1982 Land Rover Lightweight 88″ in Pastel Green with Limestone

1982 Land Rover Lightweight – A Timeless Classic with Military Roots

The Land Rover Lightweight, or “Air Portable,” is a pivotal piece of British engineering that epitomises versatility and durability. Designed to serve both rural workers and military personnel, this iconic army Lightweight Land Rover has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a cherished classic. Little did Rover bosses, the Wilks brothers, know that their post-war Land Rover design would inspire an enduring legacy of rugged charm that continues to captivate generations of enthusiasts worldwide.

Originally conceived to meet the demanding needs of military operations, the Land Rover Lightweight 88 was engineered for transport by helicopters of its era. With a 4-inch narrower track and detachable body panels, it proved itself capable of reaching places no other vehicle could. Its robust construction and ingenious design made it indispensable in combat zones and remote missions alike—a testament to the enduring appeal of the **Air Portable Land Rover**, based on the legendary Land Rover Series IIA.

Overview of This Land Rover Lightweight

This 1980s ‘Air Portable’ Land Rover Lightweight for sale is a standout example with military provenance. While details of its time on active duty are limited, accompanying Ministry of Defence documents and handbooks confirm its authentic military history. Service records reveal that the vehicle remained under MoD care until the late 1990s.

Over the past decade, this classic Lightweight has undergone a meticulous, ground-up restoration. A new galvanised chassis ensures its durability for years to come, while the flawless bodywork, finished in Pastel Green, complements its rugged yet stylish appeal. Enhanced with a bikini soft top for open-air adventures and tastefully upgraded LED headlamps for evening drives, this Land Rover Defender Lightweight is as practical as it is striking.

Every stage of the restoration is meticulously documented in a history file packed with photos and invoices, a treasure trove for any Lightweight enthusiast.

Since its completion, this classic Land Rover Lightweight 88 has covered approximately 1,000 miles, and the current owner has recently tuned the Redline Weber carburettor, ensuring optimal performance.

Land Rover Lightweight Specification

Registration Number: JUG 910Y
MOT Expiry: Exempt
Chassis Number: SALLBBAH1AA172964
Transmission: Four-speed manual
Exterior: Pastel Green with Limestone hard top
Interior: Black leatherette three-position bench, rear bench trimmed in black leatherette

Features:

• LED headlamps with chrome surrounds
• Infra-red lighting courtesy of the RAF
• Lightweight design allowing the removal of the hard top and windscreen for a full safari look

Exterior Condition

• The resprayed Pastel Green paint adorns every panel with an impeccable finish, a testament to the restoration process
• All **Land Rover Lightweight** badges are in like-new condition
• The chassis, cross-beams, and bumpers are pristine, reflecting factory-level care
• Functional spare wheel anchor in excellent condition

Interior Condition

• The reupholstered seats are in fantastic condition, showing no signs of wear or tear
• Operational and clear dials with no fogging
• Pastel Green paint extends to the transmission tunnel, bulkhead, and footwells for a seamless look
• Hard top fits perfectly with no leaks, while the clean and straight rear deck highlights careful preservation
• Rear bench repurposed and in fine fettle

Mechanical Condition

• In 2006, a low-mileage ex-MoD replacement engine was fitted, paired with a recommissioned gearbox
• Additional invoices detail timing chain kit replacements (2019) and more
• Recently fitted Weber carburettor for enhanced performance and modern-day usability

Summary

With its distinctive military lineage and timeless design, this Land Rover Lightweight for sale is a true classic, ready to tackle any adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely cross-field trip to a countryside pub, showing off at a classic car event, or cruising through open terrain with the windscreen folded down, this Land Rover Defender Lightweight is built for memorable weekends.

This classic Landy is more than a vehicle—it’s an experience. A cool, capable icon waiting to become your ultimate weekend toy.

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The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. The Cool Classics requests a range of detail about the vehicle from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.