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[w3526602]

Hi,

I haven't heard mention of a Stage 1 (Stage One?) in the best part of a good while.

Memory says it was an S3 with a V8.

Do I want one? Could I afford it?

602

[diffwhine]

The Stage One V8 was effectively the precursor to the One Ten. Built on a modified Series 3 109 chassis and had a detuned Rover V8 up against a 4 speed LT95 gearbox (therefore permanent 4x4). Flush mounted radiator grille and longer bonnet made it look visually very similar to the later One Tens and Ninetys. The front axle had CV joints rather than universal joints. Plenty were sold to the Middle East and North Africa. I'm not sure if they ran alongside the 6 pot S3 for a bit or if they replaced the 6 pot - ultimately of course they did replace the 6 pot.

I had one for years - absolutely loved it (apart from the petrol bills).

I understand that LR built about 5 88" versions for some sort of overseas trial. I saw one nearing the end of restoration at Dunsfold early last year.

They are rare in the UK and no you probably don't need one even if you can afford one!

[Clifford Pope]

When I had a Series 3 (V8 conversion, formerly a 6-cylinder) the new "County" land-rovers were all the rage, and people were buying headlights in the wings conversion fittings and wheel arch extenders.
Counties never seem to be mentioned now - what were they?

[gcc130]

County was a higher spec of trim, ran from series 3, through to Defender.
Usually, but not exclusively, on station wagons.
Extras included tinted glass, cloth seats, extra soundproofing and county decals and side stripes.
My 110 CSW also had colour cordinated grill, light surrounds and wheel arch eyebrows.

[diffwhine]

They also had carpets which used to rot spectacularly and stank more than a wet spaniel...

[gcc130]

Ahh, how could I forget carpets😊

[Exile]

I much prefer the Stage 2's myself.....

[twomokes]

I much prefer the Stage 2's myself.....

Hmmm...

I'd agree, I still miss my first year CSW...

[kev]

Theres a Stagey in a garden near to where I work, I’ll try & grab a pic next time I pass.

[diffwhine]

That would be great. I always fancied a Stage One pickup, but the closest i got was an ex-police hard to.

[Jimbo]

I passed on the opportunity to acquire a stage 1 station wagon about ten years ago.
It had about 50,000 miles, overdrive and looked fantastic. It hadn’t run in a couple of years but looked good. Something I really regret not buying

[Manxcat]

There were also a number of Stage 1 built with automatic gearboxes for the Shah of Iran's military forces.
Four headlights - two conventional, two Infra Red.

They were part of a BAe deal.
At least one batch that was not exported due to the fall of the Peacock Throne.
They were offered to, and rejected by, the British Army.

My Father was involved from the BAe side of the British Army's Trial of them.
(The only time he has ever driven an automatic).

[Scotty38]

Took Brad to view a V8 109 a few years back and the only one I've been in. It was blinking quick 

[diffwhine]

I used to regularly drive up and down the M3 in my 109 V8. One evening I got a tug by the boys in blue just past Fleet Services. The traffic cop then proceeded to question me having been clocked at just over 80mph. All a bit futile until he informed me that my 109V8 had been his vehicle for traffic duties and he never managed to get it near 80mph! He didn't want to nick me - just wanted to know if I'd tuned it. I told him that all I'd done was remove the carb restrictors.
Funny old world....

[LN11AAB498A]

he informed me that my 109V8 had been his vehicle for traffic duties and he never managed to get it near 80mph! He didn't want to nick me - just wanted to know if I'd tuned it. I told him that all I'd done was remove the carb restrictors.
Funny old world....

That is spooky, "funny old world" - funny old very small world. What are the chances?