1973 Land Rover 88 Series III Ensambladora Automotriz Diesel

Description

This 1973 Land Rover 88 Series III is a left-hand-drive diesel short-wheelbase model that was assembled under license by Ensambladora Automotriz S.A. in Costa Rica, a facility founded by John and Nora Schofield—pioneers who brought Land Rover to Central America in the late 1940s. Originally imported as CKD (completely knocked down) kits from the UK, these vehicles were locally assembled to meet Costa Rica’s rugged terrain and humid climate, making them a staple on coffee plantations and rural roads alike.

Finished in a vibrant orange with a white tropical roof, this example was refurbished under prior ownership and features a 2.25L diesel inline-four paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox, dual-range transfer case, and upgraded Roamerdrive overdrive unit. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in black vinyl and features front bucket seats, a three-across bench, and inward-facing rear jump seats—now equipped with seatbelts. Sliding side windows, a vented tropical roof with alpine windows, and fold-down side steps add to its utilitarian charm. 

Maintenance under previous ownership in 2020 included a new clutch, rear main seal, driveshaft center support bearing, fuel injection pump, steering box, and steering damper. Since being acquired by the seller in 2021, the truck has received a new exhaust system and the aforementioned Roamerdrive overdrive.

This Costa Rican-assembled classic is now offered with service records, spare parts, owner’s manuals, and a clean New York title in the seller’s name. 

Factory Equipment 

• 2.25L diesel inline-four engine 

• 4-speed manual transmission  

• Dual-range transfer case 

• 16″ steel wheels  

• Vented tropical roof   

• Folding side steps 

• Front bucket seats with rear side seating 

• Sliding side windows 

• Rear mounted spare wheel/tire 

• Fender mounted mirrors 

Modifications 

• Restored under previous ownership  

• Roamerdrive overdrive unit 

Servicing & Documentation  

Chassis number 930-00579-A has been verified by the British Heritage Motor Museum as a genuine 1973 Land Rover Series III Diesel SWB. 

• Seller reports regular service over ownership 

• Exhaust components replaced  

• Installed 235/70r16 Sumitomo Encounter A/T tires in 2021 

• Service from previous ownership is documented 

  • 2020: replaced clutch, rear main seal, driveshaft center support bearing, fuel injection pump, steering box, and steering damper 

Known Imperfections  

• General corrosion noted on the underside 

Ownership History 

This 1973 Land Rover 88 Series III is a left-hand-drive example that was assembled under license by Ensambladora Automotriz S.A. in Costa Rica in 1973 before being imported to the United States in 2019. Acquired by the seller in 2021 from a private vehicle collection, it has since proven to be a reliable companion in the fair-weather driving seasons of New York.

 Included Items 

• Service and part receipts 

• Owner’s and operations manuals 

• Spare wheel/tire  

• Three keys 

• Spare maintenance parts including spare oil filter, fuel filter, and fluids 

Additional Information 

• From the seller, "I fell in love with the truck while initially shopping for a Porsche. This truck has given me more family memories than I could have asked for which is priceless to me. I hope it goes to a great home!"

• This vehicle is chassis number 93000579A though the clean New York title reads 93000579.