Jay Kay Used This Restored Land Rover Series 3 County Safari To Take His Kids to the Beach

People have a fascination with celebrities and things that are a bit different from the norm, so a classic car with an interesting backstory or celebrity connection is likely to be more appealing to car collectors. We all know buyers' interest is realty piqued whenever Rovers once owned by the royal family come up for auction, for instance.

The connection to the Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay, a larger-than-life British showman, is likely to similarly enhance the value of the 1983 Land Rover Series 3 with the desirable Safari top in question here. As it turns out, the attractive Series 3 County station wagon underwent a thorough restoration under previous ownership and was more recently owned by the frontmen of the popular funk rock group. Jay Kay is said to have used the vehicle at his holiday home for leisurely rides, like taking his kids to the beach.

Land Rovers, in their many incarnations, have been a staple of the British automotive landscape ever since they were first released in 1947. While the first models were designed as humble little four-wheel drive workhorses that were half tractors, half Jeeps, they eventually became some of the most iconic British vehicles ever made. Today, older models shine like a beacon of nostalgia and appeal to car collectors thanks not only to their history and Britishness but also due to their great engineering.

Introduced in 1971, the Series 3 was born out of the necessity to address some of the shortcomings of the previous models, so it came with significant changes, such as a new plastic grille, a redesigned molded plastic dashboard that offered the driver more direct access to the instruments, and an improved gearbox synchromesh. Another change was the repositioning of the headlights, which are no longer inset beside the grille but moved outboard onto the front wings.

Series 3 models are considered to be the sturdiest, most robust Land Rovers ever produced. Due to their versatility and ruggedness, they appealed to a broad customer base and were used for a wide variety of applications, from farm work to off-road adventures, military applications, and everything in between. In fact, sale numbers show they were the most popular of the Series Land Rovers, with over 440,000 units manufactured during its production run from 1971 to 1985.

Moreover, Land Rover Series 3 examples were often featured in popular movies and television documentaries set in India and Africa throughout the seventies, which only increased the brand's appeal in the public eye.

This attractive Land Rover Series 3 previously owned by Jay Kay was originally registered in December 1983. It is a short wheelbase County Safari model released toward the end of Series 3 production, which means it probably rolled off the factory doors with the 1982 facelift that included various changes meant to make the vehicle more appealing to the leisure owner, such as tinted glass, all-new cloth seats, soundproofing kits, and more.

Some years ago, it benefited from a full refurbishment, with the engine, transmission, running gear, and body all rebuilt and reconditioned to high standards. It now boasts an elegant Masai Red livery, complemented by a Limestone Safari roof and Limestone steel wheels, and comes with an upgraded interior with improved seats.

The engine was fitted with new carburetors, battery, and radiator, and it also received a modified cylinder head that allows it to run on modern unleaded fuels. The suspension, brakes, and all steering parts were also renewed as part of the rebuild.

As for the body of the vehicle, the original parts were stripped and repainted, while one of the rear wings and one of the door skins were replaced. The interior of the vehicle has County Gray upholstery throughout.

As mentioned, this Series 3 unit is a short wheelbase model, but it still is quite spacious, with seating for seven inside. The seat configuration comprises three individual seats in the front and four inwards facing fold-away seats in the rear.

Overall, this 1983 Land Rover Series 3 looks great and is surely a pleasure to drive, either as an everyday commuter or for other applications. It only has 59,600 miles (95,917 km) on the clock, and despite being a 40-year-old vehicle, it is fully functional and its value is only bound to go up.

This is a true classic, and if it piqued your interest, grab your Belstaff Jacket and get ready for some adventure, as the vehicle is going up for auction through Iconic Auctioneers on December 11, with a price guide of £20,000 – £25,000 (approximately $24,000 – $31,000 USD).