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After the Second World War, the British luxury car manufacturer Rover Company brushed off the rubble, received its government rationed supply of building materials, and sat down with its brain trust of engineers.What Rover Company needed was an inexpensive, durable utility vehicle to help grow the crippled post-war economy.

Inspired by the American Willys Jeep used throughout the war, lead Rover Company designer Maurice Wilks designed and built with team lead engineer Arthur Goddard a Birmabright bodied centre-driven 4×4 prototype based on a Willys frame and transmission mated to a leftover Rover P3 sedan engine.

The Series III, the final iteration before the Defender monicker, was produced from 1971 to 1985 during which Land Rover marked it’s one millionth vehicle made. Following the IIa, the Series III saw conservative improvements, most notable of which was a new fully synchromesh gearbox, improved brakes, and a redesigned interior.

Towards the end of the Series IIa production cycle, the headlights were moved from inboard to outboard—meaning the primary sealed beam lamps were moved to the front of the wings instead of remaining recessed within the centre grille section meaning all Series III came with outboard lights.

Another instantly recognizable aesthetic is the unique Series III grille, which is larger and more complex in design. The Series III grille was also made from plastic instead of the traditional metal mesh and, although it appears to be two individual pieces stacked, the grille is actually a single cross section unit.

Minor amendments to the Series III were made throughout production including the more refined plastic dashboard with instruments moved in front of the driver in lieu of its predecessor’s crude steel dash with centre mounted gauges.