1983 SERIES III

RHYS THOMAS-STEFF

Occupation? Student (Year 10). Where are you from? South Croydon, in London.

What’s the story? This Series III had been sitting in a garden alongside a few others for many a year. In fact, our family must have gone past it thousands of times. Eventually we started to call it the Land Rover house. Last Christmas my mum and I sent the person who lives there a letter; in it we asked if they were interested in selling one of them to us.

How did it progress from there? We went around to his place to look at a 1958 Series II that I really liked, but before we could put in an offer it was sold. It was then that I saw Alba, the Series III, and so I asked how much he wanted for it? He wanted £450 and now it stands on our drive and not his! Is the engine running? What is your

plan of attack? The engine is not running at all well – but that’s because it arrived with the cylinder head missing! Luckily, we did manage to get another petrol engine from the house where we purchased it. I hope this one turns over. If not, we can at least use it in part-

exchange for an engine that runs.

What are your plans with it? We are eventually going to convert it to a station wagon, but other than that I would like to keep it as original as possible. Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with a few practical mods and additions, such as an overdrive. I plan on taking Alba on a road trip around Great Britain. Obviously my family and friends will be coming along.

What have you done so far? Most of the body has been removed. All the mechanical bits have also been removed except for the engine and gearbox. I think the latter is a replacement one. The rear tub is almost off while the bulkhead is in an easy to access position. What are the next jobs you will be

doing on it? Stripping the bulkhead and sending it off to be repaired. It definitely needs a lot of work. Then I will finish taking off the rear tub. The only thing is that I need to find a place to put all the bits that I have or will be taking off. What has been the hardest part of

Project Alba? So far it has to be the

removal of the steering relay. It took us three whole weekends, using two hammer-through screwdrivers, plus gas and a bit of diesel! What a job that was.

When will it be finished? Our target is to be done in 2021, but hopefully it will be sooner. Who is helping you with the project?

My dad has been offering advice while Mum has been helping me to take it apart, while her partner has also been offering words of wisdom. He is exbomb disposal so should know his way around a Series III.

Any other projects on the go? No, this one is enough for now. Though as we travel about lots, I do see loads of old Land Rovers that would really make a good project.

Tell us about your family... Most have had a Land Rover at some point in their lives. My grandparents had a V6 Freelander and two Discoverys. Dad had two Freelanders, a Disco 2 and 3 while Mum has a Disco 2. How can we follow your progress?

You can follow my progress on Instagram @_thesiiirestoproject_.