A 1973 Land Rover Series III, previously a ‘rusty old farm hack’, has been transformed into a bespoke lifestyle SUV.
The restored Land Rover is the first completed car from London-based Aubrey Automobiles, christened ‘Aubrey 001’.
For Georgia Peck, the owner of Aubrey Automotive, the ethos behind vehicles like the Series III is to restore them to better-than-new condition, while “keeping their period look and ‘old’ soul”.
A new lust for life
The Series III is the property of a Devon-based family, who previously used it as a working farm vehicle. They commissioned Aubrey Automotive to create an updated Land Rover that could support a new life in the Swiss Alps.
More than 1,000 hours were spent over eight months to rebuild Aubrey 001 from a bare shell. The work included a new galvanised chassis, a rebuilt 2.25-litre petrol engine and a left-hand drive conversion.
Other mechanical upgrades include new brakes and suspension, along with an electric power steering system inside the steering column.
“It brings me immense joy to take cars that I love so much, then transform them cosmetically and mechanically to give them a new lease of life for future generations,” said Georgia Peck.
A roof for every occasion
Unlike some restomod Land Rovers, the bold orange paint found on Aubrey 001 is entirely period-correct.
The bodywork was taken back to the metal before a respray, with the original Safari roof fully restored. A bespoke six-point roll cage sits beneath the roof, but can be removed if desired.
Aubrey has also designed the B-pillars to be removed, while the heated front windscreen folds flat. A total of eight roof configurations are available in total, with an interchangeable ski or bicycle rack fitted at the rear for good measure.
On the inside, the six heated seats are trimmed in Connolly leather. Each row of seats benefits from its own charging points, along with an adjustable fan heating system.
Time to hit the slopes
Wenge wood is used for the decking in the rear load area, where you’ll also find a drinks cabinet.
Hidden within the leather-finished dashboard is an Apple CarPlay-compatible touchscreen, with satellite navigation and a premium sound system.
It all makes for a thoroughly modernised classic Land Rover, fit and ready for its Alpine adventure. Aubrey 001 will make its public debut at the International Concours of Elegance in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, fitted with snow chains and skis.
Having completed the Land Rover Series III, Aubrey Automobiles is now turning its attention to a 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.
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