Business 52
Honda Leaves Door Open for US Return of the Fit
1976 Land Rover 109 Series III with LS3 V8 Heads to Auction
A 1976 Land Rover 109 Series III, restored and modified by E.C.D. Auto Design with a 6.2-liter GM LS3 V8 and six-speed manual gearbox, is being offered for sale in Colorado.
By Eleanor Ellington · 4 min read
A 1976 Land Rover 109 Series III station wagon, comprehensively rebuilt by Florida-based E.C.D. Auto Design, has been listed for sale on dealer consignment in Colorado. The truck, which was imported to the United States in 2023, combines its classic British off-road heritage with a modern General Motors powertrain and a host of contemporary amenities.
The centrepiece of the build is a 6.2-liter GM LS3 crate V8, paired with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Power can be routed to the rear or all four wheels, with a Salisbury rear axle and Defender HD Performance axles fitted to handle the increased output. A Borla stainless-steel exhaust system complements the engine installation.
E.C.D. Auto Design, based in Kissimmee, Florida, carried out the conversion in 2023. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in eggshell-textured Fuji White, with a Narvik Black roof and Zermatt Silver belt trim. The frame was treated, Raptor-lined, and protected with Waxoyl. The truck was also converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive during the process.
The nine-passenger cabin features a 2+3+4 seating configuration trimmed in black quilted leather, extending to the dashboard, centre cubby, and door panels. A black Alcantara headliner and black carpeting with rubber floor mats complete the interior. Modern equipment includes air conditioning, a VIAIR air compressor system, a digital rearview mirror with reversing camera, rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring, and automatic headlights. The audio system comprises twin Kenwood subwoofers, JL Audio speakers, and a hidden single-DIN Bluetooth stereo.
Exterior modifications include a winch-compatible front bumper with a Warn winch, Hella auxiliary driving lights, fold-down side and rear steps, a swing-away rear cargo carrier, and rear-facing spotlights. The truck rides on black 16-inch Wolf wheels fitted with 265/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres, with a matching spare mounted on the bonnet. Stopping power is provided by EBC disc brakes at all four corners, while Fox shocks and Defender HD Performance axles enhance the suspension.
Service work carried out in January 2026 by JC’s British & 4×4 included flushing the brake fluid, resealing the front swivel assemblies, cleaning and repacking the front wheel bearings, and servicing the left-rear hub with a preload correction. The roof-vent pivots were repaired using roll pins, and the front bumper was replaced at that time. The air-conditioning system O-rings were replaced at the bulkhead and the system was recharged with R134a refrigerant. The battery was replaced with an 800-CCA unit, and a disconnect switch was installed under the driver’s seat.
The five-digit odometer shows 2,000 miles, which is said to represent the distance accumulated since completion of the build. The E.C.D. Auto Design bill of sale lists a selling price of $247,960. The sale includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, service records, a Series III workshop manual, import documents, and accessories. The title carries an “Odometer – Warn Discrepancy” brand. A power-steering gearbox fluid leak was noted during the 2026 inspection.
