover 90 and 110 (before the Defender) had cartridge type oil filters.

[@frankmurray9172]

Another plus is these trucks won't depreciate !

[@restosaga]

You’re right!

[@pagangardener]

Don't know how any one could use these as a daily drive cramped driving position. Steering wandering drink fuel gears clunking not for me but don't get me wrong I like what they represent and the nostalgia

[@restosaga]

Each to their own I suppose, but agree, the aspiration of adventure adds a lot!

[@fishingwiththomas]

I would daily drive mine if I could afford to keep the V8 fed. I get about 10mpg 😁 I am on classic rego in Australia to so that stops me too. But rego for a year is $46au and insurance is $99au.

[@restosaga]

Haha, I’d imagine the V8 could be thirsty! What’s rego by the way? Nice to hear from you down under!!

[@fishingwiththomas]

@@restosaga Rego is registration or what you guys call road tax I think. Normally would be $800 a year if it was everyday use.

[@restosaga]

Ah right! That’s quite sensible that it gets proportionately reduced with use, unlike the UK all or nothing system

[@flight2k5]

If it’s not leaking you don’t really need to check fluids.

[@restosaga]

Haha, they are always leaking! If any of my classics are sitting for a length of time then I like to double check all the essentials are at the correct level. Better safe than sorry!

[@EzylrybSoren]

to aser your question bot the free wheeling hubs if you use it a lot it will save you fuel but you need to remember to at lest once a month engage the hubs to lubricate the front drive chain otherwise it will knacker up the axles internals but is you are ether forgetful ore don't used it a lot don't bother because you might lost at most 5 mpg

[@restosaga]

Great, thanks! Good to know!

[@christianmarteau3444]

les jantes sont quand même très moches......

[@restosaga]

What a constructive comment, thank you. These are the original wheels and remember, looks are subjective.