Description

1972 Land Rover Series III Dormobile

Original Martin Walter conversion; restoration started in 2016 by the current owner and almost completed; 2.5 turbo diesel engine; ideal for UK holidays; young family plus Dormobile equals fun times; drove over 100 miles to us

There is no record of early ownership history for this Martin Walter Dormobile, but online records seem to start from the 4^th owner to the current keeper, being the 10^th. This may seem like a lot but as the marketing for these dormobiles said, ‘it is ideal for all sorts of uses such as, long distance travellers, expeditions, surveyors, contractors, game wardens, civil engineers, archaeologists, geologists, government and military services,’ so there is nothing wrong with a few owners.  
In 2016, PWA 352K was discovered by our vendor in a pretty sorry state. Immediately named ‘Norma the Dorma’ by his daughter, work commenced on bringing the Landy back to life. Some of the photographs listed show the state that it was in but in true Land Rover style, once the fuel was replaced and a new battery was fitted, it burst into life after only a couple of tries. Stripped down of moss and detritus build up over the years, it was now evident what was needed to be done.  
While the seating was all stripped down and taken out to be restored with new covers, the doors were also removed and replaced with new units and hinges. New door trims all round and a good second hand bulkhead was fitted. It is clear from looking around the vehicle and by the photographs taken at Brightwells that most of the interior has been carefully renewed or replaced, including fibre glass headlining to the front of the cab, new exterior and interior sun visors and of course the gleaming respray all over. Underneath, there are four recently fitted Michelin tyres and towards the back of the vehicle, the living quarters have been treated  to new bunks and renovated frames for the pop up roof, new rubber seals for the skylights and all the original cooking and washing equipment is still present. Even a handy new picnic table fitted to the inside of the rear door, which incidentally closes possible more smoothly than it would have done coming out of the factory.  
The front end has of course also had some treatment and behind the reconditioned radiator panel, a new brake master, clutch master and slave cylinder have been fitted. Further to this the front axle was stripped down and fitted with new wheel bearings, brake shoes and drums and the same was applied to the rear brake assembly.  
This turbo diesel Series III is ready for an adventure once again. Cosmetically, the vendor has not had time to finish the curtains and fitting all the carpets, but all the material is present and included in the sale.  
All the work was carried out by the vendor, a land rover specialist, so although there are a couple of bills for parts bought, the true cost of the work involved to re-awaken this Land Rover is not possible to quantify, although we are sure it would have been considerable. Sad to see it go, having been a labour of love, but needs must, and it is now an opportunity for someone else to take up the reigns.

Further information - toby.service@brightwells.com