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Land Rover Defender

DineshBalakirushnan · Jun 11, 2025, 05:17 PM

Boys, need a little advice here. Found a proper old Series III Defender body in a shed near Matale fully covered in dust and a bit of surface rust. Engine missing but chassis looking decent. Old man said I can take it for 300k. Worth restoring this beast or should I pass? Anyone done something like this in Sri Lanka?

Dilan_Fernando · Jun 11, 2025, 05:34 PM

Ado you hit the jackpot men! If chassis is solid and body not completely eaten by rust, take it without thinking twice. Series III parts still available here if you know the right places — go check out Dinesh Motors in Kurunegala or even some old-school garage in Panadura. Restoration won't be cheap but you'll end up with a legendary ride da. My cousin did a similar build and now it's the most wanted Defender at all meets. You'll cry a bit during the process but once it's done, you'll drive that thing with full pride. Take it, machan. Worth it.

ClassicDefenderMan · Jun 16, 2025, 03:40 PM

Hey bro, sounds like a great find! If the chassis and bulkhead are solid (only surface rust), 300K is a good deal. No engine? No problem—you can swap in a Nissan or Toyota diesel. Parts and mechanics are available in SL.

Restoration will cost you (maybe 500K–1.5M total), but a fully restored Series III can go for 4–6 million here. Just check the frame, mounts, and bulkhead properly. If you're into Defenders and want a project—go for it! If not, might be better to pass.